Is TextNow Safe? What Parents Need Know

Many parents face a tough decision when their child asks to download TextNow. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between social connections and online safety.

TextNow app has attracted over 50 million users worldwide. The app's free texting and calling features naturally appeal to kids and teens. The question remains - should you let your child use it?

Parents on Reddit and other platforms have shared different TextNow reviews about the app's safety features and privacy settings. The free texting app provides convenient ways to communicate. Before your children start using it, you should understand its safety measures, age guidelines, and potential risks. This piece will guide you 'is TextNow safe' aspects and provide ways to protect your kids who might already use the app.

Part 1: What Are TextNow's Core Features

TextNow is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that provides communication capabilities through WiFi and cellular networks with a virtual phone number. The TextNow app gives you instant access to calling and texting features. You can improve your service with a TextNow SIM card for nationwide coverage.

TextNow has both free and paid plans. Users of free versions have limited features and need to view pop-up ads in the app. For users in United States and Canada, sending texts and making calls is free. But if you want to have international calls, payment is required. What's more, premium users can have an ad-free experience.

However, many services don't recognize TextNow numbers for verification or 2FA setup. Textnow users can't receive verification codes from some companies like Apple. If you want to receive verification text with TextNow numbers, you need to buy the TextNow service named "Lock In Number," it will cost you $4.99 annually, an acceptable price.

Part 2: Is TextNow Safe to Use?

Yes, TextNow is a safe VoIP service to use. And it is widly used by many Americans and Canadians. While it offers convenience and affordability, safety concerns may arise in various aspects. Here, we analyze its safety based on five key factors:

1. Account Safety

It is simple and easy to create an account on TextNow, which requires users to create an account, and additional layers of protection, such as password security, can help safeguard access.

However, TextNow accounts can be vulnerable to being hacked because of the lack of two-factor authentication (2FA). There have been reports of unauthorized access due to phishing attempts or credential leaks.

2. Data Security

TextNow doesn't encrypt end-to-end data transmission, ensuring that messages and calls remain private. It doesn't store SMS or call data indefinitely.

Because the free version of TextNow has advertisements, this app may collect some related personal data, including usage statistics, IP addresses, and device information, which can be concerning for privacy-focused users. Third-party advertisements may also lead to data sharing with external partners.

You can check Commonsense's report about its privacy:

3. Content Security

TextNow's built-in features can detect and stop spam calls and scams. TextNow provides tools for blocking unwanted contacts and reporting abusive behavior, making communication safer.

Its anonymous nature allows users to create temporary numbers, which can facilitate misuse, such as harassment, spam, or illegal activity. Parents should be cautious if minors use the app.

4. Privacy Concerns

Users can maintain anonymity by using a TextNow number instead of their primary phone number for calls and texts.

The app's business model relies heavily on ads, which may result in tracking user behavior for targeted advertising. This could be unsettling for privacy-conscious users. Additionally, anonymous communication might raise concerns about illegal use or unwarranted monitoring.

5. Legal Compliance

TextNow complies with local regulations and provides lawful cooperation with authorities when necessary. This ensures transparency in handling cases of misuse.

Because TextNow numbers can be registered without verifying the user's real identity, they are sometimes used for fraud or illegal activities, leading to potential legal issues for unsuspecting users.

The platform combines internet connectivity with traditional cellular networks. Users can make calls and send texts over WiFi or use the SIM card to access the nation's largest 5G network. The service is free and supported by ads, but premium options remove advertisements completely.

Part 3: What is the Right Age for Kids to Use TextNow?

TextNow's legal requirements state that users must be at least 13 years old (14 in Quebec and 16 in California) to create an account. The platform actively enforces this policy.

TextNow might set 13 as the minimum age, but digital safety experts suggest waiting until 15 or older before giving unlimited access. This isn't just about following rules - your child needs the maturity to handle digital communication safely.

Part 4: What are the benefits and risks for children using TextNow?

A very outstanding highlight of TextNow is that it allows a child to have a cell phone number for free so that the child can contact their friends or family members for free, reducing the overall expenses of the family. Aside from the pros, there are some risks you need to be aware of:

Pros:

1 TextNow makes it possible for kids to use the tablet to receive and make calls without having to buy an additional SIM card.

