I still remember the day I got a strange message from a number I didn’t recognize. At first, I thought it was just a wrong number. But when the texts kept coming and started getting weird I started to find out who was behind it. That number turned out to be from TextNow, a free calling and texting app that lets users stay anonymous.
That’s when I began my search. I wanted answers to make sure it wasn’t something serious or dangerous. I started learning all the different ways you can trace a TextNow number, even though it’s a bit trickier than regular phone numbers.
If you’ve ever been in the same situation getting calls or messages from a TextNow number you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps I used (and others you can try) to trace the person behind a TextNow number. Whether it’s for your safety or just to satisfy your curiosity, I’ve got you covered with easy, legal methods that actually work.
How To Trace TextNow Number Owner Details:
Below are the steps to trace TextNow number owner details,
1. Google Search number
Google is a powerful search engine that can provide information on almost anything, including phone numbers. You can use Google to search for the TextNow number and find any relevant information.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to Google.
Step 2: Type the TextNow number in the search bar and hit Enter.
Step 3: Review the search results for any relevant information.
2. From Social Media
A common way to which you can find out who a certain TextNow number belongs is with the help of the TextNow number. You have to copy this number and go to social media sites, one by one- be it Instagram, Facebook, etc.
Go to the search bar and type in this number. More often than not, people use the same number to register for various apps. A simple search may reveal the account associated with the same. By looking at this account, you can ascertain who the owner of the number is.
3. Using WhatsApp
To find out who a TextNow number belongs to, you can copy their number from TextNow. Save this phone number to your contacts.
Go to WhatsApp and the green icon at the bottom right in the “CHATS” section. Then refresh your contacts list, and it will appear. You can click on their contact to reveal their username.
4. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup Service
Reverse lookup websites pull data from public records and social media to identify number owners.
Steps:
Step 1: Visit a lookup site like Intelius, Spokeo, or BeenVerified.
Step 2: Enter the TextNow number into the search bar.
Step 3: Wait while the service gathers info it might take a few minutes.
Step 4: Review the report for details like name, address, or linked account
📢 Important
Start with a trial offer—many sites give full reports for under $1 during the first few days.
5. Asking For It
If you received a strange call or text from a TextNow number, there’s a chance it’s someone you already know. TextNow is a free app, and many teens, students, or even adults use it to save on phone bills, keep a second number, or stay anonymous for harmless reasons.
Start by asking friends, family members, or even coworkers if they recognize the number or if they use TextNow themselves. You might be surprised how often it turns out to be a friend testing something out, or a family member trying to reach you with a new number.
6. Create a TextNow Account and Engage Smartly
This method involves messaging the person using a new TextNow account.
Steps:
Step 1: Download the TextNow app and sign up for a free account.
Step 2: Pick a new number and log in to your TextNow inbox.
Step 3: Send a casual message to the number you’re trying to trace.
Step 4: Watch how they reply—names, writing style, or even attitude can offer clues.
7. Use Truecaller to Identify the Number
Truecaller is a global phone directory that shows caller names and flags spam numbers.
Steps:
Step 1: Download the Truecaller app or go to truecaller.com.
Step 2: Sign in and enter the TextNow number in the search bar.
Step 3: If the number is in their database, you’ll see the name or alias used.
Step 4: If available, check the location and how others have reported the number
📌 TIP
Use the web version if you don’t want to install the app on your phone.
8. Contact TextNow Support or Get Legal Help
If you’re dealing with threats, harassment, or illegal activity, don’t handle it alone.
Steps:
Step 1: Visit the official TextNow support page or open the app and tap “Help.”
Step 2: Clearly explain the situation and provide screenshots if needed.
Step 3: In serious cases, file a report with your local police.
Step 4: Law enforcement can formally request TextNow to release user data.
Final Thoughts
Tracing a TextNow number takes patience, but it’s possible. The right method depends on your situation sometimes a quick lookup works, while other times, more serious steps are needed. Always use these tools responsibly, respect privacy laws, and don’t hesitate to involve the proper authorities if you feel unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While uncovering the owner of a TextNow number can be tricky due to the app’s privacy-oriented setup, there are a few ways you can attempt to gather information:
Step 1: Use a Reverse Phone Lookup Tool
Try websites like BeenVerified, Spokeo, or Intelius. These scan public records and may reveal names, addresses, or social accounts.
Step 2: Run a Social Media Search
Copy the number and paste it into platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. If the user signed up using that number, a profile may appear.
Step 3: Install a Caller ID App
Apps like Truecaller can sometimes identify the user if others have saved or reported the number.
Step 4: Contact TextNow Support
If you are receiving suspicious or threatening messages, report the incident. With a valid legal request, TextNow can assist authorities.
Step 5: In Serious Cases, Involve Law Enforcement
Police and cybercrime units can submit a legal request to obtain the real identity behind the number.
TextNow offers a limited but functional Caller ID feature. Here’s how it works and what you can expect:
Step-by-Step Explanation:
Step 1: Incoming and outgoing calls show the phone number of the caller or recipient.
Step 2: If possible, TextNow also shows the city or region tied to that number.
Step 3: If the number is saved in your contacts, the contact name will appear instead of just the number.
Step 4: For premium (Ad Free+) users, additional details like caller name or business name may sometimes appear, if registered.
📌 Note
TextNow doesn’t automatically share your name through Caller ID. The name shown on the receiver’s phone depends on their carrier and its caller name lookup service (CNAM).
Yes, it is possible to investigate who owns a phone number using both online tools and investigative steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Use a Reverse Lookup Tool
Sites like Truecaller, BeenVerified, or Whitepages can check for registered owner details.
Step 2: Search the Number on Google
Copy and paste the number into Google. Sometimes it shows up on business pages, forums, or classified listings.
Step 3: Check Social Media
Many people unknowingly link their phone number to public accounts. Search the number directly on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Step 4: Install a Caller ID App
Apps like Hiya and Whoscall may identify numbers using community-reported databases.
Step 5: If Serious, Contact Authorities
If you’re dealing with scams, threats, or fraud, report it to your local law enforcement. Carriers can reveal user identities through legal means.
Your personal information is generally safe with TextNow, but there are specific conditions under which it may be shared:
Step 1: Consent-Based Sharing
TextNow only shares your data with third parties if you explicitly agree (e.g., signing up for a third-party service).
Step 2: Service Improvements
It may use aggregated, anonymized data to improve its platform, but that data cannot identify individuals.
Step 3: Legal Requirements
If required by law, TextNow will hand over information to government agencies or law enforcement with proper legal authorization (e.g., subpoenas).
Step 4: Fraud & Abuse Cases
If you report abuse, harassment, or scams, TextNow may act on it and collaborate with authorities when necessary.
