I recently got an iPhone 6 with Verizon and I'd like for my brother to use my iPhone 5 as a wi-fi only device. I restored it and set it up as a new phone but it keeps sending me a 'failed to activate' notification every few minutes which interrupts anything being done on the phone. Any tips to keep it from doing this?
iPhone 5, iOS 7.1.2, Verizon
Hey there Ghl1tch,
It sounds like you are unable to activate your old phone so it can be used without a cellular connection. According to the following article you will need to insert the old SIM card, let it activate then you can swap it back out.
Using an iPhone without a wireless service plan
Follow these steps to use your iPhone without a wireless service plan:
- Insert the SIM card from your new, activated iPhone or one that was previously used to activate the original iPhone.
- Connect the iPhone to iTunes on a computer connected to the Internet.
Once iTunes activates the device, you're free to use the iPhone as if it were an iPod touch.
Additional Information
Note: It may be necessary to repeat this process after updating or restoring the device.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the best,
Sterling
Want to use Verizon iPhone 5 as Wi-fi only device
