I want to configure my iPhone 5 as wifi only(without using a SIM Card). I am unable to see the home screen on my new iPhone. It says SIM card is required. How do I get around this issue? Is SIM card mandatory to have to use iPhone? Currently I dont have any account with any of the wireless providers.
No. It doesn't. The SIM must be valid. You can activate over WiFi or via iTunes so long as a SIM is installed regardless of whether it's tied to active cellular service so long as the phone is unlocked or the SIM is from the carrier it's locked to. The device does have to be activated, but that does not require cellular service.
What happens when you attempt to proceed with the activation?
You can't get around it from where you're at. A SIM is not required to use the device, but it is required to activate it.
The SIM does not have to be tied to an active line of cellular service, but it must be present during activation and it must be from the correct carrier if the phone is carrier locked.
I tried this, and it still has a pop up that says "activation required" so it seems it does require an active line of service to get it completely set up.
Unable to use the iPhone as wifi only
