TextNow Hour Data Pass – Free Streaming Apps Tested (Part 2)

 

TextNow Hour Data Pass Free Streaming w/ ESPN, PLEX, DIRECTV, XUMO

In Part 1, I tested the TextNow Hour Data Pass with HBO Max and Sling TV.
In Part 2, the focus is on what most users actually rely on:

👉 FREE movies, FREE live TV, and FREE sports apps.

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📺 Apps Tested (FREE Versions Only)

All apps tested in this video were used in their free versions only:

• MyFree DIRECTV (free live TV channels)

• Plex (free movies and TV)

• Xumo Play (free live TV + on-demand)

• ESPN (Free App Version)

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⚠️ IMPORTANT ESPN DISCLAIMER

To avoid confusion, here’s the reality with ESPN:

🟡 The free ESPN app only provides:

• Short video clips

• Highlights

• News and analysis

❌ Live sports streams are NOT included in the free version.

To watch live ESPN games, users must have:

• An ESPN+ subscription, or

• A cable / TV provider login

This test focuses only on what’s available for free inside the ESPN app.

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📱 Real-World Streaming Results

Using the TextNow Hour Data Pass:

✅ MyFree DIRECTV – Live channels load and play
✅ Xumo Play – Free live TV works in short sessions
✅ Plex – Free movies stream with adjusted quality
⚠️ ESPN (free version) – Clips and highlights load and play

This makes the Hour Data Pass best suited for short viewing sessions, not long binge-watching.

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💬 Final Take

If you understand the limits and stick to free content, the TextNow Hour Data Pass is a legit backup option in 2026.

Honest testing. No hype. Just real results.

Check Out This Video Below To See the free apps in action!

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Join my Patreon for exclusive content and early access:

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Can You Stream HBO Max & Sling TV on TextNow’s Hour Data Pass?

 

Image of TextNow, HBO MAX, SLING TV

Many people wonder if streaming apps actually work on TextNow’s Hour Data Pass. In this post, I tested HBO Max and Sling TV in real time to see what really happens.

What Is TextNow’s Hour Data Pass?

TextNow offers an Hour Data Pass that allows access to certain data services without a traditional mobile data plan.

HBO Max Streaming Test Results

I opened the HBO Max app, selected a show, and tested playback using only TextNow’s Hour Data Pass. Here’s what worked and what didn’t.

Sling TV Streaming Test Results

Next, I tested Sling TV to see if live streaming would load and play.

What Worked (And What Didn’t)

• App loading behavior
• Video playback quality
• Buffering and limitations

Final Thoughts

If you’re trying to stream on TextNow, results may vary, but this test shows what’s possible.

🎥 Watch the full video test here:

PS. These other apps down below also stream for free on the TextNow Hour Data Pass:

• JustWatch
• IMDB
• Plex
• Xumo Play
• CNN app
• Audiomack
• DIRECTV (free streaming version)

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TextNow Free Flex Plan vs Kite Mobile Free Data

 

Image made by ChatGPT of TextNow vs Kite Mobile

Which Free Phone Service Is ACTUALLY Better in 2026?

Free phone service sounds like a scam… until you actually use it.

I’ve been testing free mobile services for years on my channel TuPhonez4Free, and two names keep popping up lately: TextNow’s Free Flex Plan and the Kite Mobile Free Data App.

Both claim “free,” but they go about it in very different ways. One focuses on talk and text, the other focuses on data. After real-world testing, here’s the no-nonsense breakdown so you can decide which one fits your life — or why using both together might be the smartest move.

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📱 TextNow Free Flex Plan (The OG Free Phone Service)

TextNow has been around over a decade, and that matters. It’s stable, widely supported, and works on Android, iPhone, and tablets.

What TextNow Does Best

• Unlimited talk and text through the TextNow app

• Works on Wi-Fi or cellular

• Can function as a real phone number

• Runs on AT&T’s network with a SIM card

If your priority is calling and texting, TextNow still wins that category.

The SIM Card Catch

To use TextNow away from Wi-Fi, you’ll need to buy a physical SIM card (usually between $0.99 and $4.99).
Pro tip: I’ve covered multiple ways to earn that cost using survey and reward apps — no out-of-pocket money required.

About That “Free Data”

TextNow advertises free data, but let’s be clear:

• It’s only for select zero-rated apps

• Data usage may show on your phone, but you’re not charged for supported apps

• Social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat do NOT work freely on the base plan

Free Messaging Apps That DO Work

• Google Voice

• Google Chat

• TextNow (main + secondary line)

• imo

• iMessage (iPhone only)

If you want full social media access, you’ll need to buy a data pass.

Important Warning

I strongly do not recommend porting your main number into TextNow. I’ve had issues in the past, and recovering numbers can be messy. Use it as a secondary or dedicated free line instead.

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🌐 Kite Mobile Free Data App (The New Kid With a Big Advantage)

Kite Mobile launched in December 2025, and it flips the free phone idea completely.

Instead of talk and text first, Kite is all about free data.

What Makes Kite Mobile Different

• Unlimited free web-based data

• No physical SIM required

• Uses eSIM technology

• No in-app purchases

• No subscriptions

• Advertiser-supported

You install the app, activate the eSIM, and you’re online.

What You Can Actually Do With Kite Mobile

Through Kite Mobile’s built-in browser, you can use:

• Banking websites

• PayPal, Chime, Varo

• Instagram, Facebook Messenger

• Uber and Lyft

• Google Maps

• TikTok

• Most web-based messaging platforms

This is real usable data, not just a few whitelisted apps.

Limitations to Know

• Some states (like California) according to one reader and viewer of mines stated may have download restrictions

• Carrier-locked phones may still need Wi-Fi to activate and the kite mobile esim bypasses through

• No traditional calling or texting unless it’s web-based

Still, for a free data connection, this is one of the most impressive options I’ve tested.

