Is it possible to activate an iPhone with an inactive SIM? (T-Mobile sells SIM cards for $0.99; could I get one of those and use it to activate an iPhone?)
IPhone – Activate iPhone with unactivated SIM
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Related Solutions
I recommend going into full recovery mode. Instructions are here: iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore. A summary:
Disconnect the USB cable from the iPhone or iPod touch, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the the iPhone or iPod touch to turn off.
- If you cannot turn off the device using the slider, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons at the same time. When the device turns off, release the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons.
While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to iPhone. When you reconnect the USB cable to iPhone, the device should power on. Note: If you see the screen pictured below, let the device charge for at least ten minutes to ensure the battery has some charge and then start with step 2 again.
Continue holding the Home button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen. When this screen appears you can release the Home button:
If necessary, open iTunes. You should see the following "recovery mode" alert:
Use iTunes to restore the device.
No - any valid SIM from the correct carrier will activate a phone that is locked to one carrier.
In the rarer case - iPhone 3G was sold or is now authorized unlocked in which case, you don't need any SIM to activate the device after a restore operation.
If the device is carrier locked (in the US - AT&T is the likely carrier), you can either buy a valid SIM from the correct carrier. A prepaid line or locating the SIM that was last used to activate the phone are good options for low expense.
Apple has articles that can guide you in this process:
Using an iPhone without a wireless service plan - This covers setting up an old iPhone like an iPod touch.
iOS: How to back up your data and set up as a new device - The end of this covers restore, set up as new and more explanation of carrier plans.
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Best Answer
Yep, just as long as a SIM card is in there, you can use it to activate an iPhone. You won't get any cell service, but you could use it on Wi-Fi.