What happens when you delete a TextNow account
Deleting a TextNow account removes your phone number from their system, stops all service on that number, and erases your message history and account data. Once deleted, you cannot recover the account, the phone number, or any messages. TextNow does not transfer your number to another carrier — it simply releases it back into their pool.
The deletion is permanent within 30 days. After that window, TextNow may reassign your number to another user, so if you think you might need access to old messages or contacts tied to that number, save them before you delete.
If you owe TextNow money for premium features or credits, deletion does not erase that debt. You may still receive a bill or collection notice after the account is gone.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your account removes your TextNow phone number permanently and erases all messages and account data within 30 days.
- You must log into your TextNow account through the app or website to start the deletion process — there is no phone support for this.
- TextNow asks you to confirm your reason for leaving and may offer account recovery options before processing the deletion.
- Any outstanding balance on your account will not be forgiven by deletion and may be sent to collections.
- After deletion, you cannot recover your old TextNow number or any messages associated with it.
Steps to delete your account through the TextNow app
Open the TextNow app on your phone and log in if you are not already signed in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select Settings.
Scroll down and tap Account. Look for the option labeled Delete Account or Close Account — the exact wording varies by app version. Tap it.
TextNow will show you a warning that deletion is permanent and ask you to confirm your reason for leaving. Select a reason from the dropdown menu (common options include "I no longer need this number," "Switching to another service," or "Other"). You may be offered options to pause your account or change your plan instead — these are not the same as deletion.
Tap Delete Account or Confirm Deletion. TextNow will send a confirmation email to the address on file. Check that email and click the confirmation link within the timeframe given (usually 24 to 48 hours). If you do not confirm via email, the deletion request will expire and your account will remain active.
Deleting your account through the TextNow website
Go to www.textnow.com and log into your account. Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner and select Settings or Account Settings.
Find the section labeled Account Management or Privacy & Security. Look for Delete Account, Close Account, or Deactivate Account. Click it.
You will see the same warning and confirmation screen as in the app. Select your reason for leaving and click Delete Account. TextNow will email a confirmation link to your registered email address. Open that email and click the link to finalize the deletion. Your account will be deleted once you confirm.
What to do before you delete
Export or screenshot any messages, photos, or contact information you need to keep. TextNow does not provide an automatic export tool, so you will need to manually save anything important. Open each conversation, take screenshots, or copy contact details into another app or document.
If you have a TextNow credit balance or paid subscription, check whether you can transfer it or receive a refund. TextNow's refund policy varies — some credits may be refundable if you have not used them, but this is not may provide. Contact TextNow support through the app before deleting if you want to ask about a refund.
Notify anyone who contacts you regularly through your TextNow number that you are closing the account and provide them with an alternative phone number or contact method. Once the account is deleted, they will not be able to reach you at that number.
If you use your TextNow number for two-factor authentication on other accounts (banking, email, social media), update those accounts with a different phone number first. Deleting your TextNow account will break two-factor authentication on any service still using that number.
The difference between deactivating and deleting
TextNow offers two options: deactivate and delete. Deactivating temporarily suspends your account and phone number but keeps your data intact. You can reactivate a deactivated account within a certain period (usually 30 days to 6 months, depending on TextNow's current policy). Deleting is permanent — there is no reactivation option.
If you think you might return to TextNow later, deactivation is the safer choice. If you are certain you will not use the account again and want to remove all your data, deletion is the right step.
What happens to your TextNow number after deletion
Your TextNow phone number becomes inactive immediately. For the first 30 days, TextNow holds the number and does not reassign it. After 30 days, the number may be given to another user. If someone else receives your old number, they will not have access to your old messages or account data — that information is deleted separately.
If you need to keep a phone number active, do not delete the account. Instead, pause your service or switch to a free plan that keeps the number without charging you. This is cheaper than deleting and then trying to reclaim the same number later.
If you cannot access your account to delete it
If you forgot your password, use the Forgot Password link on the TextNow login screen to reset it via email. If you no longer have access to the email address on file, you will need to contact TextNow support through the app or website to verify your identity and regain access.
If your account has been hacked or compromised, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication if available. Then proceed with deletion using the steps above. If you cannot regain access even after a password reset, TextNow support can help you verify ownership and delete the account on your behalf, though this process is slower than self-service deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my TextNow number back after I delete my account?
No. Once deleted, your number is released back to TextNow's pool and may be assigned to another user. You cannot reclaim it. If you think you might need the number again, deactivate instead of delete.
Will deleting my account remove my number from spam lists?
Deleting your TextNow account does not remove your number from spam caller databases or marketing lists. Those lists are maintained by third parties outside TextNow's control. If you are deleting because of spam, the new user assigned to your number may experience the same problem.
Do I have to pay TextNow to delete my account?
No, deletion itself is free. However, if you owe money for premium features or credits used, that debt remains and may be collected even after deletion. Deletion does not forgive outstanding balances.
How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted?
Deletion is usually complete within 24 to 48 hours after you confirm via email. Your number becomes inactive immediately, but your data may take a few days to fully purge from TextNow's servers.
What if I change my mind after deleting?
If you confirm deletion via email, the process cannot be stopped. Your account and data are gone. You can create a new TextNow account and receive a new phone number, but you cannot recover your old account or number.