HT204686: How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Learn about How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups
jsbauer
Level 1 (4 points)
iPhone

Q: I gave my grandson my old iPhone 4 to play games. It is running out of room. Can we reset and set up with just the games with no phone number connected to it

i gave my grandson my old iPhone 4s to play games on. If we reset can we set back up without a phone number?

iPhone 4S, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on Apr 13, 2016 2:41 PM

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jsbauer

Q: I gave my grandson my old iPhone 4 to play games. It is running out of room. Can we reset and set up with just the games with no p ... more

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  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Apr 13, 2016 2:45 PM in response to jsbauer
    Level 7 (23,925 points)
    Apr 13, 2016 2:45 PM in response to jsbauer

    Sure, just erase all content and settings. Leave the SIM in as you'll need that for Apple activation. Once it's activated, remove the SIM and use it effectively as an iPod touch.

  • by jsbauer,

    jsbauer jsbauer Apr 13, 2016 3:15 PM in response to Michael Black
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 13, 2016 3:15 PM in response to Michael Black

    Thank you but I have a couple of questions

     

    1.  when you restart the first time it asks to set up as a new phone. Will it block me there if no phone number is associated with it

    2.  I thought iPhones did have SIM cards, is that the spot on the side of the phone with the small hole

    3.  I don't want him to lose his apps, but I know there is old emails and contacts and things he doesn't need taking up so much space can't download much

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Apr 13, 2016 3:43 PM in response to jsbauer
    Level 7 (23,925 points)
    Apr 13, 2016 3:43 PM in response to jsbauer

    1.  No. Setting it up as a new device has nothing to do with activating (or not activating) service with a cell service provider. This just means wiping the storage and starting off from a fresh slate on the device

     

    2. Yes, there should be a micro-SIM slot on the side. A SIM only needs to be present when activating a device with Apple. If it's not associated with service from a carrier, you can remove the SIM after activation.

     

    3.  Once activated, just sign into the iTunes and App stores with the same AppleID used before and re-download just those apps he does want in the device now. Erasing and starting clean will wipe the data currently associated with those apps, but you can always download and reinstall past purchases as long as you don't change AppleID used.