So I finally decided to spring for the $4.99 for the SIM and try TextNow with a SIM. It seems I have run into issues along the way and tech support is non existent other than getting a refund.

First I have a dual SIM unlocked phone and the IMEI is listed as "compatible".

I had read through the activation instructions online as well as related troubleshooting docs to no avail.

First I put the SIM in slot 2 of my phone and disabled SIM 1 in software and connected to Wifi. powered phone up, Opened the app and NOTHING HAPPENED! Rebooted several ties and re-opened Textnow app. Nothing happened still.

Second try, I removed the SIM from slot 1 and replaced it with the textnow SIM , making it the only SIM on the phone. Connected to Wifi. Powered phone up opened app and it seemed to begin the activation process (after a few tries). This was followed by a generic message something like "error activating SIM". Was only able to call when connected to WIFi.

Waited for the very small support hours window (I am on West coast) and did the online chat bot on computer.. Supposedly a button should appear to get a live person but never saw any such button to "get in touch" to a live person as indicated in their help files. Finally I typed the phrase "get in touch" in the bot pages and received a link to a live support person that once clicked nothing seemed to happen. After a long wait I received an unexpected reply (as I had given up) . The support person was only interested in directing me to the same documents I had already read. and ignored my later requests for a refund until I pressed the issue. Then he wanted to disconnect me for saying it was "BS" what he was putting me through. I then had to DEMAND the refund but believe me what I had gone through was far beyond the $4.99 value of the useless SIM.

I think TextNow is just another of these Canadian companies that take your money and have no real support . This seems to be how more and more of these Canadian Shysters work (masquerading as US based businesses) be careful with these guys.

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