Our Free Essential Data is now the Free data plan when you activate an upgraded SIM onto our new network! With an active TextNow SIM card, you'll get access to some of the apps that are essential to your daily life, while on the go! You can learn more about Free and our other data pass options here.
With Free data, you can use most email, maps, banking, and rideshare apps without needing to be connected to Wi-Fi, including:
- Apple Maps
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Uber
- Lyft
- Microsoft Outlook
- Gmail
- GMX Mail
- Yahoo Mail
- Daum Mail
- Mail.com
- Naver Mail
- UPS
- USPS
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Cash App
- Chase Mobile
- Capital One
- Wells Fargo
- iHeartRadio (Music streaming only, podcasts not supported)
FAQ
What if I don't see the option to use Free data?
Make sure you're logged into an account with an active TextNow SIM card. If you have an active SIM in an area with cellular coverage available, you'll automatically have access to our Free plan each month. If you're still having trouble, or need help activating your SIM card, you can contact our support team by following the instructions at the bottom of this page.
Can I download essential apps with Free data?
You'll need to download your essential apps over a Wi-Fi connection, but once you have them on your device you can use them away from Wi-Fi with the Free Essential Data plan.
The app I use for email, calendar, maps, notes, or rideshare isn't listed here, can I use it with Free data?
More apps will be added to the Free data plan over time, so you can keep checking to see if availability for your favorite apps is included. You can also reach out to our support team by following the instructions at the bottom of this page to check whether an app is included in the plan.
Does the Free plan include roaming?
The Free plan includes roaming in Mexico. Take your number across the border and your service keeps working, with no add-on to buy.
Canada roaming isn’t part of the Free plan. It’s included on Plus and Unlimited, so you’d need to change plans before traveling to Canada. You can compare plans under My Plan in the app.