HElP!!

What is it asking for on the activation screen? If you want to use the device like an iPod touch, then you still will need a SIM to activate the device. It does not have to be an active card, but if the iPhone is locked to a carrier, it will have to be one from that particular carrier.

KairiHeart wrote:

I know other people who have iphones without SIM cards and they are still able to use them without a problem.

That may be true, but they are not using them as phones.

You'll need 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.

Using an iPhone without a wireless service plan - Apple Podpora

Once activated a sim card is not required.

However activation of an iPhone requires a sim card always.

If the sim card you have is from the same carrier the iPhone is locked to, or the iPhone is unlocked, it should let you activate the iPhone without any problems.

Unfortunately, the iPhone doesn't allow you to bypass the activation menu without a valid SIM card. Once you activate it with a valid SIM card, you can remove the SIM card and it will work fine on Wifi only.

If the SIM you have is not the same size as the one used in the iPhone you would need to get one somewhere. Do you intend to use the iPhone as a phone? If so, then contact your cellular carrier and they can provide you with a SIM.

If the SIM fits the phone, it should activate then. You cannot get a SIM at the Apple Store, and if you get one at a cellular provider, you are going to have to pay for it. I'm guessing from this last post, that you are just trying to use the device as an iPod? Is that correct?

KairiHeart wrote:

so in other words I'm going to have to buy a SIM card for the iPhone because the SIM card I have is from a Samsung?

The brand of the phone is irrelevant. Its the carrier that's important.

You can try to use the sim card you have and see if it activates with it. Worst case: it simply doesn't work. Nothing is going to happen to the sim card or the iPhone.

But you still have to determine whether the iPhone is locked to a carrier or not. If it is locked to a carrier, you'll need a sim card from that particular carrier.

you can even borrow one from a friend, and use it for the activation only, when you are done, take it out, and be on your way. The iPhone will continue to work as an iPod.

But again, you need to determine whether you need a sim form a specific carrier or not.

If you go to a cellular provider they'll want to sell you a plan which you don't want.

The easiest route is to borrow a sim card from somebody and try to activate the iPhone. Again it does not need to have active service.