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Message Newcomers & Colleagues with Digital Instant Messaging

TextNow

The TextNow app allows you to create a second U.S. or Canadian phone number on your smartphone or computer that you can use instead of a personal number for calling or texting clients (in particular if you’re using a personal smartphone for work purposes).

Description

The TextNow app allows you to create a second U.S. or Canadian phone number on your smartphone or computer that you can use instead of a personal number for calling or texting clients (in particular if you’re using a personal smartphone for work purposes). To send messages and make calls, you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks.

Note: because the app creates a “virtual phone number” some users have reported that WhatsApp may not recognize the phone number created by these apps. You can also Use A Landline Number to set up WhatsApp.

Current known uses in the sector

  • You can use this number to set up other digital messaging apps that require phone/text verification, such as WhatsApp.
  • TextNow can be used in Citizenship Preparation, Community Connections, Employment-related, Information and Orientation, Library Settlement Partnership, Settlement Workers in Schools, Pre-Arrival to communicate effectively with Newcomers who prefer texting as a way to stay connected and informed.

Video overview

Pricing

TextNow allows you to send and receive free texts and calls. The free version includes ads in the app. You can buy a subscription to remove ads.

Ease of use & Accessibility

The app is easy to use, but does not appear to have accessibility features.

Mobile friendly

TextNow is a smartphone app available on Android and iOS.

Privacy/security features, including data security and message encryption

TextNow adheres to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which includes the right to opt-out of the sale of your data.

Multilingual capabilities

TextNow’s interface is in English only. It is unclear if you can text using different language settings/alphabets.

Additional resources

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