Is TextFree Safe and Legit? What to Know Before You Call or Text

TextFree is a safe and legitimate way to call and text with a free phone number over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It can help you keep your personal number private, while built-in account and safety tools give you more control over who can reach you and how you use the app.

Here’s what to know about TextFree’s privacy and safety features.

What is TextFree, and How Does It Work?

TextFree is a popular texting and calling app that gives you a virtual phone number. With TextFree, you can:

• Call and text standard mobile and landline numbers
• Communicate over Wi-Fi or mobile data
• Reach people who do not have TextFree 
• Identify spam calls before you answer
• Use core features for free with ads

Unlike app-to-app messaging services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, TextFree does not require both people to use the same platform. TextFree numbers can send and receive calls and texts just like a regular phone number.

Is TextFree Legit?

Yes. TextFree is a legitimate calling and texting app operated by Pinger, Inc.

In fact, TextFree launched in 2009 and is commonly recognized as the original free texting app. Over the past 15 years, Textfree has connected billions of calls and texts, helping people communicate without SIM card or monthly phone bills.

Here’s some additional information about TextFree you might not have known:

• It has a 4.7-star rating on the Apple App Store, with more than 589,000 ratings.
• It has a 4.5-star rating on Google Play, based on more than 587,000 reviews.
• The TextFree app has been downloaded more than 130 million times.
• The app offers real, dialable U.S. and Canadian phone numbers, not randomly generated or temporary numbers.
• The company also has:
  • Published terms
  • A privacy policy
  • A support center
  • Clear account-management processes

Is TextFree Safe to Use?

Yes, TextFree is safe for everyday calling and texting. It provides a real phone number that can be used as a primary line or as a second number.

However, TextFree is not an end-to-end encrypted messaging service, so it may not be the best choice for highly confidential or security-sensitive conversations.

For everyday use, it works well for:

• Casual conversations with friends and family
• Buying and selling online
• Side hustle communication
• Online signups and loyalty programs
• Online dating
• Any situation where you’d rather not share your personal number

Keep in mind that no communication app can guarantee that everyone who contacts you is trustworthy. Be cautious with unfamiliar messages, links, and requests—just as you would with email, social media, or any other messaging service.

What Safety Features Does TextFree Offer?

TextFree includes several features to manage unwanted communication and protect your privacy. Some are available on the free plan, while others come with TextFree Plus for $9.99/month.

• Spam Call Identification: Potential spam calls may be labeled “Spam Risk,” giving you more context before you answer and making unwanted numbers easier to block.
• Link Previews: Get a preview of a shared link before you open it, helping you better understand where it may lead. You should still avoid opening links from people you do not know or trust.
• Notification Privacy: You can choose whether message previews appear in push notifications, helping keep your conversations private when your phone is locked or visible to others.
• Number Blocking: You can block a phone number or contact to stop their future calls and texts from reaching you.
• Content Preferences: You can opt out of non-essential TextFree communications, such as product tips, announcements, and promotions.
• Spam Management (TextFree Plus): Automatically silence calls identified as potential spam and send them to voicemail. You can still review missed call and voicemail details without being interrupted.
• Verification Codes (TextFree Plus): Receive supported 2FA codes and verification messages through your TextFree number for online accounts and transactions.
• Change Your Number (TextFree Plus): Get a new phone number whenever you need one without contacting Support.

Does TextFree Show Your Real Phone Number?

When you call or text someone with TextFree, they see your TextFree number, not your personal phone number.

However, while TextFree can help you keep your primary number private, it does not guarantee total anonymity. Someone may still be able to identify you based on what you share in the conversation, your voicemail greeting, or other details connected to your interactions. 

How Does TextFree Protect Your Privacy and Data?

TextFree can help protect your privacy by giving you a separate phone number, so you don’t have to share your personal number when you don’t want to. However, TextFree is not a temporary “burner number” app or end-to-end encrypted messaging service. 

How Your Calls and Messages Are Protected

TextFree uses standard SMS and VoIP technology. Calls and messages are encrypted while traveling between your device and TextFree’s systems, but they are not end-to-end encrypted. The service also does not use the content of your calls or messages to train AI models or sell that content to third parties.

Why TextFree Collects Some Data

TextFree offers a free, ad-supported service. That means it may use information such as device identifiers, general location, and app activity for purposes like:

• Showing and measuring ads
• Understanding how people use the app
• Preventing fraud and abuse
• Improving app performance and features

Which Permissions TextFree May Request

Some permissions support specific app features:

• Contacts: Helps you find and message people you know
• Microphone: Required to make voice calls
• Notifications: Alerts you to incoming calls and messages
• Location or tracking: May support advertising, analytics, and certain app experiences, like choosing a local area code

You can review or change these permissions at any time in your phone’s privacy settings.

Managing or Deleting Your Data

You can manage your communication preferences in TextFree by opting out of non-essential messages, such as product tips, feature updates, announcements, and promotions.

You can also request a copy of your personal information or ask for your account and personal data to be deleted.

The Bottom Line: Is TextFree Safe and Legit?

TextFree is a safe, legit app to call and text with a separate phone number over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It also has features to manage spam and unwanted contacts, helps keep your personal number private, and provides clear controls for managing your account.

Download TextFree on the App Store or Google Play Store.

TextFree Safety FAQs