4 Methods to Activate iPhone Without SIM Card

James Davis

Sep 01, 2023 • Filed to: Latest News & Tactics • Proven solutions

The excitement of purchasing a new iPhone and activating it is understandable. Activating is a necessary step which needs to be completed before using an iPhone and having a SIM is very important for this process. However, sometimes we end up in a situation wherein we do not possess a valid SIM to insert in the iPhone. Does this mean you cannot set-up and access your iPhone because once you switch it on without a SIM, the screen remains stuck at “No SIM Card Installed” error as shown in the screenshot below?

activate iphone without sim card

No, this is not true and you can set up your iPhone without any SIM inserted in it. Given below are solutions for how to activate iPhone without SIM Card to help you in all such situations.

Just read ahead to know about 4 of the best and most reliable methods to activate iPhone without SIM.

Part 1: How to activate iPhone using iTunes?

The first and most effective way to activate iPhone without SIM Card is to use iTunes on your PC. iTunes is a software established and specially designed to manage iPhone and other iOS devices. Since it is Apple’s own software, it can be trusted completely to do the said task.

This method is fairly simple because using iTunes is intuitive and all the steps are given to you in the form of a guide by iTunes itself.

Simply follow the instructions below to understand how to activate iPhone without SIM Card using iTunes:

Step 1: To start with, install iTunes on your personal computer from the official website of Apple and make sure you download the latest version of it to avail better features and ease of usage.

Step 2: Now use an iPhone USB cable to attach your non_x_activated iPhone to the PC.

activate iphone with itunes

Step 3: You will see that iTunes will launch automatically and detect your iPhone. Now, select “Set up as new iPhone” and move on.

activate iphone

Step 4: Once you hit “Continue” you will be directed to a new “Sync with iTunes” screen on which you need to click “Get Started” and then “Sync” and wait for the process to get over.

Now, once everything is complete, just detach the iPhone from the PC and finish the setup process on your iPhone.

Part 2: How to activate iPhone using emergency call?

Another interesting method to activate iPhone without SIM Card is to play a quick trick on your inactivated iPhone. This technique involves using the Emergency Call feature of the iPhone but does not actually connect the call. This is a strange way to activate iPhone without SIM Card, but it has worked miraculously for many users across the globe.

Here are a few steps are given below to learn how to activate iPhone without SIM Card by dialing an emergency number:

Step 1: When you are at the “No SIM Card Installed” error message screen on your iPhone, pass the Home key to see an option for making an emergency call.

activate iphone using emergency call

Step 2: Here, 112 or 999 can be used and as soon as it dials, press the power on/off button to disconnect the call from going through.

Step 3: Finally, a pop-up will appear on the screen to cancel the call. Select it and you will see that your iPhone gets activated.

Note: Please be rest assured because you do not really call any emergency number. This method is merely a trick and must be implemented carefully.

Part 3: How to activate iPhone using R-SIM/ X-SIM?

This the third method to activate iPhone without SIM Card. This method allows you to use an R-SIM or X-SIM instead of an actual SIM Card.

We have an easy step-by-step explanation given below to learn how to activate iPhone without SIM Card:

Step 1: Insert R-SIM or X-SIM in the iPhone though its SIM Tray and you will see that a list of network providers will open up before you.

activate iphone with r-sim

Step 2: Select your specific Cellular network provider and move on. If your carrier is not listed, choose “input imsi”.

Step 3: You will now be prompted to enter a code. Now to find all imsi codes just click on this link.

enter digital carrier code

Step 4: Once the code is entered, you will have to select your iPhone model type from the options before you as shown below.

select iphone model

Step 5: After selecting the phone model, the next step is to choose the unlocking method that best suits you.

choose unlocking method

Allow the process to complete and reboot the iPhone to confirm the process. There you go, your phone will now be activated without a SIM card.

iphone activated

In case the above methods do not prove useful, there is one last method that you can try, which is jailbreaking. Let us see how it works.

Part 4: Activate old iPhone by jailbreaking

In simple terms, jailbreaking means getting rid of all restrictions imposed by Apple Inc. to tamper with iPhone’s internal settings and exploit its software. It is advisable to jailbreak your device after due deliberations. In case none of the methods listed and explained above are successful in activating your iPhone without a SIM, you can consider jailbreaking your iPhone’s software. Jailbreaking is indeed a tedious process and will require ample amount of time and concentration from your end.

Keep this option as your last resort because adopting this method will destroy your iPhone’s warranty, in case you plan to jailbreak your newly purchased iPhone.

However, this method will definitely help you to unlock or activate iPhone without SIM Card.

Note: This method is primarily used for old iPhone devices and should be treated as a last resort.

We all are well aware of the fact that since iPhone Activation is a mandatory step before you can start using the phone and enjoy all its amazing features, it needs to be performed whether or not you have a SIM Card. The task of activating an iPhone without a SIM might seem impossible, but with the help of the various methods given above, you are empowered to activate iPhone without SIM Card in easy, simple, intuitive and quick steps. These methods have been tried, tested and verified by many iOS users all over the word who recommend them for their efficiency and safety.

So, do not hesitate and try these tricks now. Also, feel free to pass on these tips to those who might be in need. And lastly, please do not hesitate to leave a comment for us in the section below.

James Davis

James Davis

staff Editor

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