hughmass
Level 3 (579 points)
iPhone

Q: how do I activate sim free new iphone se?

Buying my first iphone se I just took delivery, but since I bought it unlocked and sim free, it won't activate. Apple support says I need a sim card. Wish I had known that, maybe I should have but here I am.

So if I just want to use my iphone as an ipod and camera and for the apps, how do I activate this iphone se so I can use it on my home wireless network?

I tried getting itunes to activate it, and so did support, but they gave up and said it needed a sim card.

What are my cheapest options?

 

I so wish apple had included a simple line on the ad that said if you buy this iphone se to use as an ipod, and you buy it unlocked, you won't be able to activate it.

Hugh

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 4:08 PM

by Carolyn Samit,Solvedanswer
Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit
Level 10 (122,076 points)
Apple Music
A:

The iPhone cannot be activated without a SIM card period.

 

If you can't activate your iPhone - Apple Support

Posted on Sep 9, 2016 4:10 PM

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hughmass

Q: how do I activate sim free new iphone se?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Carolyn Samit,Solvedanswer

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Sep 9, 2016 4:10 PM in response to hughmass
    Level 10 (122,076 points)
    Apple Music
    Sep 9, 2016 4:10 PM in response to hughmass

    The iPhone cannot be activated without a SIM card period.

     

    If you can't activate your iPhone - Apple Support

  • by Rysz,Helpful

    Rysz Rysz Sep 9, 2016 4:56 PM in response to hughmass
    Level 7 (20,507 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 9, 2016 4:56 PM in response to hughmass

    To activate, you need to have a SIM card inserted. It could be any card that fits and doesn't even need to be activated.

     

    Do you have one on another device, or can borrow one?

  • by hughmass,

    hughmass hughmass Sep 9, 2016 4:58 PM in response to Rysz
    Level 3 (579 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 9, 2016 4:58 PM in response to Rysz

    No other device. Feeling a little dumb, like I never knew what most people know. Probably should have bought the one with a sim card installed as it wasn't going to cost more, but the apple site seemed to say sim free was a good option.

    Oh well, if any sim card will do, I will check out the cheapest....

    thanks for your help.

    Hugh

  • by Rysz,Helpful

    Rysz Rysz Sep 10, 2016 3:46 AM in response to hughmass
    Level 7 (20,507 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 10, 2016 3:46 AM in response to hughmass

    Buying a SIM free phone has its advantages. For example, you won't need to ask your carrier to unlock it.

     

    If you wont be using it as phone, you could have bought a much cheaper iPod touch (You have 14 days to exchange it or get your money back).

     

    If you will be using it as a phone, just go to any decent mall and get set up with the carrier you actually want to use. No need for "intermediate" SIMs.