Push notifications are a system used by apps and services to "push" data to your phone. In TextNow's case, it's used to tell you you have a new message, or a new voicemail, or to wake up your phone to receive a call.
If your push notifications aren't working, then none of those notifications would come through until you manually opened the app yourself.
If you're not receiving push notifications, here's some things to check:
1. Check for any "auto-start management" settings in your main Settings menu.
This will be different for every manufacturer, depending on whether or not they offer this particular setting. Open your main Settings app and look for anything labelled Auto-Start under Security. Here's an example from an older Samsung phone:
Tap on Auto-start management, and make sure there's a check mark next to TextNow.
Remember that this example is specific to Samsung. Your phone manufacturer might have a different setting in a different place. Check your phone's documentation for more help.
2. Make sure TextNow isn't in battery-saving mode.
This one is a little easier to find. Basically, some versions of Android will put apps to sleep if they think they're using too much power. The problem there is that TextNow needs to be "awake" in order to receive notifications.
Luckily, you can exempt apps from being put to sleep by Android. Again, this will be different for every phone and phone manufacturer, and will vary greatly based on the version of Android you're using. For example, on Android devices running Nougat, there's a setting under Device Maintenance > Battery > Unmonitored Apps - add TextNow to that list, and it will never be put to sleep by Android.
Check your phone's documentation for how to exempt apps from being put to sleep on your device.
3. Don't restrict background data on TextNow.
Another one that will be in your Android Settings menu, almost always under Data Usage. If background data is restricted, then your TextNow app won't be able to receive push notifications. Consult your particular devices' documentation for more details on where to find the Data Usage setting.
For Android Nougat devices:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap on Data usage.
- Tap on Cellular data usage.
- Tap on TextNow.
- Toggle Background data to On
For Android Marshmallow and Lollipop devices:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap on Data usage.
- Tap on the Options button in the top right-hand corner. (It's the icon with three vertical dots on it.)
- Select Allow background data to turn background data on.
Why can't I get notifications from my bank.
Hi Enith,
If you aren't receiving notifications from any 3rd party vendors (like your bank), you will have to contact them to request that they manually add your number to their contacts and make sure they are able to recognize your TextNow number for verification purposes.
all my settings are fine but I still dont get notifications
Hey Mac! You're using an older version, where they may have been a bug with notifications. Would you please be able to update the app through the PlayStore?
Hello want to know if I buy a phone do it come with a Sim card and plan AMD do I get to keep my same number
the real question is why can't you get any answers that are correct or a live person to speak to to get a SIM card to put in your phone to activate data i &Phone service.. I'm starting to think all this trouble isn't even worth paying $10 or $20 they need to get a new website or do something going to get some better customer service cuz I'm done running out of time patients with them anybody got any clues how to contact them and actually get something done cuz all I hear is why can't I do this why can't I do that why why why why why it should be thank you for letting me do this thank you for a wonderful service why can't I..??? getting stuckhonest basically website...should have sure anybody else that when you have the service you will have problems and you will not get help?? Unless you got a secret way to do it shirt with me...3106479866;. Tripp
Ask how do I change my number arita toriel I do exactly what it tells me to do over and over and all I get if something asking me what my name is and then it's over so when's number change...Eeerrrr...think I'm going to kick rocks on over to another phone service ain't worth the f****** trouble.... Or maybe if you're genius you can figure it out.
Hey @Kisha- If you purchase one of our phones, it will come pre-activated with its own SIM card, and you will also have to purchase a plan alongside it at checkout! If you wish to keep your TextNow number, all you must do is complete the purchase while logged into your current account. If you want to port over a number from another carrier, you can fill out that information during the checkout!
@Luch- Sorry to hear of the troubles you've been having! If you're looking to purchase a SIM card for your phone, we now have a compatibility check right during checkout, so you can complete the entire purchase there confidently.
With regards to changing your number, you can do that once every 15 days, following this tutorial :)
And if you still wish to speak to a live agent, our live chat support is available on the bottom right-hand side of this page between 10am-5:30pm EST (just type in "speak to a live agent")
I can't get incoming calls
I'm not recieving texts messages and I just upgraded.
Hi Johnathan and Woody,
For assistance with your service we will need to get some more details from you. Please reach out to our chat support team between 10am-5:30pm ET for assistance.
How come messages that show up on my tablet don't on my computer
I don't receive all of my incoming calls. I have a LG260 plus. Metro PCS phone. Unlocked.
Hi there!
For assistance with your service we will need to get some more details from you. Please reach out to our chat support team between 10am-5:30pm EST.