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Can I Use iMessage with TextNow?

  • Updated

If you're using TextNow as your primary phone service, you can still use iMessage with your Apple ID. The messages you send will come from the email address tied to your Apple account instead of your TextNow phone number. 

To use iMessage with TextNow, you'll need to be on Wi-Fi or have a monthly data plan subscription. You can go here to see all of our available data plans, or click here to learn how to update your plan.

How to Enable iMessage 

  1. Just like for FaceTime, the first step is to create an Apple ID if you haven't already. You can check out this article from Apple to learn how to create an Apple ID online, or create one on your iOS device by going to Settings > iCloud > Create a new Apple ID.
  2. Next go to your phone's Settings > Messages and turn on iMessage, using the switch at the top of the page. If the switch is already green, it's already on. Make sure to keep the Send as SMS switch off, as seen below.
    • IMG_9013.PNG
  3. Now you'll be able to use TextNow and iMessage separately.

Note: Since iMessage won't send as SMS if you ever have any issues with your data the iMessage will not fall back to SMS - you'll need to use the TextNow app to send text messages. 

 

Still looking for help?

If you're having trouble or have a question that isn't answered here in our Help Center, our support team can help you over Chat. Our agents are available every day to help you with any questions you might have. Our chat hours are 10am-5:30pm (Eastern), every day. Just look for the little purple bubble at the bottom of any Help Center page!
 
PRO TIP: For the best chat experience, please try to visit us on a different device than the one that you're looking for help with. That way we can troubleshoot the issue without risking the chat window being closed!

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