TextNow SIM Cards: How do they work?

Some of the biggest sources of confusion in the mobile phone world are SIM cards. Most people understand that you need a SIM card to access a wireless network**. But** how they work is still mostly a mystery to most smartphone users. So let your friends at TextNow give you a little explainer:

What’s a SIM card anyway?

For most people, their SIM card is a physical rectangular plastic card, with a circuit printed on it, that inserts into their phone’s SIM card slot.  This card has an ICCID number printed on the card itself. (Think of the ICCID as the card’s name) This ICCID number is unique to the card.

How does a SIM work?

SIM cards hold important information about your phone’s network connection. Essentially a SIM card tells our wireless network you’ve activated this SIM and is allowed to use TextNow off Wi-Fi. If you try to connect the phone with a SIM card locked to another network, it won’t work, because the SIM card isn’t registered on that other network.

Locked phone vs unlocked phone

A phone bought from a carrier or mobile provider may be "locked" to their network. Meaning the phone will only work with that specific carrier, and you won't be able to use it with another carrier unless you "unlock" it.

An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is not tied to a specific carrier or network. So you can use it with any carrier that is compatible with the phone's technology such as TextNow. This is what we mean when we say our SIMs need to be used on an unlocked phone, “unlocked” refers to a phone that is no longer activated with a specific network.

TextNow SIM Cards

Because TextNow isn’t like other carriers, there are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to us and SIM cards. Here’s a quick Q&A to answer some of those misconceptions.

Doesn’t TextNow only work over Wi-Fi?
No! That’s what the SIM card is for. The SIM allows you to use TextNow for calling and texting without the need for Wi-Fi.

Is calling and texting still free if I use the TextNow SIM card?
Yes! Our SIM cards come bundled with Free Essential Data (with unlimited calling & texting, plus access to essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare) over the nation's largest 5G network.

If I get a TextNow SIM card, does that mean I can use TextNow from any phone I log into with my TextNow account?
Yes! If you have another compatible device, you can put your activated SIM into it, sign into your account on the TextNow app, and your messages and call logs will be there waiting.

Can I get data for the SIM card?
Yes! Our SIMs come bundled with Free Essential Data, so you can send calls and texts without WiFi, as well as access your email, maps, and rideshare apps. If you need data to go with your SIM, we offer flexible options that start at an hourly rate of just $0.99.

How does the SIM work for calling and texting, plus essential apps without using data?
This is a technicality, but the SIM card does connect to the data network to power the TextNow app, as well as the selected essential apps for all your calls and texts. We just don't charge you for it!

How are you able to offer Free Essential Data for free?
Our Free Essential Data, included with every SIM card purchase, is supported by ads, which cover the cost of the service.

Can I turn the ads off?
You can turn the ads off! We have upgrades in the menu of the app that will remove ads and add more functionality.

So, to sum up: If you want to use TextNow without Wi-Fi, you’ll need an unlocked compatible smartphone, and an affordable TextNow SIM card!

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