TextNow is a popular free texting and calling app that provides users with a free phone number to use for calling and texting over WiFi. One of the key features of TextNow is that it allows users to pick an area code for their phone number, giving them more flexibility and options when signing up for the service. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how you can go about picking your own area code on TextNow and discuss the requirements, limitations, and steps for choosing an area code on the app.
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a freemium app and service that provides free calling and texting over WiFi. Developed by Enflick, TextNow has been available since 2009 and now has over 25 million users worldwide. The app provides users with a free phone number and SIM card to use for calling and texting.
Some key features of TextNow include:
- Free phone number – Users get a free US or Canadian phone number to use for calls and texts.
- Calling and texting over WiFi – The service utilizes WiFi to provide free calling and texting, even to non-TextNow users.
- Ad-supported calling credits – By watching ads or making in-app purchases, users can earn credits for calling traditional phone numbers.
- Bring your own device – The app can be downloaded onto your existing smartphone or tablet.
- VoIP technology – It uses voice over IP technology to provide calling and SMS texting capabilities.
- Nationwide coverage – The app works anywhere there is WiFi access in the US and Canada.
With these features, TextNow provides a flexible and cost-effective way for users to call, text, and even video chat using just a WiFi connection. The option to choose your own area code makes the service even more customizable.
Can You Pick Your Own Area Code on TextNow?
Yes, one of the key features of TextNow is that it allows you to choose your own area code when signing up for a new number. This gives you more control over what number and area code you receive from the app.
When first signing up for TextNow, you’ll be prompted to select your country (United States or Canada) and then given the option to choose an available area code. You can enter in the area code you want and TextNow will let you know if a number with that area code is available.
There are a few limitations and requirements when picking an area code on TextNow:
- Only certain area codes are available – TextNow does not have access to provide phone numbers with every area code.
- No vanity or customized numbers – You can choose the area code but not the full phone number.
- Numbers are subject to availability – You may not always get the area code you want if no numbers are available.
- One number per account – Each TextNow account can only have one phone number associated with it.
As long as the area code you want is supported by TextNow, though, you can select it when signing up for a new number. This makes it easy to get a number with a local area code even if you don’t actually live in that area.
Why Would You Want to Change Your Area Code?
There are a few key reasons why someone may want to choose a specific area code that is different from the area they actually live in when signing up for TextNow:
- Getting a local number – Choosing a local area code can make it appear as if you live in that area, even if you don’t.
- Avoiding long distance charges – Selecting a local area code means friends and family in that area won’t have to incur long distance fees to call you.
- Increased credibility – Some businesses prefer having numbers with local area codes to seem more established in that region.
- Familiarity – You may want to keep the same area code as a previous number you had.
- Privacy – Using an area code from another region helps keep your location and information more private.
Having the option to choose any supported area code makes TextNow much more flexible and customizable to suit each user’s preferences and needs.
Requirements for Choosing an Area Code
While TextNow does let you pick your desired area code, there are a few requirements to keep in mind:
- You can only choose area codes available on TextNow – Not every area code is supported.
- Only one number per account – You can’t have multiple phone numbers on one TextNow account.
- Numbers with some area codes have limited availability – Popular area codes go quickly.
- Picking your area code only applies to new numbers – You can’t change the area code on an existing number.
- You must have the app to pick an area code – It’s not possible to select an area code on the TextNow website.
As long as your desired area code is supported and available, though, picking it on TextNow is simple. You just need to download the app and sign up for a new number.
How to Change Your Area Code on TextNow
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough on how to select your area code when signing up for a new number on TextNow:
- Download the TextNow app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the TextNow app and select “Get a New Number”.
- Enter your email address and select your country (United States or Canada).
- You will then be prompted to choose your area code. Enter in the desired 3-digit area code.
- TextNow will let you know if a phone number with that area code is available. If not, you’ll need to try a different area code.
- Once an available area code is found, review the full phone number. You can choose to get this number or try again.
- After confirming your number, complete the rest of the TextNow signup process.
- Your new phone number with your selected area code will be activated and ready to use!
It’s a quick and easy process to select an area code when registering for a new TextNow number. Just remember the limitations around availability and that you can only have one number per account.
Troubleshooting Area Code Selection
In some cases, you may run into issues when trying to get a number with your desired area code on TextNow. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the area code is supported by TextNow. Look up their list of available area codes for your country.
- Try less popular area codes if common ones like 212 or 917 aren’t available.
- Consider adding money to your TextNow account to increase the number inventory available to you.
- Try again later if the area code is not currently available. Numbers with that area code may free up.
- You can’t port in an existing number with a custom area code – you can only get new TextNow numbers.
- Double check that you don’t already have a TextNow number on your account tying up the only allowed phone number.
With persistence and flexibility on less common area codes, you should eventually be able to get a number with your target region.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Your Own Area Code
Let’s look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages of selecting a custom area code on TextNow:
Pros
- Get an area code matching where friends/family live – Avoid long distance fees for them to call you
- Appear local to a region you don’t actually live in
- Keep the same area code as a previous number you had
- Hide your true location/region for increased privacy
- Stand out with a unique area code different than your location
Cons
- Requested area code may not be available
- Harder to get popular area codes like Manhattan or Los Angeles
- Only one number per TextNow account
- Can’t port in existing numbers – TextNow provides new numbers only
- Some people may prefer numbers that match a user’s actual area
Overall, the pros of flexible area code selection tend to outweigh the cons for most TextNow users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about choosing your own area code on TextNow:
Can I get an area code from a different state or province than I live in?
Yes, you can select area codes from any supported state or province, regardless of where you actually live. The number will still work anywhere you have WiFi access.
Does my selected area code affect my calling or texting capabilities?
No, the area code does not impact calling or texting. It is only for appearance and identification purposes.
Can I change the area code on my existing TextNow number?
Unfortunately, no. You can only pick a custom area code when registering for a brand new number. You cannot change the area code once assigned.
What countries are available for area code selection?
TextNow currently only provides numbers for the United States and Canada. You cannot yet pick other international area codes.
Does selecting a far away area code cost more?
No, there are no costs or long distance fees associated with choosing a TextNow number outside of your real area. Calling and texting work the same nationally.
Conclusion
Having the ability to choose your own area code is a useful feature that makes TextNow numbers more customizable and flexible. When signing up for a new TextNow number, you can enter in your desired 3-digit area code and receive a phone number with that region provided it’s supported and available on TextNow. This allows you to get local numbers anywhere in the country or hide your real location. While there are a few small limitations, overall picking your area code can be a beneficial option for most TextNow users if you understand the requirements.