By In the digital age, communication has become increasingly complex and multifaceted. One such advancement is the emergence of services like TextNow, which provide users with unique phone numbers to send and receive calls and messages over the internet. However, this technology also presents new challenges, such as tracing and identifying the ownership of a TextNow number. This process, while intricate due to privacy considerations and the nature of internet-based services, is an important aspect to understand for maintaining security and accountability in our communications. In this guide you’ll find out what is TextNow and how to do a TextNow number lookup to know who owns a number on TextNow.
What is TextNow and How Does it Work?
TextNow is a mobile application that provides its users with the ability to send and receive messages and calls over the internet. It’s a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that uses your internet connection, whether it’s WiFi or mobile data, to facilitate communication.
How Does TextNow Work?
TextNow operates by converting your voice into digital signals that travel over the internet. When you use TextNow to make a call or send a text, the app uses your internet connection to send these digital signals to the TextNow servers. These servers then send the signals to the recipient of the call or text. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Creating an Account: To use TextNow, you first need to download the app and create an account. During the account creation process, you’ll be asked to choose a unique phone number that will be associated with your account.
- Making a Call or Sending a Text: Once your account is set up, you can use the app to make calls or send texts. When you dial a number or type a message and hit send, the app converts your voice or text into digital signals.
- Transmission Over the Internet: These digital signals are then sent over your internet connection, whether it’s WiFi or mobile data, to the TextNow servers.
- Reaching the Recipient: The TextNow servers then send these signals to the recipient. If the recipient is also a TextNow user, the signals will be sent to their device over the internet. If the recipient is not a TextNow user, the servers will convert the digital signals back into a standard telephone signal so the call or text can be received on a regular phone.
- Receiving a Call or Text: When you receive a call or text, the process works in reverse. The servers convert the incoming signals into a format that your device can understand and then send them to your device over the internet.
One of the key benefits of TextNow is that it allows you to communicate without a cellular plan, as long as you have access to the internet. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the calls or texts can depend on the strength and speed of your internet connection.
How to Track a TextNow Number
TextNow is a popular app that provides its users with a free phone number which they can use to make calls, send text messages, and create a voicemail account. However, because these numbers are often used temporarily and can be changed, tracking a TextNow number or performing a textnow number lookup can be challenging. Here are some methods that are often discussed:
How to Track someone on the TextNow app or site?
The first, simple, and original method to track a TextNow number is to try the site or app. The only point about this method is that it will only work in some cases, and the only chance you will succeed is when the number has a TextNow account and added his profile information. However, if the person does not have a TextNow account, you may not be able to get their account details through the TextNow app. With all these details, let’s find out how to do a TextNow user search via the app or site:
TextNow user search:
- Open the app and choose the “Contacts” tab from the below navigation bar.
- Click on the “Search” icon on the top right side, like a magnifying glass.
- Type the phone number or name you are looking for.
- And finally, choose the “Search” button to see the results.
- Search among the results, and if you find an appropriate option, tap on it to view the profile and send a message or call.
How to Track a TextNow Number Using Other Methods
TextNow numbers are virtual and not linked to a physical location or identity. This makes them hard to track, but not impossible. Here are some of the ways to track a TextNow number:
Contact Local Authorities:
If you’re receiving unwanted calls or messages from a TextNow number, or if you need to track a number for a serious reason, your best bet is to contact your local authorities. They can liaise with TextNow or other relevant organizations to investigate the matter.
Online Search
You can try searching the number online to see if it has been listed publicly somewhere. However, this method is not always reliable and can lead to misinformation.
Reverse Phone Lookup Service (Not Guaranteed)
Using a reverse phone lookup service, such as BeenVerified or PeopleLooker, is the best way to find out who owns a TextNow number. These services can search through millions of records from various sources and provide you with the owner’s name, contact details, social media profiles, and more. You just need to enter the TextNow number and click Search. However, these services may charge a fee for accessing the full report.
Contact TextNow Customer Support
If you have a valid reason to track a TextNow number, such as harassment, scam, or emergency, you can contact TextNow customer support and request them to provide you with the user information. However, you may need to provide some evidence or legal justification for your request, and TextNow may not comply with it unless required by law.
Contact Police or Emergency Service
If you are in a serious situation where you need to track a TextNow number urgently, such as a threat, a crime, or a missing person, you can contact the police or the emergency service and ask for their help. They may have the authority and the resources to trace the number and locate the owner. However, you should only use this option as a last resort and when you have a valid reason.
Conclusion:
Tracing and finding out who owns a TextNow number can be a complex process due to privacy laws and the nature of VoIP services. While TextNow provides users with unique phone numbers, the ownership information is not publicly available. Any attempt to trace a TextNow number should be done in accordance with the law and privacy rights. It’s important to remember that if you’re receiving unwanted calls or messages, or if you suspect illegal activity, you should report it to the appropriate authorities or to TextNow directly, who can investigate and take action if necessary. Always respect privacy and use communication tools responsibly.
FAQ
- Is TextNow safe to use?
While the main answer is yes, and TextNow is perfectly safe for adults to use, it is recommended that teenagers or students use it with adult supervision.
- Is your personal info used by someone on TextNow?
The best answer is that it is possible because, on the TextNow website, it is mentioned that they can use your information for multiple purposes, such as ads, or their third-party apps.
- Does TextNow work outside USA?
If you have wifi available and are outside of the USA, you can still send or receive text messages to a Canadian or an American number through TextNow.
- Where are TextNow servers located?
Their servers are located in the United States and Canada, but TextNow is also known to work with IP addresses based in Singapore, Australia, and Switzerland.
