I would like to use a new, unlocked iPhone SE as an iPod touch. Do I need a SIM card? I have heard that an unlocked iPhone can be used without a SIM.
If a SIM is required, can I use an old and deactivated SIM?
(Also, I do not have access to iTunes now because my Mac's software is too old. I plan to get a new Mac maybe next year.)
iPhone 5s, iOS 12
With your help, I have solved both issues!
I inserted a deactivated SIM from an old phone into the iPhone SE. It stopped blinking and now displays a solid "SOS only." In addition, the cellular options appeared and I was able to turn off cellular data. (In conclusion, although you can set up a phone without a SIM, is still better to have one.)
iTunes did post a software update, but I just assumed it was pressing me to update the OS, so I have just ignored it. When I clicked "Learn more" it sent me to the web page I pasted below. I installed the update and like magic, my iPhone SE now appears in iTunes. I would never have figured this out on my own. So now I know to check the tech specs. I also did not know a patch existed, so thank you!!
With your help, I have solved both issues!
I inserted a deactivated SIM from an old phone into the iPhone SE. It stopped blinking and now displays a solid "SOS only." In addition, the cellular options appeared and I was able to turn off cellular data. (In conclusion, although you can set up a phone without a SIM, is still better to have one.)
iTunes did post a software update, but I just assumed it was pressing me to update the OS, so I have just ignored it. When I clicked "Learn more" it sent me to the web page I pasted below. I installed the update and like magic, my iPhone SE now appears in iTunes. I would never have figured this out on my own. So now I know to check the tech specs. I also did not know a patch existed, so thank you!!
I just found online that after IOS 12, it is no longer necessary to have a SIM to set up the iPhone to use as a WiFi only device.
Under cellular in my settings, it only says "Set Up Cellular" and nothing else, so I cannot make any changes there. And cellular is not even showing up as an option for the control center.
I seems like it is working so far--it made it through the whole set up at least without the SIM. Will see how it goes from here!
You will need a functional SIM or eSIM solely for activation. Once activated with an Apple ID, no SIM or eSIM is required.
gnidreg wrote:
I am running Mojave and using iTunes with my older devices, but the newer iPhone SE will not work. A dialogue box tells me to upgrade to connect this device.
Per the tech specs, your Mac is fully supported with iPhone SE 3rd.
There’s an update (patch) needed for iTunes (on macOS 10.14 and earlier) and for Finder (on macOS 10.15 and newer) when a new iPhone model meets an old install. This update (patch) is specifically for iTunes or Finder, not for macOS.
If that patch download and installation is not happening transparently and automatically, then reboot into Safe Mode and try connecting again. There can be macOS bugs, and some types of add-on apps can get tangled.
I have noticed the the upper right corner keeps blinking while alternating between SOS only and No Sim. When I was browsing for a solution, people said that nonstop blinking started with IOS 16. They also said it happens if you have a SIM installed and it has stopped working. Anyway, a minor issue. I will just have to learn to ignore it.
Thar’s annoying. If cellular is switched off in control center and cellular data is off, I’d hope it just goes to a solid display. Send some feedback about that: Product Feedback - Apple
I understand the flashing notice if cellular is enabled, but if it’s all been manually disabled, it should be slightly less attention-seeking about it, as is the case with the No SIM shown on the older iPhone I use as an iPod touch is.
Once activated, it’ll show no SIM or no signal or SOS or such, and you can set cellular data (settings > cellular) and cellular (in control center) to off, and will work fine for not-cellular activities and apps. I know of a couple of folks that use a not-quite-recycled iPhone like that, too.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I just went to the AT&T store to see if they could help me with the SIM, and they said I do not need one. I set up my new iPhone SE while I was there and it seemed to go okay without the SIM installed. I restarted my phone after set up and it will look for a cell signal briefly but then show as No SIm or SOS only. In settings under cellular, it just says "Set Up Cellular" so I assume it will not look for a signal (or drain the battery doing so) since it has not been activated.
If you have additional thoughts or cautions, do let me know. Otherwise, thanks again!
gnidreg wrote:
I do not have access to iTunes now because my Mac's software is too old
It must be very, very old. As far as I know, iTunes is available (still) on all older Macs, up to OS Mojave (10:14).
It is newer Macs, using OS Catalina (10:15) or later that no longer use iTunes. Instead, they use Finder.
I am running Mojave and using iTunes with my older devices, but the newer iPhone SE will not work. A dialogue box tells me to upgrade to connect this device.
I have noticed the the upper right corner keeps blinking while alternating between SOS only and No Sim. When I was browsing for a solution, people said that nonstop blinking started with IOS 16. They also said it happens if you have a SIM installed and it has stopped working. Anyway, a minor issue. I will just have to learn to ignore it.
Thanks do much for your support and help. Feel free to post again if you think of anything else.
iPhone as iPod touch