2 TextNow has some built-in security measures that will block out scams and nuisance calls, and abusive calls can be reported through the official. This will keep your phone environment safe.

3 Parents can also upgrade their child's monthly subscription for only $4.99 if needed.

Potential Risks:

1 TextNow's advertisements are uncontrollable, and there may be ads that are not appropriate for children that may show up. There is the potential for consumer enticement.

2 TextNow is a phone service with no built-in parental controls or monitoring features. Parents are allowed to allow their children to use the phone freely but must be wary of the risks that come with it - such as bullying and making unhealthy connections with people.

3 Although TextNow requires children over 13 years old to use the product, there is no age verification, and registration is done by email.

Part 5: How Do Parents Protect Their Kids's Online Safety on TextNow?

Having your own contact number is a nice thing. Still, there are some potential risks that parents can educate their children in advance about the dos and don'ts, for example:

• Kids should know how to protect online privacy and personal information
• Kids need to spot and report inappropriate content
• Kids should show responsible behavior on other digital platforms
• Kids must be open to discussing their online experiences
• Kids should follow set boundaries

Before setting up the corresponding parental controls, parents can check whether their children have secretly opened additional accounts. Parents who find their under-13 child has created an account can email abuse@textnow.com with "Parent Deactivation Request" to remove it. TextNow permanently disables accounts of suspected underage users. Or you can use a parental control app like FamiGuard Pro to monitor your kids' in and out calls.

What Can FamiGuard Pro Help You:

FamiGuard Pro can let parents set app usage limits during school hours and bedtime. If there are inappropriate contacts, parents can block contacts remotely, even directly block the usage of TextNow.

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1 Watch their activity without invading privacy - protection remains the goal, not intrusion. You need to access their phones to finish installation, so it is not an invasion of privacy.

2 FamiGuard Pro built-in phone recording feature can let parents know the content of each call. Even if your kids want to hide something terrible or aren't aware of such unhealthy contacts, you will know it soon.

3 The keyword detecting function will let parents know the showing of inappropriate words as soon as possible. Not just text messages but typing from searching history, chats from social apps, and local files will be caught by FamiGuard Pro.

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Build trust through clear communication. Explain the usage of the parental control app and let your children help to build a healthy phone number. This approach allows them understand and follow the rules better.

Part 6: Real Users' Reviews on TextNow Safety

Let's learn some TextNow reviews to help you make decisions right.

Some customers review that TextNow may delete everything, and this is a violation of account security and safety.

Or the TextNow account may be suspended by TextNow without notification.

FAQs about TextNow Safety

1 Is TextNow really private?

No, it is not entirely private because the company can log user data, such as IP addresses, device details, and usage patterns. It may disclose this information to authorities if legally required.

2 What are the downsides of TextNow?

• Limited Privacy: TextNow retains some user data and can share it with authorities.
• Advertisements: The free version is supported by ads, which may disrupt the user experience.
• Quality Issues: Call and message quality can depend on your internet connection.
• Number Reassignment: If inactive, your number may be reassigned to someone else.

3 Can someone find out who you are using TextNow?

Yes, while TextNow does not publicly reveal user details, someone with legal authority (like law enforcement) may request information from the company. If the user does not take additional privacy measures, such as using a VPN, it may be possible to trace activity back to them.

4 Why would someone use a TextNow number?

• Privacy: To keep personal numbers private for temporary or specific purposes.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Free calling and texting over WiFi without needing a phone plan.
• Convenience: Easy access to a second number for business or casual purposes.
• Anonymity: For temporary or one-time use without sharing personal information.

Conclusion

TextNow's communication features are a great way to connect teens, but its safety relies on proper setup and family involvement. Parents who understand the platform's privacy controls, set age-appropriate guidelines, and keep an open dialog with their children will make TextNow safe to manage.

The platform's built-in security features work well with parental oversight and clear family rules to create a safe environment for teens 13 and older. Digital safety needs constant attention. Regular check-ins updated privacy settings, and consistent enforcement of family media agreements make a real difference.

TextNow might only suit some families's needs. Still, its free communication tools and proper safety measures make it work well for tech-savvy teens. You can protect your child's safety on TextNow with the help of FamiGuard Pro.

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