How to get free and flexible data

If you haven't heard by now, TextNow unlocked another major milestone this week with the launch of the first-of-its-kind wireless service: Free Essential Data.

We've learned over the years that supporting our business with ads (similar to how Spotify or YouTube does) is a reliable and sustainable practice that doesn't rely on government incentives or budgets and allows us to truly improve people's lives by offering them more for free (rather than finding more ways to charge them). So with that in mind, let's get into the technicals of how you can get our free essential data, and what to do when you need data for other apps.

How to get Free Essential Data

The answer here is really quite simple: Activate a TextNow SIM card.

While you can download the TextNow app, sign up for free, and start using it over a Wi-Fi network for free, the only way we can connect you to a network outside of Wi-Fi is through a SIM card.

The SIM card is a one-time purchase that once activated on your compatible iPhone or Android phone, can connect you to the nation's largest 5G network. Once you activate it, no further action is needed. We will automatically grant your account with Free Essential Data, which includes unlimited calling & texting with your TextNow account, and access to your email, maps, and rideshare apps on the go.

For a full list of the apps available with this plan, see here.

For help with activating your SIM card, see here.

How to get flexible data for other apps

We know that most Americans rely on their Wi-Fi for at least half of their data usage. This means that you are most likely overpaying for a data plan that you're not fully utilizing, or need.

So, we came up with a solution: Data passes that can be purchased when you actually need them – you're running an errand and need to access your banking real quick, or you know you will be out and about most of the day and don't want to look for Wi-Fi everywhere. Our affordable passes start at just $0.99, and can give you data for an hour (60 minutes), a day (24 hours), or the whole month if you prefer stability.

These passes are different than our free essential data because they give you access to all your other apps as well, so you can browse, stream, and post on the go.

You can add a data pass at anytime through the menu of the TextNow app (again, only with an active TextNow SIM), and cancel it just as easily through the app whenever you want. No hoops to jump through here – just free and flexible data.