TextNow is one of the few ways to get a working phone line for nothing but the cost of the phone. Pair it with a verified used phone and you have a first phone for a kid, a backup line, or a low-cost daily driver. This guide covers how TextNow works, which used phones are compatible, and how to set one up.
Quick Answer
TextNow offers free, ad-supported unlimited nationwide talk and text, with optional paid data. To use it as a regular phone line, you need a TextNow-compatible phone and a TextNow SIM card or eSIM. The simplest match is an unlocked iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel that still gets software updates. Swappa’s TextNow page lists compatible phones in one place.
Shop TextNow-Compatible Phones
How TextNow Works
TextNow runs two services under one account:
- Cellular service with a SIM or eSIM. Put a TextNow SIM card in a compatible phone, or activate an eSIM through the TextNow app, and you get free unlimited nationwide talk and text on TextNow’s 5G network. Independent reviewers such as WhistleOut report that the network is T-Mobile’s.
- Calling and texting over Wi-Fi. The TextNow app also works over Wi-Fi on phones, tablets, and computers, with no SIM at all.
The free service is supported by ads, and TextNow can reclaim numbers that go unused, so keep your line active. Mobile data is optional and costs extra, either as short passes or as an unlimited plan. Plans and prices change, so check TextNow’s current plans before you commit, and use its coverage map to check your area.
TextNow fits well as a first phone for a kid, a second line for work or online selling, a travel backup, or for anyone who is on Wi-Fi most of the day. If you need a lot of mobile data every month, compare it with other prepaid carriers in Using a Used Phone on an MVNO: Mint, Visible & More.
Which Used Phones Work With TextNow?
Most recent phones work, but four things decide whether a specific phone will.
- It should be unlocked. A phone locked to another carrier generally only accepts that carrier’s SIM cards. An unlocked phone avoids the question entirely. See Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked Phones, or shop unlocked phones on Swappa.
- It needs the right network support. Because TextNow’s service runs on a nationwide 5G and LTE network, phones sold unlocked in the US or built for T-Mobile are the safest bets. Very old phones that cannot make HD Voice (VoLTE) calls may not work on today’s networks. Will This Used Phone Work on My Carrier? explains how to check.
- It should pass TextNow’s device checker. TextNow’s compatibility checker uses the phone’s IMEI. Ask the seller through Swappa’s private messaging before you buy, or run the check as soon as the phone arrives.
- It should still get security updates. A free line is not much of a deal on a phone that stopped getting patches years ago. How Long Will a Used Phone Get Updates? lists the support windows by brand.
Good Used Phones for TextNow
| Phone | Why It Works for TextNow | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Cheapest iPhone with years of iOS support, physical SIM tray plus eSIM | Small battery and screen |
| iPhone 13 | Great all-rounder with a long iOS runway, SIM tray plus eSIM | Costs more than the SE |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung promises seven years of updates, so it stays secure into the 2030s | Pricier than older Galaxys |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | Among the cheapest Galaxy flagships | Samsung’s security updates for it end in early 2027 |
The iPhone 13, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S22 are all on Swappa’s TextNow page, which shows current prices alongside other compatible iPhone and Galaxy models. For more budget picks, see Best Cheap iPhones in 2026 and Best Budget Android Phones to Buy Used (2026).
Shop Unlocked Phones on Swappa
How to Set Up TextNow on a Used Phone
- Confirm compatibility. Make sure the phone is unlocked and passes TextNow’s device checker.
- Buy a verified phone. Choose a Swappa listing with a clean IMEI and no Activation Lock or Google account lock.
- Get your SIM or eSIM. Order a TextNow SIM card, or activate an eSIM in the TextNow app if your phone supports it. eSIM and Used Phones explains what to check.
- Create your TextNow account. Download the app, sign up, and choose a number.
- Activate and test. Follow TextNow’s activation steps, then place a call, send a text, and test data if you added a plan.
If a phone will not activate, check the IMEI status first. A blacklisted or finance-locked phone will not work on any network, which is why Swappa requires a clean IMEI on phone listings. IMEI Check: What It Reveals About a Used Phone covers what can go wrong.
Why Buy Your TextNow Phone on Swappa
A free phone plan only saves money if the phone works. Swappa staff review Individual and Power Seller listings before they go live. Phones need a clean IMEI or ESN, no Activation Lock, no cracked glass or water damage, and a fully functional battery. Payments run through PayPal with buyer protection, so if a phone arrives not as described, you are entitled to a refund. Used phones typically cost 30% to 60% less than new, and the gap is widest on models that are a few years old.
For more on picking a phone that fits your carrier and budget, start with Used Phones: The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TextNow really free?
TextNow’s basic service, with unlimited nationwide talk and text, is free and supported by ads. You may need to buy a TextNow SIM card, and mobile data and an ad-free experience cost extra. Check TextNow’s plans page for current pricing, since it changes.
What phones are compatible with TextNow?
Most recent unlocked phones work, including many iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models, as long as they support modern LTE and 5G networks with HD Voice. Run the phone’s IMEI through TextNow’s device checker to confirm. Swappa’s TextNow page lists compatible phones for sale.
Can I use TextNow on an iPhone?
Yes. A compatible unlocked iPhone works with a TextNow SIM card or eSIM for cellular service, and the TextNow app also works over Wi-Fi on most iPhones. Budget picks like the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone 13 are popular choices.
Does TextNow work on a carrier-locked phone?
Usually not. A phone locked to another carrier generally only accepts that carrier’s SIM cards, so an unlocked phone is the safe choice. If you already have a locked phone, ask your carrier about unlocking it, then run it through TextNow’s device checker.
What network does TextNow use?
TextNow describes its service as a nationwide 5G network, and independent reviewers such as WhistleOut report that it runs on T-Mobile’s network. Check TextNow’s coverage map for your address before you switch.
The Bottom Line
TextNow turns a used phone into a working line for little more than the cost of the phone. Pick an unlocked model that still gets updates, confirm it with TextNow’s device checker, and buy it from a verified listing so the free plan does not come with a costly surprise.
