When you receive a text or phone call from an unknown number and realise it’s a TextNow number, it brings questions of trust and safety. TextNow thrives on affordability and privacy, offering a lifeline to people on a budget or those who crave anonymity. You see, the same features that protect your personal number can also be exploited for pranks and scams. If you’re wondering who’s on the other end of that TextNow phone number, this guide is for you. Here you’ll learn how to carry out a TextNow number lookup as efficiently as possible.
What is a TextNow phone number?
TextNow phone number is an internet-based (virtual) phone number that operates over an internet connection (VoIP). It bypasses the need for a traditional cellular plan or SIM card. At its core, calling with these virtual phone numbers is cheaper. In most cases, you can text for free or at a very low cost. TextNow phone numbers also provide a layer of privacy because they aren’t directly connected to your personal identity or primary phone line. That’s why it’s mainly used by businesses, solopreneurs, people selling items online, or even travelers looking for a temporary number.
Can you trace a TextNow number?
Tracing a TextNow number to find the person behind it can be exceptionally difficult. This is because these internet-based numbers are not usually tied to physical SIM cards. The entity associated with that phone number is typically connected to the TextNow company itself. So, basically, the phone number is usually designed to provide anonymity.
How to track a TextNow number?
Looking at how TextNow phone numbers function, you’ll realize that uncovering the identity of the user isn’t as easy. However, we will explore all the practical and actionable methods associated with looking up phone numbers that you can also apply here.
Check the TextNow app
An unconventional but effective way to find out is using the TextNow app. This does not mean that TextNow has a lookup feature. Instead, you would download and set up the TextNow number on your own. Here’s how it works:
- Install the TextNow app from your smartphone’s app store.
- Create a new account using the app instructions.
- Once you’re assigned a TextNow number, you can use that to call or send a message to the TextNow number you’re trying to trace.
- Some people also set up a user profile on the platform. Hence, you can see their profile picture, chosen username, or even a status message they’ve set.
With a reverse phone lookup service
Reverse phone lookup services act like a digital phone book. They can help you uncover any available insights on the identity that you’re trying to unravel. Note that it isn’t a failsafe method. But you should also try.
Numlookup
Numlookup can help you uncover any digital insights or carrier information about any phone number. When the information is available, you’ll be able to confirm whether the phone number is a TextNow number, along with the owner’s information. Here’s how it works:
- Go to the Numlookup website.
- Input the phone number and click the search button.
- Wait for the site to generate a report summarizing all the information it has compiled.
Cellphone Location
Cellphone Location is also a great solution to look up a variety of phone numbers, including VoIP numbers. This fantastic service would scan through information available on the internet about that phone number. Using this tool, you can also find the owner’s name, address, carrier details, and any other available details about them. To give CellPhone Location a trial:
- Go to CellPhone Location.
- Make sure the country code is set correctly.
- Enter the phone number and click the “lookup” button.
- Wait for the site to generate the necessary information.
- Enter your email address to complete your account creation.
Create a new account
Creating a new account on TextNow can also be a strategic way to check out that individual. In this case, you are making a new, anonymous number to initiate a conversation with them. The idea is to build a rapport with them to get them to voluntarily reveal their identity or provide information to another social profile. This can be a high-effort endeavour and requires a convincing narrative. There’s a high chance that a spy or hacker might catch on really fast. You’ll need good social engineering skills to pull this off.
Use an anonymous TextNow number lookup
This involves using online people search tools to gather as much information as possible about any TextNow number. Platforms like Intelius and Spokeo can access any internet records that would directly connect with that TextNow number. Here’s how you can use a tool like Spokeo for this purpose:
- Enter the phone number and hit the search button.
- Enter any other details you have about them, and in a matter of moments, you’ll find what you need.
People post a variety of information about things happening in their lives. Hence, searching for that TextNow phone number on social media can be super beneficial. It can also be helpful if a business uses the phone number. You would easily find the business account and uncover as much information as possible. Here’s how to do this, using Facebook as an example:
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Type the phone number in the search bar.
- Browse through the results.
Contact TextNow support
In certain circumstances, such as when someone impersonates you using a TextNow number or is involved in scams, you should contact TextNow customer support. This is one of the best ways to track a TextNow number. But note that the information they find may not be available to you. Also, it’s best used for serious crimes. All you need to do is:
- Email abuse @ textnow.com or fill out the TextNow general support request form.
- You can also contact the law enforcement via TextNow at: lawenforcement@textnow.com
- Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including screenshots of your interactions with them.
- In no time, TextNow will make sure that the phone number isn’t used for scams again.
Can you track the TextNow number location?
TextNow utilizes VoIP technology to assign virtual numbers that conceal the user’s actual location. Hence, you can’t directly track the person’s physical location using the TextNow number. This is only possible if there are any records available online connecting their TextNow number to a physical address. Alternatively, you can consider sending a tracking link to their device using tools like CellPhone Location to access insights about their geographical location.
FAQ
Can you find out who TextNow belongs to?
Although TextNow allows users to set up profiles with details, especially when they wish to use the phone number for their business, it’s not an effective way to find their real-world identity.TextNow numbers are designed for privacy. However, you can use reverse phone lookup services, such as CellPhone Location, to find out if they’ve linked any personal information or used the phone number for personal records online.
Can you trace a fake text number?
Generally, you can’t trace a fake phone number with ease. Although traditional phone numbers are easier to trace, internet (VoIP) numbers from services like TextNow are much more difficult. However, you could try finding the phone number on social media or reverse lookup tools.
Can TextNow numbers be traced to an exact address?
Absolutely, not. You can’t directly track a TextNow phone number to a physical address or SIM card. They aren’t like landline phone numbers that are tied to a specific region. However, it’s possible to uncover as much information as possible using lookup tools. Moreover, the best avenue is for law enforcement to request account information and IP logs from the TextNow company.
Conclusion
TextNow phone numbers are engineered for safety and privacy. But it’s these beneficial features that also make them difficult to trace when you need to do so. This article offers a variety of methods, like searching on social media or using the TextNow app, to access clues about their real identity. When all else fails, you can always consider a reverse phone lookup service to gather as much information as possible about the owner of that TextNow phone number.
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