With over 100 million subscribers, TextNow is a free calling and texting service that offers coverage all over the USA, allowing you to sign up easily by simply by using your Facebook or email address.
Similar to WhatsApp and Messenger, the TextNow app lets users access messaging via an Internet connection, also offering a paid version (TextNow Wireless) if you want access to unlimited texts and calls.
So, what is the problem?
Well, to use TextNow from a location other than the US or Canada, you will have to find a workaround, since this service is only accessible in those two countries.
Thankfully, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a perfect way to bypass this TextNow block to access it from any country around the world.
In a Hurry? Here Are the 5 Best VPNs to unblock TextNow from anywhere
What is TextNow?
TextNow is an easy-to-use service that offers free texting and calling.
This service is free because it is ad-supported, so there are no costs to users. To remove the ads, you have the ability to upgrade to a paid plan.
TextNow users can also gain access to a free Wi-Fi network by purchasing a TextNow SIM, which is a one-time fee that will allow users to text or call without Wi-Fi.
Using TextNow is only an option, though, if you’re located in the USA or Canada, so you will need to use a virtual private network to use this service from elsewhere.
Where is TextNow Available?
You can only get access to TextNow from Canada and the US; so if you’re outside those locations, you are out of luck.
If you want to use TextNow from places other than the USA or Canada, you can do this by first connecting to a reputable VPN.
By using a virtual private network, you can connect to your VPN’s server in Canada or the US from anywhere around the globe. This will hide your IP address in a foreign location and make it appear that you’re located in the USA or Canada, displaying an IP address corresponding to those countries.
Why You Need a VPN for TextNow
Because of the fact that TextNow is only accessible from the USA and Canada, you will find that you are unable to use TextNow from other worldwide regions. This means that if you are on vacation or living outside the country, you will have to find a way to appear to be in the USA or Canada in order to use TextNow.
A VPN allows you to connect to a server in the location in the USA or Canada, making it appear that you are actually in those regions. Your IP address will then reflect these US/Canadian locations, and you will be able to use TextNow just as you would if you were on American soil.
How to Choose the Best VPN for TextNow
Since not all VPNs will be successful at helping you use TextNow, it is important to know how to choose the right service to gain you access from anywhere. Here are the features to look for in a VPN:
Fast speeds and reliable performance
Does not store any user logs
Reputation for easily getting through geo-restrictions
Military-grade encryption to protect you online
Compatible with all major platforms and devices
Provides a money-back guarantee so you can test it out
5 Best VPNs for TextNow
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the fastest and most reliable VPN if you’re looking to unblock and connect to TextNow from anywhere in the world.
With a choice of over 3,000 servers in more than 94 countries, including plenty of servers located in the United States, you don’t have to try at all to get an IP address that will make it appear that you’re in the USA to be able to connect to TextNow.
ExpressVPN has great online protection features, so if you want to be sure you’re secure at all times, this is a perfect option.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 live-chat support
- No-logs policy
- Fastest speeds
- A bit pricier than competitors
2. NordVPN
If you’re planning to use a VPN to access the service from outside the USA or Canada, NordVPN is another of the best options. NordVPN has over 5,200 servers in 60+ countries, and almost 2,000 of those servers are spread across the USA alone.
To test the service, you can sign up for a plan and use it for up to 30 days risk-free. One of the best things about NordVPN is the service and support are very accessible and useful, so you can connect to the live chat to cancel your plan or troubleshoot any issues at all.
- 6 simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live-chat support
- 6 connections
- No-logging policy
- Good speeds
- Desktop app not as reliable
3. Surfshark
To use a VPN without spending too much money, one of the best, most affordable plans is Surfshark.
It is clearly a great budget VPN, but if you sign up for Surfshark, you will also see why it is on the top-3 list all the time, as it is one of the most dependable and accessible services around as well.
Surfshark does not have the same speeds as NordVPN, or certainly as ExpressVPN, but it will suffice, and it has over 3,200 servers in more than 60 countries, including over 600 servers spread across the USA.
You can sign up and use the app for only a little over $2.00 per month, and if you need to troubleshoot any issues or to cancel your plan, you will be able to connect to the live-chat support team easily and get an answer in minutes.
- Affordable
- Good speeds
- Over 600 US servers
- Kill Switch
- Unlimited device connections
- Slower speeds
- Some server connectivity issues
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a great VPN that has a very large network of servers with more than 7,700 spread across the globe in more than 90 countries, including over 1,300 in the USA.
This VPN also offers military–grade encryption and a strict no–logs policy, and it allows users to connect up to 7 devices to a single VPN plan simultaneously.
To test out this VPN, CyberGhost gives users a 45-day no-risk money-back period, which is 50% longer than its competing VPNs offer.
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Over 1,300 US servers
- Military-grade encryption
- Inconsistent speeds
PIA is a VPN with a huge network of close to 30,000 servers in more than 70 countries, so there is never a risk of not finding servers in the US or Canada for TextNow.
This VPN allows users to connect up to 10 devices to a single user account, and it also gives users a 30–day money–back guarantee.
The only risk that you face when it comes to PIA is that it is based in the USA, which is located in the 5-Eyes Territory. This means that you’ll run the risk that your private data may be passed on to authorities of other countries in this alliance.
- 30-day refund guarantee
- Huge server network
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Military-grade encryption
- Based in USA
Can I Use a Free VPN for TextNow?
If you want to save money on a VPN plan, we would suggest going with a more affordable premium provider instead of opting for a free VPN.
If you try to use free VPNs, you’ll likely find them ineffective at unblocking services when you need them, due to their limited server networks and crowding on their servers. They can also put you at risk online, often lacking any security and privacy assurances that premium plans provide.
How to Unblock TextNow with a VPN
To connect to a VPN to unblock TextNow:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider, like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- From the app, connect to a server in the USA or in Canada.
- Open TextNow on the device you’re using.
- Use the app as if you’re in the United States or Canada!
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FAQs
Conclusion
A VPN will allow you to access TextNow from outside the United States and Canada from anywhere in the world.
To connect to the service, all you need to do is use a VPN from our list above, subscribe, and connect to one of their servers in the USA.