ClevGuard Support: Monitor Devices with Others' Permission.
Are you looking for a free calling and texting option? Then, TextNow can be your go-to pick. Once registered, you can enjoy unlimited calls and messages across the US and Canada. Many kids also download the app and get the freedom of having their number without paying anything. It may sound great, but the question remains: is TextNow safe for them? What are the potential risks of using the app service? This article answers all these questions and more.
Table of Contents
Part 1. Features of TextNow
TextNow stands out primarily because it’s one of the few free phone services in the US that offers unlimited calls and text messages over Wi-Fi. Alternative VoIP services and mobile carriers charge at least $10 per month per line. Here’s a closer look at the TextNow features:
- Free Calling: The TextNow phone app lets users make free local calls in the US and Canada. It also supports international calls, but charges apply per minute based on the destination.
- SMS texting: The TextNow plans now include unlimited texting on WiFi and 5G networks. Similar to social media platforms like WhatsApp, use the mobile or desktop app to chat with your loved ones. You can also send images, emojis, and GIFs.
- Data: TextNow's data package is limited to 1GB of free 5G data per month, with the first 350MB at high speeds and the rest at 128 Kbps. You can use the data to access anything, from social media apps to streaming services and productivity apps like Slack and Trello.
- Voicemail: It now provides voicemail capabilities with audio transcription. So you can read the message and reply similarly if needed.
- Custom Phone Number: TextNow lets you choose a free phone number from any area code in the United States or Canada. This way, you can switch providers without changing your number and keep it private.
Part 2. What are the Benefits and Risks of Using TextNow for Kids?
TextNow app’s free services can be great for those who want to communicate without any restrictions. However, when it comes to whether the TextNow app is safe, parents must weigh its benefits against its risks.
- Saves Money: With TextNow, kids don’t need a phone plan or a SIM card to make calls or send messages to their friends, which saves them money and hassle.
- Free Phone Number: When you register for the services, kids receive a free phone number to verify their accounts on social media apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and more. This provides them with more options and flexibility.
- Safety Features: Although free, TextNow offers some safety features. For example, one can block unwanted or spam calls and messages. This allows the kids to stay safe.
Pros
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Since the service is open to everyone, anyone can share explicit or inappropriate content with children. Although kids can block a number, a no-contact screening feature is not available on the app.
- Contact with Strangers: TextNow assigns a random number to the user, which they can use to contact your child. This can also be a stranger. If your child’s number is shared outside the app, you can expect more calls from strangers.
- Scams and Phishing: A stranger can be a scammer and trick your child into sharing personal information or clicking harmful links. The worst part is that TextNow doesn’t ask for permission, so scammers can easily pretend to be a child's friend or family member.
- Misinformation Risks: This is a risk common to most social media platforms, but TextNow exacerbates it. Anyone can contact your child and send fake news or information. Since the younger ones might not have developed critical thinking skills, they are more easily misled by misinformation.
- Excessive Screen Time: TextNow makes communication simple, so your child might end up talking for hours to their friends. This also increases the risk of overspending. A child might be tempted to spend money irresponsibly on the premium TextNow features and data plans.
Risks
Part 3. What is the Right Age to Use TextNow?
TextNow requires users to be 13 years or older to register and enjoy calling and texting for free. In other words, users must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a U.S. law that safeguards children’s online privacy. The minimum age, however, might vary by state. For example, in Quebec, the minimum age is 14, while it’s 16 in California due to stricter privacy laws.
The Apple App Store rates the app 12+ due to features like user interaction and in-app purchases.
Meanwhile, it's rated PEGI 3 on the Google Play Store. This means that the app is suitable for people of all ages and doesn’t take into account whether TextNow is a safe app.
Regardless of the established age limit, parents must consider whether their kids are mature enough to use TextNow responsibly when they’re old enough to use it. The app is home to risks such as scams, exposure to inappropriate content, and predatory behavior. Younger users may not be able to handle these risks safely.
Part 4. Users' Review of TextNow's Security
From the TextNow review, it’s clear that the app isn’t very safe for kids. Here’s what users have to say about the app:
“Advertisements are incredibly intrusive. They make it almost impossible to know if you have a new message. As far as phone calls, not only are you forced to watch advertisements, but at the end of the ad, it often forces you to a "buy now" type screen with no obvious way to close and not buy. To top it all off, TextNow blocks certain messages as "premium feature only.” - James on TrustPilot.
“Textnow collects all your information to build a profile on you that is sold to the top bidder, especially law enforcement and the government!!!”- Brian on TrustPilot.
“Nothing but scam calls all day and night. The app doesn't let you do anything without having to pay 6.99 a week for each thing. Very poor service and nothing but scam calls day and night. I don't recommend it at all.”- Tina Bailey on TrustPilot.
Part 5: How to Protect Kids When Allow Using Textnow?
TextNow is a convenient messaging and calling app, but it can expose children to inappropriate contacts, cyberbullying, or unwanted messages. As a parent, it’s important to stay involved and set clear boundaries.
First, talk to your child about online safety and encourage them to report any suspicious messages.
Second, enable any available privacy settings in the app, such as blocking unknown callers and disabling contact from strangers.
For more effective supervision, consider using a professional parental control tool like KidsGuard Pro. This app allows you to monitor all TextNow chats, call logs, and even deleted messages in real time — all without rooting the device. It also lets you view screenshots, track app usage time, and detect any inappropriate content with smart keyword alerts. With KidsGuard Pro, you can stay informed and keep your child safe while still respecting their space online.
FAQs about Textnow Safety
Is TextNow really private?
No, TextNow is not entirely private. The company can log user data, like device details, IP addresses, and usage patterns. If necessary, it might leak your information to government authorities.
What are the downsides of TextNow?
Some downsides of TextNow include limited privacy, concerns about leaking user data, multiple ads, number reassignment, and quality issues.
Can someone find out who you are using TextNow?
Yes, if you have a TextNow account and add your phone number to the profile, your details will appear in the search results. It’s crucial to take additional measures, like using a VPN, to avoid this.
Why would someone use a TextNow number?
TextNow offers a cost-effective communication solution suitable for individuals and businesses looking to cut down their phone bills. The app offers unlimited free calls or texts to the US and Canada.
Conclusion
TextNow is a great way to stay connected without paying a penny. However, if you ask if TextNow is safe for kids, the answer isn’t a complete yes. There are certain risks that parents must be wary of and keep an eye on their usage. KidsGuard Pro provides the best way for parents to monitor and manage their kids’ use of such apps and keep them safe. It's an excellent companion for those who want to create a safe online environment for their children. So, try it today!
