What Is TextFree? How the Free Calling and Texting App Works

TextFree is a free calling and texting app that gives you a phone number you can use over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

You can choose an available U.S. or Canadian number, send unlimited texts, make unlimited calls, and communicate with regular phone numbers right from the app.

Let’s get into what TextFree is, how it works, and what you can do with it.

What Is TextFree?

Created by communications app developer Pinger in 2009, TextFree is known as the original free texting app and has been downloaded more than 130 million times.

Instead of tying your number to a separate cellular plan or SIM card, TextFree lets you communicate with a free phone number over an internet connection.

That number can work as your everyday line, an additional number, or simply a number you use when you’d rather not share another one.

TextFree At a Glance

How Does TextFree Work?

TextFree uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to connect calls and texts over the internet instead of a traditional cellular line.

Your device connects to TextFree using Wi-Fi or mobile data, and your TextFree number works like a regular phone number for calling and texting U.S. and Canadian numbers.

• For calls: VoIP converts your voice into digital data and sends it over the internet. Incoming calls to your TextFree number ring on your phone through the app.
• For texts: You send messages through TextFree, and they’re delivered to the recipient’s regular phone number. Replies appear in your TextFree inbox.
• For the person you’re contacting: Nothing special is required. They can call or text your TextFree number like any other phone number—no TextFree account or app needed.

That’s also why TextFree can work without its own cellular plan or SIM card: the connection happens over the internet.

What Can You Do With TextFree?

TextFree includes the core calling and messaging features you’d expect from a phone number app—plus a few extras to make everyday communication easier.

Send and Receive Unlimited Texts

You can send and receive unlimited SMS/MMS messages with U.S. and Canadian numbers.

TextFree also supports rich messaging features like photos, videos, GIFs, audio messages, files, message reactions, and group chats.

Make and Receive Unlimited Calls

You can make and receive unlimited calls using your TextFree number over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Incoming calls ring on your phone through the app, and outgoing calls appear from your TextFree number.

Receive Voicemail

TextFree includes voicemail, so callers can leave a message when you can’t answer. You can also set a custom voicemail greeting and use voicemail transcription to read them in plain text.

Block and Silence Spam

TextFree helps you manage unwanted calls by identifying potential spam as a “Spam Risk,” so you can decide whether to answer or block the number. You can also send incoming calls straight to voicemail when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Personalize and Organize Your Inbox

Customize your TextFree inbox with conversation wallpapers, dark mode, favorite contacts, custom message signatures, and individual ring or text tones. 

You can also bulk-delete messages or mark them as read, and choose whether message previews appear in notifications.

Auto-Reply to Missed Calls & Texts

TextFree lets you create custom Auto-Reply messages for missed calls and texts. If you can’t respond right away, the app can automatically send your message so the other person knows you’ll get back to them.

Who Is TextFree For?

TextFree can work as your everyday phone number or as a second number, depending on what you need.

You might use TextFree to:

• Stay connected without a phone plan. Call and text over Wi-Fi without adding a carrier line.
• Keep another number handy. Add a separate phone number without carrying a second phone.
• Keep personal and work conversations separate. Use a different number for work, clients, side projects, or side hustles.
• Buy and sell online. Message buyers or sellers without giving out another number you use.
• Chat with new dating matches. Move a conversation off a dating app without immediately sharing your main number.
• Keep online signups separate. Use another number when you don’t want every message mixed into the same inbox.
• Use your number across supported devices. Keep calling and texting even when you switch devices.

Is TextFree Really Free?

Yes. TextFree gives you a free phone number plus unlimited calling and texting.

The free version is ad-supported, which helps keep the core service available at no cost. There are no per-text charges or calling-minute caps on the standard free calling and texting features.

If you want additional features, TextFree Plus is an optional paid subscription. It currently includes all standard TextFree features along with:

• An ad-free experience
• A reserved number
• Verification code support
• Spam management
• Number changes

TextFree Plus currently costs $9.99 per month.

One thing to know about free numbers: you need to make a call or send a text at least once every 30 days to keep your TextFree number active. 

If it stays inactive longer than that, the number may be reassigned. With TextFree Plus, your number remains reserved while your subscription is active.

How to Get Started With TextFree

Getting a TextFree number is easy and takes just a few steps:

1. Download the TextFree app on your supported device.
2. Create your account with an email address.
3. Choose an available U.S. or Canadian phone number.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
5. Start calling and texting.

That’s it. Your new number is ready to go without adding another traditional phone line.

Download TextFree on the App Store or Google Play Store.

FAQs About TextFree