Can I use old iPhone 4S in Europe for WiFi, w/o cellular service? A few Qs not found in Support Community…

Question

Level 1

11 points

Can I use old iPhone 4S in Europe for WiFi, w/o cellular service? A few Qs not found in Support Community…

I wish to upgrade to iPhone 6, but first want to know if I can use my iPhone 4S for camera, iMessaging and apps (i.e. What’s App) on Wifi after it is disconnected from U.S. Verizon network?

iPhone 4S, iOS 7.1.2 (reluctant to upgrade to 8.1.2), Verizon, U.S. only

Mac Mini, OSX 10.9.5 (reluctant to upgrade to OSX Yosemite)

I’ve read all of the old posts (2011 thru July 2014), but still have questions. This is what I understand:

Upgrade iOS and apps with iTunes, before transferring to new iPhone 6
Change the name of my old iPhone http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201997 (if I wish to name my new iPhone what my old one was called)
Enable airplane mode, then re-enable just wifi
Activate new iPhone
Transfer data to new iPhone http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT2109

QUESTIONS:

Q: When connected to WiFi in England, Italy and Sicily - do I keep it in Airplane Mode even though it has been disconnected from Verizon and I will have an active iPhone 6 on my Verizon account being used by my husband at home in the U.S.?

Q: Will there be a problem sync’ing to iTunes in the future, or my Mac Mini? Will it conflict with my new iPhone 6? Or is it just considered a different device, once it has a new name.

Q: How can I message my husband in the U.S. with the iPhone 6 from Europe using my old iPhone 4S on Wifi only? Do I use my iCloud account, like I do from my Mac Mini to my iPhone? Or can I set up a new iMessage account on the old iPhone 4S

I appreciate any insights and answers. Thanks in advance!

Daphne

iPhone 4S, iOS 7.1.2

Posted on Dec 28, 2014 12:52 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 28, 2014 1:54 PM in response to DaphneWay

It doesn't have to be that complicated, Verizon iPhones come unlocked, just tell VZ you're going on Holiday/Traveling and suspend the service, no need to pay for service if you're not going to be using it. Pick up local SIM cards in the countries of your choosing, pop them in, re-activate iMessage and you're set!

I recommend getting a SIM card from the Three network in England, they have great EU roaming rates and free like-home roaming in Italy.

Set your phone's region to match the country you're in, it'll save from some headaches when calling local/international numbers.

To answer your questions,

1. If you choose not to have a local SIM card, it is good to keep your phone in Airplane mode to save battery.

2. Make sure the two iPhones have different names to reduce sync/restore issues.

3. If husband has an iPhone also, you can chat with iMessage/Facetime, just give him heads up about the new number you'll have. Otherwise, use Whatsapp if he's got an Android. You can activate Whatsapp with your American number or the international number if you choose to get a SIM in Europe.

Also, Get the MagicJack app and/or Google Hangouts, both of those apps provide you with free calling to the USA and Canada using any internet connection. Google Voice is another good way to SMS across the seas.

Let me know if you need any more tips for iPhoning across the pond.

Reply

Answer 2

DaphneWay Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 28, 2014 2:45 PM in response to chattphotos

Chattphotos,

Thanks for the info on Three network, MagicJack, Google Hangouts, and answers to 1 and 2 (spot on!).

Just a clarification on #3, if you are still there...

3. Timing and purpose: I will have already switched my Verizon service to the new iPhone 6 by the time I go to Europe. My husband (who does not use phones of any type) will keep my Verizon iPhone 6 in the states while I'm abroad. (I don't want to drop or lose it and won't need it for phone calls.) I will be in Europe with my old iPhone 4S without any mobile service. I just want to check in once in a while (via SMS) - and say my flight is on time. 🙂 I am guessing that MagicJack, Google Voice or Google Hangouts is the way to go (not having researched them yet).

RE: SIM from Three network in England - I'll need a phone, right? The US iPhone 4S for Verizon does not have a SIM slot (I believe this to be true). I used to have Nokia GSM handset from when I lived in England 15 years ago, but have since discarded them. I suppose I could buy an inexpensive one. Does Europe still use the GSM network or a more advanced 4G?

Thanks again. It is mainly just a couple of messages that I want to send across the pond.

Daphne

Reply

Answer 3

Dec 28, 2014 3:58 PM in response to DaphneWay

Glad to help! I understand the workflow a bit better now. The 6 stays, the 4S comes with, coolio.

Europe as a whole uses GSM technology (sim cards) but the networks have upgraded to support 3G/4G/LTE now. The 4S can support the 3G/4G (not LTE) network, which is more than enough for calling and sms.

If you want to use a 3 SIM card, the iPhone 4S has a SIM slot, but you will have to request from Verizon to get it unlocked. So you're set the, 4S can do everything you need.

Google Voice- Free USA/Canada calling and SMS from the computer or mobile app.

Google Hangouts- I use it exclusively for calling using internet connections. (sign in with Google and your callerID your GVoice number)

MagicJack- Same as Hangouts only you're assigned a random phone number.

Reply