An eSIM is a digital SIM built right into your phone, which means you can connect to the TextNow network without waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive in the mail. This article walks you through getting your eSIM from installation to activation, plus how to fix the most common connection issues along the way.
How do I get an eSIM on Android?
If your device is eSIM compatible and you don't already have an active wireless subscription, you'll see a prompt to receive and activate your eSIM in the TextNow app menu. You'll either see an option to Install your eSIM in the TextNow app menu, or you will receive an eSIM when selecting Get Free Data or Go Wireless. Double-check to ensure that your phone supports eSIM technology and that you have the latest TextNow app version installed before activating.
How do I activate my eSIM on Android?
- First, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, then open the TextNow app and go to My Account or the main menu, and select Install eSIM, Get Free Data, or Go Wireless
- Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach Activate eSIM in Settings
- Tap Activate eSIM in Settings, and you'll then be redirected to your device settings to add your eSIM to your phone
- Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen
- Select your new TextNow SIM as your Default Line and default for Cellular Data
- Go back to the TextNow app to complete your eSIM setup and try it out by sending a text or making a call
I’m not sure if my new eSIM is connected to the network, how can I check?
Open your phone's Settings menu
Tap Connections or Network & Internet
Tap SIMs or SIM Manager
Select the TextNow eSIM and make sure it is toggled on, turning off any other SIMs until you're done testing the connection
Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, and turn it off
Turn off Wi-Fi and test your connection by sending a text or making a call from the TextNow app
My eSIM is installed but it won't connect to the network, how do I fix it?
If you see service bars at the top of your phone screen but your data isn't allowing you to connect to the internet, follow these steps to manually set up the TextNow APN, as it may not have registered automatically during activation.
1. Go to your phone's Settings menu
2. Tap on Connections (it may also be called Networks or Networks & Internet)
3. Tap on Mobile Networks (it may also be called SIMs)
4. Select Access Point Names (you may need to scroll down and tap on Advanced then select Access Point Names)
5. At the top of the Screen, select Add (or +)
6. Under Name add TextNow
7. Under APN add textnow.static
8. Tap the 3 dots in the top right and select Save
9. Select the TextNow APN option
10. Go back to the Settings menu
11. Turn Airplane mode on and wait 10 seconds then turn it off again
12. Restart your device
For some devices, you may have to complete these final steps if you are still unable to connect to data:
Make sure you've already added the APN settings above.
Open the TextNow app Menu
Tap Settings
Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap SIM Activation Troubleshooting
If you see the 'select phone index' section, make sure it is set to Phone 1
-
Set Preferred Network Type to:
NR/LTE (if this option is available)
If that is not an option, select LTE Only
Go back to the app and test your connection again
Can I move my eSIM to a new phone?
Switching an eSIM to another device is not supported. If you want to use an eSIM in a different device, you'll You need to deactivate your current eSIM and go through the process of setting up and activating a new eSIM on the other phone by following the steps above.
To deactivate your eSIM on the old device:
- Open your My Account page on the web or through the TextNow app main menu
- Under the 'Number & Device' section, click on Deactivate TextNow SIM Card
I accidentally deleted my eSIM, what do I do?
If you delete your eSIM, you will need to download a new one through the TextNow app. Wait at least 30 minutes after deleting your eSIM, then open the TextNow app menu and click Install eSIM, Get Free Data, or Go Wireless.