If you’ve ever received strange messages or calls from a TextNow number, you know how frustrating it can be. TextNow lets people stay anonymous, and when their messages start to get weird or suspicious it leaves you wondering: who’s behind it?
I found myself in that exact situation. A message popped up from a number I didn’t recognize. I ignored it at first, thinking it was just a mistake. But then more came in and they got stranger. That’s when I knew I had to dig deeper and find out who was sending them.
So, I started searching. Is it even possible to trace a TextNow number? Turns out, there are a few clever ways to do it even if it’s a little harder than tracing regular phone numbers.
In this guide, I’ll share the exact steps I tried, along with other methods you can use to trace a TextNow number safely and legally.
Contents
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
One of the first things I tried was running the TextNow number through a reverse phone lookup tool. These services gather public data linked to a phone number like possible owner names, email addresses, social profiles, or even location info. While it doesn’t always work with VoIP numbers like TextNow, some premium lookup tools can still pull up surprising results. It’s a good starting point if you’re hoping to get a name or more clues about who’s texting you.
Below Are the Steps You Need To Follow:
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.
📌 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).
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
Sometimes, when you message from the same platform, you might get auto-replies or interaction clues that aren’t visible through standard texting. Just be smart about it never share personal info and keep your tone neutral. You’re trying to gather insight, not escalate the situation.
Here’s The Details To Follow :
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 another solid option. It has a massive user-driven database of numbers, and many people unknowingly label VoIP numbers like those from TextNow. When I entered the number into Truecaller, it sometimes showed a name, profile photo, or tags like “Spam” or “Telemarketer.” Even if it doesn’t give a name, seeing how others marked the number can help you figure out if it’s worth worrying about or blocking.
Follow These Steps To Trace A TextNow Number:
Step 1: Download the Truecaller app or go to their official site.
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 things get serious like threats, harassment, or anything that feels dangerous don’t hesitate to take the official route. I found that while TextNow won’t give out user details to just anyone, they will cooperate with law enforcement if there’s a valid legal reason. You can try reporting the issue to TextNow directly, but for real results, filing a police report is often necessary. Authorities can then submit a proper request to TextNow for the user’s information. It’s not instant, but it’s the most reliable way if safety is on the line.
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.
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.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only; users should use the mentioned apps and methods responsibly and at their own risk, ensuring they are not used for any illegal or unethical activities.
Stay Ahead of
Cyber Threats
Get started to learn how we detect and prevent threats before they reach you.
Register Now