Turn My iPhone 4 into an iPod Touch?

Question

Level 1

7 points

Turn My iPhone 4 into an iPod Touch?

Hi,

I'm sorry if this question has been asked (seems like it would be a fairly common question). I've used the search feature, as well as Google, but most of the threads/answers I've found seem to be "one-off" type of questions that don't really address the general issue.

Anyway, I had an iPhone 4. I just bought a new iPhone 5s. I simply want to turn the iPhone 4 into an iPod touch so that I can continue to use it to listen to music and podcasts while I'm exercising (seems like a better option than to risk dropping my brand new iPhone). What do I need to do this? Do I need to remove the SIM card? If so, how do I do this?

Thanks.

Posted on Sep 25, 2013 1:56 PM

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Answer 1

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:08 PM in response to lobsterpot

This will tell you how... http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3406

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Answer 2

lobsterpot Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:15 PM in response to paulcb

Those instructions are very confusing. I don't understand why I would take the SIM card from the 5s and put it in the 4 when I don't want to use the 4 as a telephone.

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Answer 3

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:21 PM in response to lobsterpot

"or one that was previously used to activate the original iPhone."

You need a sim to activate the device. It doesn't have to be an active sim, just one from the carrier the phone is locked to. If you have one in it, then you're set. If that sim is not active with your carrier, then just use the device as a touch.

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Answer 4

lobsterpot Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:23 PM in response to paulcb

Still doesn't make sense. If I DO NOT WANT TO USE MY iPHONE 4 AS A PHONE, shouldn't I be taking the SIM card OUT?

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Answer 5

lobsterpot Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:24 PM in response to lobsterpot

And why am I connecting it to a computer? Isn't that going to reset everything and try to turn the iPhone 4 back into the phone?

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Answer 6

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:25 PM in response to lobsterpot

If the sim card is not active with any carrier, it doesn't matter. You can remove it if it makes you feel better. Keep it though, it will be needed if you ever restore or update the device. It is used to activate the device with Apple.

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Answer 7

lobsterpot Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:28 PM in response to paulcb

Uh, ok... I guess that makes sense.

Ok, but now I have plugged the iPhone into my computer (with iTunes on it) and nothing has happened. I mean, iTunes came on but nothing else. What am I supposed to do next? Isn't it supposed to magically convert it to an iPod touch? I'm not getting any messaging, indicators, nothing to suggest that anything has changed.

Honestly, this process is not the least bit intuitive. I thought Apple was the pros when it came to stuff like this?

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Answer 8

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 25, 2013 2:30 PM in response to lobsterpot

Sounds like it's already activated so there's nothing to change. Just use it.

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Answer 9

lobsterpot Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 25, 2013 4:23 PM in response to paulcb

Ok, thanks. I appreciate your help. I guess I thought that once I plugged it in, the area where it said "iPhone" would change to "iPod Touch" or something like that.

Do you know if once it has been converted to an iPod touch if it is possible to still purchase a data plan for it? I know I can use it where there is a wireless signal. Was just wondering about being able to still send/receive text messages and such.

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Answer 10

Sep 25, 2013 4:55 PM in response to lobsterpot

I am a bit confused myself. Every link I find on the web talks about removing or doing something with the SIM card, and has pictures of using a paper clip to pop it out. But my iPhone 4 does not have any hole on the side at all, only one on the top next to the headphone jack. So, what do I do now?

I have already migrated to my new 5c, and on my 4 I have done Settings/General/Erase All Content And Settings. Can I now just plug it into my iTunes and use it as an iPod?

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Answer 11

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 26, 2013 9:43 AM in response to lobsterpot

Do you know if once it has been converted to an iPod touch if it is possible to still purchase a data plan for it? I know I can use it where there is a wireless signal. Was just wondering about being able to still send/receive text messages and such.

To send standard texts, you would need a cellular plan from a carrier, then it would be a phone again. 😉

For data only, you could purchase a personal hotspot and connect to that.

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Answer 12

paulcb

Level 6

19,239 points

Sep 26, 2013 9:44 AM in response to Jason Peterson2

Yes.

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Answer 13

Phil 73

Level 1

0 points

Sep 30, 2013 1:52 PM in response to lobsterpot

Hi All,

I too have a question on this. I have upgraded to the 5s and want to give my iphone 4 to my daughter to use as an ipod touch with no sim. I'm having difficulty setting up imessage and facetime on the device? I've followed a few posts an have erased all contents and all settings, put the old sim in (it is still active with network), set the phone up using itunes account with sim in with no success.... Waiting for activation...... is the status

You could/can use imessage and facetime on my old ipod touch so am I right in thinking that you can also do this with the iphone 4 with no sim?

If so how..............

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Answer 14

Sep 30, 2013 5:10 PM in response to Phil 73

Yes - how do you get rid of the "Waiting for Activation" message each time you power the device on?

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Answer 15

Niels1np

Level 1

0 points

Oct 2, 2013 9:25 AM in response to paulcb

I want to do this exact thing, also. I was thinking that I would just use it like it is all ready to go. My question is, will it back up my iPhone 5s to whatever I set my iPhone 4? For instance, if I delete all of the old apps from my 4 will it delete them from my 5s also? Sorry if this is a dumb question! But thanks for your help in advance!

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