How to Block and Unblock Numbers on TextNow

Whether you are dealing with an unwanted caller, a spammer, or someone you simply no longer want to hear from, knowing how to block a number on TextNow is one of the most useful things you can learn as a TextNow user. The process is straightforward once you know where to look, but the steps can differ slightly depending on whether you are using the mobile app or the web version of the service.

In this guide we will walk you through blocking a number, unblocking a number, viewing your blocked list, and we will also cover what happens on the other end when someone gets blocked. We will finish up with a quick FAQ section to answer the most common questions on this topic.

Disclaimer: This is an independent, fan-made resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TextNow, Inc. in any way. For official support, please visit the TextNow Help Center directly.

TextNow is a free calling and messaging app that assigns users a real phone number, which means it is subject to the same kinds of unwanted contact that any regular phone number can attract. Common reasons people look up how to block a number on TextNow include:

• Repeated calls or texts from strangers or telemarketers
• Harassment or abusive messages
• Ex-contacts they no longer want to communicate with
• Accidental contact from unknown numbers
• Spam bots that somehow got hold of their TextNow number

Blocking someone on TextNow stops their calls and messages from reaching you. It is a clean and simple way to take back control of your inbox and call log.

The mobile app is where most people manage their TextNow account on a day-to-day basis. Here is how to block a contact directly from the app on both Android and iOS.

Block from a Conversation

1. Open the TextNow app on your phone.
2. Go to your Messages tab and tap on the conversation with the person you want to block.
3. Tap the contact name or phone number at the top of the screen to open their contact details.
4. Look for the three-dot menu (also called the overflow menu) or a settings icon near the top right corner.
5. Tap Block from the menu options that appear.
6. Confirm your choice when prompted.

Block from a Call Log

1. Open the TextNow app and go to your Calls tab.
2. Find the call from the number you want to block.
3. Tap and hold on that call entry, or tap the info icon next to it.
4. Select Block Number from the options.
5. Confirm the action.

Once a number is blocked, that contact will no longer be able to send you messages or call you through TextNow. They will not receive any notification that they have been blocked.

If you use TextNow on a desktop or laptop browser, the blocking process works a little differently but is still fairly easy to follow.

1. Log in to your TextNow account at textnow.com.
2. Open the conversation with the number you want to block from the left-hand sidebar.
3. Click on the contact name or number at the top of the chat window.
4. A contact panel should appear on the right side of the screen.
5. Look for a Block option or a gear/settings icon within that panel.
6. Click Block and confirm your choice.

The interface may vary slightly depending on which browser you use and whether TextNow has updated its web layout recently, but the general path is the same: open the conversation, access the contact details, and find the block option.

Changed your mind? Knowing how to unblock a number on TextNow is just as important as knowing how to block one. You might want to restore communication with someone, or you may have accidentally blocked the wrong contact.

Unblock via the Blocked Numbers List (Mobile)

1. Open the TextNow app.
2. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or a hamburger icon) to open the main navigation.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Look for a section called Blocked Numbers, Privacy, or Account Settings depending on your app version.
5. Tap on Blocked Numbers to see your full list.
6. Find the number you want to unblock and tap Unblock next to it.

Unblock via the Web Version

1. Log in to textnow.com.
2. Click your profile icon or go to Settings.
3. Navigate to the Blocked Numbers section.
4. Find the number in the list and click Unblock.

After unblocking, the person will be able to contact you again through TextNow, just as they could before the block was placed.

One question that comes up often is how to see blocked numbers on TextNow. Maybe you blocked someone a while ago and forgot about it, or you want to review your blocked list before giving someone your number.

The blocked numbers list lives inside the app settings and can be found by following these steps:

1. Open the TextNow app or log in on the web.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Look for Blocked Numbers or a similar privacy section.
4. All currently blocked numbers will be listed there.

From this screen you can review everyone you have blocked and unblock any of them at any time. This is also the fastest place to go if you want to do a quick audit of your block list.

This is a tricky topic because TextNow, like most messaging platforms, does not send you a direct notification saying “you have been blocked.” However, there are some signs that can give you a clue.

Signs That You May Have Been Blocked

• Your messages are not being delivered: If messages you send consistently fail to deliver or show no delivery confirmation, the other person may have blocked you.
• Calls go unanswered or go straight to voicemail: If your calls to a TextNow number always ring once and go to voicemail, or do not connect at all, that could be a sign.
• No response over a long period: While not conclusive on its own, a complete lack of response combined with delivery failures can suggest a block.

It is important to note that none of these signs are a definitive confirmation. Poor internet connections, a deactivated TextNow account, or a changed phone number can all produce similar results. There is no guaranteed way to know for certain that someone has blocked you on TextNow without asking them directly through another channel.

If you are a TextNow APK user on Android and you installed the app manually, the blocking and unblocking features work the same way as in the Play Store version, provided you have a current and fully functional build.

Does the blocked person know they have been blocked on TextNow?

No. TextNow does not notify the person that they have been blocked. Their messages and calls will simply not reach you, but they will not receive any explicit notice about it.

Can a blocked number still leave a voicemail?

This can depend on your specific settings and app version. In many cases, blocked numbers are prevented from leaving voicemails as well, but it is worth testing with a number you trust if you want to confirm the behavior in your current app version.

Does blocking a number on TextNow block it on my regular carrier too?

No. TextNow blocking only applies within the TextNow app and your TextNow number. It has no effect on your regular cellular number or any other app.

Can I block a number that has never contacted me first?

This depends on whether the number exists in your contacts or call/message history. If you have no prior conversation with the number, you may need to start a new conversation first before the block option becomes available, or look for a way to add and block a contact manually through your settings.

What happens to old messages from a blocked number?

Existing messages in your conversation history are typically not deleted when you block someone. You will still be able to see old messages, but no new ones will come through.

Managing who can and cannot reach you is one of the most important features any communication app can offer, and TextNow handles this reasonably well. Whether you need to block a persistent spammer, unblock an old contact, check your blocked list, or figure out whether someone has blocked you, the steps outlined in this guide should cover everything you need.

The key takeaways are simple: use the in-conversation settings or your app settings menu to block and unblock numbers, check the Blocked Numbers section in Settings to review your list, and remember that there is no official way to confirm that someone has blocked you on TextNow.

If TextNow updates its interface and any of these steps change, we will do our best to keep this guide current.

Disclaimer: This article is published on an independent, fan-run website and has no affiliation with TextNow, Inc. App interfaces and features may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, refer to official TextNow support resources.