Q: How to update iOS 9.3 without SIM card

<post prior to coffee deleted>

I believe we are using two definitions of the word 'activate' here.  If I have no intention of using the device except on a wifi network, then I am not trying to activate it for use on a cellular network.  The claim is that 'at some point' the device will have to be re-activated, or that an update may require re-activation for some reason, but these are very vague and, at least so far, unsubstantiated statements.  If it is true then Apple should state clearly that they do not support use of the device without a cellular connection.

An iPhone must have a SIM card in it to activate it. The SIM must be for the carrier the phone is locked to, if it is a locked phone, but it does not have to be a currently active SIM. Once the phone is activated the SIM may be removed.

For Apple's documentation on this, since you don't trust us, see: If you can't activate your iPhone - Apple Support

Note specifically:

Before you begin

• If your iPhone uses a SIM card, make sure that the card is in your iPhone. Even without an active contract, your iPhone might still need the SIM card to activate.
• If you see a No SIM card error, follow these steps. No SIM or Invalid SIM alerts appear when a SIM card is damaged, locked, or missing.
• If a message says to sign in with an Apple ID to activate, learn about Activation Lock.

Great - that's exactly what I was looking for; trust but verify.  I and a lot of other people have been lulled into a false sense of security because we've been able to upgrade in the past without a SIM (you may not believe me on that, but it's true).

Kln-nc wrote:

 

Great - that's exactly what I was looking for; trust but verify.  I and a lot of other people have been lulled into a false sense of security because we've been able to upgrade in the past without a SIM (you may not believe me on that, but it's true).

I believe you. You can install an update without reactivating, unless there is a glitch in the update. If there is the phone has to be reactivated, which requires a SIM. Unless it's a CDMA-only phone (iPhone 4 or older for Sprint or Verizon).

This message is for Zsedenyia.

Hi, I currently live in Japan and I have an iPhone5 that I foolishly upgraded to iOS 9.3.2 recently.  I am having the same issue as others, the phone won't reactivate.

My phone was on the AU/KDDI network which is CDMA.  So I had a 'SIM card' or whatever passes for one in CDMA style phones.  I still have this old AU card, but it will not reactivate the phone, neither with iOS nor with iTunes.  The phone claims that there is no card in the phone, but there is.

You mentioned buying a prepaid activated AU SIM from Amazon Japan for a very cheap price for your friend.  Could you send me a link to that SIM you bought and if it worked for your friend's phone or not?  I have been searching Amazon Japan myself but I am unable to find anything that matches your description.

Thanks in advance!

u so weird? of course you can update/restore ios without sim card. but u can't skip the activation screen without sim card ( so u can't go to home screen ).  there're asummed 2 poins in activation screen. --1, activation device factory unlock : itunes checking(online of course, itunes send some code to server) if the  device is lost,stolen,jailbroken, or sim card/connector broken (include parts related), in this case u can't use the device in ios above 7, even u want use it just for media player(ipod) u can't. it's now just a garbage for parts sale/service/replacing parts. --special case : don't jailbreak the phone even it's factory unlock, because when u update/restore/upgrade it in ios 7 or above, it will locked in activation screen too. --2, activation phone (call,message, etc) : itunes checking and send code/token to server if the phone is lost or stolen ( report from individual person or carrier in contract ) u can't use the phone too, even going to homescreen. u can use it when u call the owner from past or the carrier. forgive me if i'm wrong. please correct.  

You are not wrong, but it's all been said already in other response posts.

tolits24 wrote:

 

what should i do?

Get a SIM from the carrier your phone is locked to.