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⚖️ TextNow vs Kite Mobile: Quick Comparison

TextNow Free Flex

• Best for: Calling and texting

• Requires: Physical SIM

• Data: Very limited, app-specific (Google Maps, Email, Banking, and rideshare)

• Ideal as: A free phone number

Kite Mobile

• Best for: Browsing and messaging online (Facebook, Instagram, Uber, Google Maps)

• Requires: eSIM

• Data: Broad web access (some Lite apps can work).

• Ideal as: A free data connection

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🧠 My Real Recommendation (This Is the Cheat Code)

Don’t pick one.

Use both.

• Use TextNow for unlimited calls and texts and the free flex data for the listed apps. 

• Use Kite Mobile for free data and web access for your facebook, instagram, and tiktoks

• Together, they create a nearly complete free phone setup

This is where eSIM technology is changing the game, and we’re only at the beginning.

If you’re serious about saving money and still staying connected, this combo is hard to beat.

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Follow TuPhonez4Free for more real-world testing, not hype.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO DOWN BELOW:

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO BELOW:

HERE IS HOW TO FIND THE KITE MOBILE APP:

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Join my Patreon for exclusive content and early access:

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Tech Hack: Unlocked Mobile Hotsopt Works on TextNow Free Flex Plan

AI Generated Image of TextNow and Free Essental Data Plan Apps

Check out Full Video Down Below:

AI Generated Image of TextNow and mobile hotspot

https://www.textnow.com/blog https://tuphonez4free.blogspot.com/

How To Get a Free SIM Card Using This One App!

Mode the earn app official image

With this one app you can earn money, gift cards, and even a free sim card that includes free unlimited talk text and data! All for free! Download the app today and earn free money and sim card for cellphone service. The invite link down below under the videos that are provided. 

About Mode Mobile the Earn App

The Mode Mobile app lets you earn money for doing things you already do on your phone, like listening to music, playing games, browsing the web, and even charging your phone. They say you can earn up to $1200 per year. The app is free to use and available for Android devices.

The Mode Mobile app is part of a larger program that also includes the Mode EarnPhone, which is a smartphone with built-in earning features. With the Mode EarnPhone, you can earn even more money for using your phone.

Get a Free Sim Card With This App! 

How To Get Unlimited Talk Text and Data For Free?

You're invited to EarnApp! 🎉 Get a FREE $15 Stock Bonus as my friend. Sign up and play your first game 🎮, and we both get paid 💸... I have been earning 💰 by charging 🔋, listening 🎵, & reading 📚.

Click on the link below: https://crrnt.me/JsJaPWoHRJb

Using Google Maps and Uber on TextNow Free Essential Data Plan 2024

Lyft Official Image 

This is going to be short and sweet. In the video below I demo that the Google Maps app and Uber app both works and works well on the new TextNow Essential Data offer.  Its free. So check it out. 

TextNow offers a free plan with unlimited talk and text, but with some limitations on data usage. Here's a breakdown: Unlimited calling and texting: You can make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts to anyone in the US, all for free. This applies to calls and texts to landlines and mobile phones. Free Essential Data: This includes limited data access for specific apps, such as Gmail, Outlook, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Uber, and Lyft. This is helpful for basic navigation and communication needs, but won't allow you to browse the web freely or stream videos. Supported on unlocked phones: You'll need a TextNow SIM card (which starts at $4.99) and an unlocked smartphone to use the service. Ads supported: TextNow makes money by showing you ads within the app. This is how they can offer the service for free. Here are some additional things to consider: You can upgrade to paid data plans if you need more data for browsing the web or streaming. TextNow uses T-Mobile's network, so coverage will depend on T-Mobile's signal strength in your area. You can choose your own phone number or keep your existing number (porting fees may apply). Overall, TextNow's Unlimited Talk and Text Free Plan is a good option for people who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, and basic navigation, and don't need a lot of data. Want to earn free service? Click this link below! https://rewards.straighttalk.com/friend

TextNow Essential Data Plan Terms and Condtions

TextNow Free Essential Data Official Image

 

TextNow Essential Data Plan isn't exactly a traditional plan with its own terms and conditions. However, it functions based on two separate agreements:

TextNow Terms of Use: This agreement lays the groundwork for using TextNow's service, which includes the Essential Data Plan. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/legal/terms-of-use
There's a specific clause (section 9) mentioning Essential Data and stating that it's subject to a separate agreement.

Access to Essential Data Terms of Service: This agreement outlines the specifics of the Essential Data Plan, including data limitations, speed restrictions, and disclaimers. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/blog/introducing-free-essential-data

Here are some key points from the Essential Data Terms of Service:

Data Allowance: You get 350MB of data per monthly cycle for specific apps (email, maps, rideshare) at speeds up to 3 Mbps. Further usage within the same cycle reduces speed to 128 kbps.

Speed: Speeds aren't guaranteed and can vary depending on network availability.

Data Expiration: Unused data expires at the end of the monthly cycle.

TextNow's Discretion: TextNow can change the list of supported apps, data limitations, and discontinue the service at any time without notice.

Down below are the apps that can be used on TextNow's Free Essential Data:

• AOL
• OutLook
• Yahoo Mail
• Gmail
• Google Maps
• Apple Maps
• Waze
• Uber
• Lyft
• Microsoft Exchange
• Microsoft Outlook 365
• FastMail
• GMX Mail
• Hotmail
• Hushmail
• Inbox.com
• Lockbin
• Lotus Notes
• Lycos Mail
• Mailstorm
• My Way Email
• Proton Mail
• Sunrise Calendar
• Yaanimail
• Yandex Mail
• Zimbra
• Zoho Mail

You can also check out these videos below: