TextNow Video Calling: Does It Work Like FaceTime?

If you have been wondering whether you can make a TextNow video call the same way you fire up FaceTime on an iPhone, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions people have after downloading the app. TextNow is best known for offering free calls and texts over Wi-Fi, but its video calling feature tends to fly under the radar. In this guide, we break down exactly how TextNow video calling works, how it stacks up against FaceTime, and what you need to know before you try it.

Disclaimer: This is an independent, fan-made information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TextNow, Inc. in any way. For official support, please visit TextNow’s official website.

The short answer is yes. Can you video call on TextNow? You can, but there are some important details to understand before you jump in. TextNow does offer an in-app video calling feature, but it works differently from traditional phone calls or from what you might be used to with FaceTime or Google Meet.

Here is the key thing to know: TextNow video calling is a data-based feature. That means it runs over Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection, not over the standard cellular voice network. This is actually similar to how FaceTime works on iPhones — FaceTime also runs over an internet connection rather than a traditional phone line.

However, there are some limitations. As of the time this article was written, TextNow video calling works between TextNow users. Both people on the call need to have the TextNow app installed and an active account. You cannot currently video call a regular phone number the way you would make a standard voice call.

Getting started with a TextNow video call is straightforward. Follow these steps to make your first video call through the app.

Step 1: Make Sure Both Users Have TextNow Installed

As mentioned above, both parties need to have the TextNow app installed and be signed into their accounts. The app is available for iOS, Android, and as a desktop application for Windows and Mac. Make sure you and the person you want to call are both on a recent version of the app.

Step 2: Open a Conversation

Launch the TextNow app and navigate to your messages. Open an existing conversation with the contact you want to video call, or start a new message thread with them using their TextNow number or registered contact information.

Step 3: Look for the Video Call Icon

Inside the conversation, look for the video camera icon. It is typically displayed in the top-right corner of the screen when you are in a chat with another TextNow user. Tap that icon to initiate the video call.

Step 4: Allow Camera and Microphone Permissions

If this is your first time using the video call feature, your device will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. You need to allow both for the call to work properly. If you denied these permissions in the past, you can re-enable them through your device’s app settings.

Step 5: Wait for the Other Person to Answer

Once you tap the video call button, the other person will receive a notification and can choose to accept or decline the call. When they accept, the video feed from both cameras will appear on your screen.

A lot of people specifically ask about how to FaceTime on TextNow — usually because they are using an Android device and want something similar to the Apple-exclusive FaceTime experience, or because they are using a TextNow number on a device that does not support FaceTime. Here is a side-by-side look at how the two compare.

Similarities

• Both run over an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• Both offer face-to-face video conversations in real time
• Both work on mobile devices and, in some cases, computers
• Both are free to use (assuming you have a data connection)

Key Differences

• Cross-platform availability: FaceTime is limited to Apple devices. TextNow works on iOS and Android, making it more accessible across different phone types.
• Who you can call: FaceTime allows you to call anyone with an Apple ID, even if they have a different phone number. TextNow video calling currently requires both users to be on the TextNow platform.
• Group video calls: FaceTime supports large group calls. TextNow video calling is primarily designed for one-on-one calls.
• Video quality: This depends heavily on your internet connection for both apps. Neither one is guaranteed to deliver perfect quality on a slow connection.
• Integration: FaceTime is deeply built into iOS and macOS. TextNow is a standalone app, so the experience is a bit more manual.

So if you were hoping to use TextNow as a direct FaceTime replacement, it covers the basics but is not a like-for-like swap. For casual one-on-one video chats between TextNow users, though, it does the job well.

One of the most common follow-up questions is: does TextNow have video calling on every platform it supports? The answer is mostly yes, but with some nuance.

Android

Video calling on Android works well in the current version of the TextNow app. As long as you have a device with a front-facing camera and have granted the necessary permissions, you should be able to make and receive video calls without any major issues.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

The iOS version of TextNow also supports video calling. iPhone users who want a FaceTime-style experience but need to use a TextNow number — for example, people using the app as their primary phone line — will find the feature useful here.

Windows and Mac Desktop

The desktop version of TextNow has more limited feature support compared to the mobile apps. Video calling availability on desktop may vary depending on the version of the app you have installed. It is worth checking the desktop app directly to see whether the video icon appears in your conversations.

TextNow-Branded Devices

If you are using a TextNow-branded or TextNow SIM-enabled device, video calling should work through the app just as it would on any other Android phone. The experience is tied to the app itself, not to the device brand.

For more general information about how TextNow APK works across different platforms and devices, check out the homepage for additional guides and resources.

Because TextNow video calls run over the internet, the quality of your call depends a lot on your connection. Here are some practical tips to improve your experience.

• Use Wi-Fi when possible: A stable Wi-Fi connection will almost always deliver better results than mobile data, especially for video.
• Stay close to your router: If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room you are in, try moving closer to the router before starting a call.
• Close background apps: Other apps using your data or processor can affect call quality. Close anything you do not need before starting the call.
• Update the app: Older versions of TextNow may have bugs that affect video calling. Keep the app updated to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
• Check your camera: If the video feed looks blurry or dark, make sure your camera lens is clean and that you have adequate lighting in front of you, not behind you.
• Restart the app if there are issues: If a video call fails to connect or drops unexpectedly, closing and reopening the app is often the fastest fix.

Can you video call on TextNow for free?

Yes. TextNow video calls do not cost money through the app itself. However, they do use data. If you are on a limited mobile data plan, it is best to use Wi-Fi to avoid using up your data allowance. Keep in mind that features and policies can change, so it is always worth double-checking the current terms inside the app.

Does TextNow have video calling with non-TextNow users?

At this time, TextNow video calling works between TextNow users only. You cannot initiate a video call to a standard phone number the way you can place a regular voice call through TextNow. The person you want to video call will need to have the app installed.

Why is my TextNow video call not connecting?

The most common reasons are a weak internet connection, outdated app version, or camera/microphone permissions that have been blocked. Try switching to Wi-Fi, updating the app, and checking your device permissions. If the problem continues, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Is TextNow video calling available on iPad?

The TextNow app is available for iOS devices including iPad. If your iPad has a camera and a working internet connection, you should be able to use the video calling feature. The experience may look slightly different on a larger screen, but the core functionality is the same.

How is TextNow video calling different from a regular TextNow call?

A standard TextNow call is an audio-only call that can be made to any phone number. A TextNow video call includes live video from both parties and currently requires both people to be using the TextNow app. They are separate features within the same app.

TextNow video calling is a genuinely useful feature, especially for people who rely on the app as their main communication tool. It is not a perfect replacement for FaceTime — the requirement that both users have the TextNow app is a real limitation — but for one-on-one video chats between TextNow users, it works well and does not cost anything extra beyond your data connection.

If you were asking whether does TextNow have video calling in a meaningful, functional sense, the answer is yes. It is a clean, simple feature that gets the job done. The key is making sure both people are on the app and that your internet connection is solid before you start the call.

As TextNow continues to develop its platform, it is possible that video calling features could expand in the future. Keep an eye on app updates for any new additions to this feature set.

Disclaimer: This article was written by an independent fan site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by TextNow, Inc. App features and availability can change over time. Always refer to the official TextNow app and support channels for the most current and accurate information.