There are alternate apps and services that don’t depend on Google. I’m responding from one such service right now.

I’ve also been using the same TextNow number since 2016. You know, VOIP WiFi phone service? I even debugged the TextNow app back in 2016, they’re actually damn glad to have me as a regular free user.

There are ways to both maintain privacy, and also use your device at the same time.