PC App shows VPN error when there is no VPN

VPN
1

I’m trying to assist a client that uses TextNow for client messaging via the PC app. Whenever they try to send a text message there is an error about disabling the VPN or paying for ad free plus to keep the VPN. This just started today, and there is no VPN installed, or configured on the router.

I tried this on my computer, and it works fine so it’s something to do on the customers computer, but I’m not sure what the problem could be.

TextNow Support is useless

EDIT: This appears to be an attempt by TextNow to cut down on free users. It seems the only solution here is to buy a paid account.

2

Are they using the app, or accessing via a browser? Perhaps there’s a VPN enabled in the browser itself, or try a different browser.

3

You already talked to TextNow support about this? What do you mean they were useless? What did they say?

4

Any word on this I’m having same issue it started on my phone but same on the pc as well. I don’t have a vpn installed on either device :confused:

5

Same issues for me at work.
But home works fine

I asked but no VPNs were added to work wifi.
Also no VPNs listed anywhere in the network that I can see. Annoying as I use it at work from time to time.

New provider soon…

6

I just started having this issue today, but it’s only with the app. I try to send a message (oddly enough I can still receive) and it won’t send because it says I need to pay if I’m using a VPN connection, which I’ve never used, but I verified myself that a VPN connection is not active on my phone.

Here’s the kicker, on the same phone connected to the same WiFi, I can connect to it using a web browser opened in desktop mode and send a message that way. So, that leads me to believe it’s entirely an in-app issue.

I’ve tried everything to fix it from clearing the cache and all the data on the app, force stopping it, and uninstalling and reinstalling it to no avail. I’ve even disconnected from the WiFi, and forgotten it – still falling back to the same issue without resolve. At this point, it really feels like they’re creating an issue to try and force consumers to pay for the service by default of error. I rely on this for work and direct communication to family, and I can’t afford the service, otherwise I’d be paying for a $40 monthly phone plan instead.

I’m interested to see if anyone comes up or is offered a solution to, what seems to be, a rapidly growing problem.

7

Same problem, so frustrating.

8

I have same problem and from what I’m reading here is times are changing and now you have to pay. Nothing will be free forever.

9

This just happened to me!! I tried to send a text and it says that they have “detected that I am using a VPN” but I’m not… So I’m assuming there’s no solution to this yet!? :weary_face:

10

started having this same issue about 3-4 days ago. Have three devices in the household with TextNow. The two iPhone work perfectly but the Android device suddenly started detecting a VPN… even though we’re all on the same network. If I connect to my iPhone mobile hotspot it works fine… so the VPN detection has nothing to do with the Android device, but has to do with the network (that all the devices are connected to)

11

Same issue, very strange

12

i need a soltion please

13

I have the same issue since 8/16. I have used textnow.com for years to make phone calls from my computer and not I get that error every time I try a call, for any number.

14

August 20th, 2024. Same issue. No resolve. Using Mac app AND using web browser.

15

Having the issue too

16

September 15, 2024, just happened to me.

17

so they’re offering a ‘free’ service but they’re not providing a free service, the heading across the top in huge purple bold letters says “Use TextNow anywhere free!”
sound like fraud, time for a class action lawsuit against these fraudsters.

18

Exact same thing is happening to me! Seems to me like they just want me to pay the 1$ a day, 7$ a week, 28$ a month, Ad-Free+ Service to use their Web Messaging. I don’t use a VPN, and my DNS is set to: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 so not exactly sure what changed to cause this other then something on their end, but we used to be able to send messages and links to contacts via web messaging.

Hopefully someone can find the solution besides paying more!

19

if you have custom DNS settings on your network adapter (including cell phones)…change back to auto. Then turn off your modem…router for 1 min…reboot.

Just try rebooting your modem & routers. If your using web messaging…reinstall the app.

This is what helped me . I was also getting the VPN ad that was trying to force me to use it’s VPN service with textnow on my PC …& on my cell phone.

20

Just started having this problem with the web client today after upgrading from Win8.1 to Win 10 yesterday. I can receive texts no problem but can’t send. Text now still working fine on my other devices.