You may have signed up for a TextNow account without knowing much about the company. We understand that the promise of free texting and calling may have been so exciting that you didn’t take time to learn about its origins.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- How to Delete Your Own TextNow Account
- How to Delete a Deceased Loved One’s TextNow Account
- Frequently Asked Questions: Deleting a TextNow Account
In fact, the company was founded by two university students who were trying to figure out a way to save money on their phone bills. Those two students grew their company since it was founded in 2009, and in 2017 the company celebrated the achievement of 100 million downloads across all platforms.
Currently, TextNow offers a wide range of new and refurbished phones. You can also bring your own device to the service. The company also promises a free phone number, unlimited calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, and free video calling over wifi.
However, TextNow isn’t for everyone. If you are searching for information on how to delete your TextNow account, it must not have been the right service for you.
We are happy to help you say goodbye to TextNow. Here’s how to do it.
How to Delete Your Own TextNow Account
Before you say goodbye to TextNow, you need to understand what type of service you are receiving from the company. Look below to learn how to delete your specific type of account.
Free service
If you are using TextNow as a free service, you can simply remove your TextNow app from your device or computer to stop using it. Within a few days, the inactivity on your account will cause your device to no longer accept messages or calls. Of course, you can reactivate your account at any time by downloading the app again and signing back into your account.
Ad-Free+ user (for Android)
If you purchased an Ad-Free+ service, you’ll need to cancel your subscription through your app store.
Step 1: Open your Google Play Store app.
Log into your account.
Step 2: Select “Account” and “Subscriptions.”
You’ll see all of your Google subscriptions from this location. It might be time to cancel other services you no longer use.
Step 3: Tap TextNow.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to find “Cancel Subscription.”
Ad-Free+ user (for iOS)
Step 1: Open the App Store on your iOS Device.
You will have to log in to your account.
Step 2: Tap “Apple ID.”
You may also have to select “View Apple ID.”
Step 3: Select “Subscriptions.”
All of your subscriptions (paid and free) will appear on this screen.
Step 4: Select “TextNow” in that list.
Step 5: Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
TextNow plan (from the TextNow web page)
If you have Nationwide Talk and Text and Data Add Ons plans, follow these steps to cancel:
Step 1: Log into your account.
If you have a difficult time remembering your password for online accounts, consider using a password manager. You’ll save time and become less frustrated with technology when you don’t have to reset your password every time you log in to an account.
You can also access your account using Facebook, Google, or Apple.
Step 2: Click on “My Account.”
TextNow recommends that you troubleshoot any problems you are having with their service before canceling. You might even want to chat with a representative to see if there’s something they can do to help you with your service.
Step 3: Select “Cancel My Subscription.”
This selection is written in purple at the bottom right of the screen.
TextNow plan (from the app)
If you have Nationwide Talk and Text and Data Add Ons plans, follow these steps to cancel from the app.
Step 1: Log into your account.
Again, password managers are terrific!
Step 2: Select “My Account.”
The “My Account” button is purple and is underneath your phone number and name.
Step 3: Select “Cancel Your Subscription.”
This is the last option and can be found under “Number Porting.”
After you cancel your TextNow account, your service will end, and no service fees will be charged. In fact, if you only used the plan for 30 days (or less) and you return your device in its original condition, the company will refund your first month’s service fee.
Please understand that the preceding instructions walk you through the process of canceling your subscription with TextNow. Unfortunately, because of legal reasons, TextNow cannot delete your account.
If you wish to delete your personal information connected with your TextNow account, you might consider logging in to your account and changing all the account settings to incorrect information. Even though the account is not officially deleted, the data cannot easily be linked to you.
How to Delete a Deceased Loved One’s TextNow Account
If you recently lost a loved one, you might be going through each of their accounts and deleting them. This may reduce the chance of fraud and may help you protect your deceased loved one’s private information. However, some people cancel the subscription services for their loved ones who passed away by canceling their debit or credit cards.
Please note that a TextNow account can’t really be deleted. You can deactivate your loved one’s account, but for legal reasons, TextNow may not be able to delete all of your loved one’s personal data.
Here are the steps for canceling your loved one’s TextNow account.
Step 1: Visit the TextNow website.
The good news is that you don’t have to log in to an account to receive customer service assistance.
Step 2: Click on the “Chat” option.
Visit the TextNow website and chat with a customer service representative. Online chat is available every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Step 3: Explain your situation to the customer service representative and follow their instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Deleting a TextNow Account
You might have additional questions about deleting a TextNow account. We will try to help, but it is essential to realize that you will never be able to delete your TextNow account completely. Law enforcement officers may send a subpoena to request information from the company.
Here are the answers to FAQs regarding TextNow accounts.
Can you deactivate instead of delete a Textnow account?
Yes, you can deactivate a TextNow account, but you can’t delete it. In fact, all of the instructions outlined in this article will cancel or deactivate your account.
How do you uninstall the TextNow app?
You can uninstall your TextNow app the same way you do for any other app you wish to remove from your device.
For Apple users, click on and hold the icon for the app on the homepage of your device. Then, wait for an X to appear in the top left corner. Finally, click on the X to delete the app.
For Android users, open the Google PlayStore app. Next, tap the profile icon on the top right. Then, select “Manage app and devices.” Finally, tap the name of the app you wish to delete and select “Uninstall.”
Please understand that deleting an app doesn’t typically cancel an account, and it certainly doesn’t remove the data that the company collected while you used its service.
Important Things to Do When a Loved One Dies
We know some of you are reading this article because you wished to learn how to cancel your loved one’s TextNow service. However, there are many other important things to do when someone dies.
Whether you are the executor of the estate or a close relative, your first order of business is to get copies of the death certificate. You may need a copy of the death certificate to settle accounts.
For more information on closing your loved one’s accounts, turn to Cake. We provide a ton of information on how to handle the digital afterlife of your loved one.
Source:
- “Technical Support.” TextNow. about.textnow.com