How to activate iPhone using iTunes. How to activate an iPhone without a SIM card. Is it possible to turn on an iPhone without a SIM card?

An iPhone is a multifunctional mobile device designed primarily for making and receiving calls, as well as sending SMS messages. And secondarily, it’s a smartphone, i.e. a mini-computer whose functions are designed to entertain the user. But in order to fully use all the functions of the Apple gadget, you need to activate your iPhone.

This device, be it iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 6, 7 or other versions of a popular phone, needs to be activated before use. You can carry out this procedure with or without a SIM card, using a PC or laptop, as well as wireless network Wi-Fi.

How to activate an iPhone without a SIM card, as well as other activation methods, are in the instructions below.

Many users do not know what activation is and what it means that the device is activated. Some owners of Apple gadgets also do not suspect that it is possible to carry out this procedure on an iPhone 5S or 5 without a SIM.

So is activation necessary at all or can you do without it? To answer this question, you need to understand the essence of the procedure.

Reference. Activation refers to the reading process mobile device from the operator's SIM card, international identifier mobile subscriber, and then sends it to the Apple activation server. The server analyzes the received data and checks whether the company's services are available to the subscriber cellular communication in the place where he is. In the case when the device is locked, i.e. may work with one specific telecom operator, the subscriber is denied activation. If not, an activation code is sent to the device, and the procedure is considered complete.

As can be seen from the information provided, the entire procedure assumes that the SIM card must necessarily participate in the process. However, there is a way to do this with an iPhone 5S without a SIM card. However, this method can also work with other iPhone models, for example, with 6 you can also activate the device without a SIM. Is it possible to activate iPhone 4S without a SIM card? The answer to this question will be given below, but first we will consider the basic methods of carrying out this procedure.

Situations requiring activation

Activation is required when you start working with the gadget. The second time this procedure is required if:

  • Content and/or settings have been erased.
  • The system was restored or updated using the iTunes utility.

Attention! After resetting (not erasing) the settings, you do not need to activate the device.

Activation via cellular network

To do this, of course, it is necessary that the device has a SIM card. Next you will need to complete the following steps:

  • Check whether the SIM card is connected to a data service over a 3G or LTE cellular network. If not, you need to contact the post office and activate such a service.
  • When you turn on the smartphone, it will contact the Apple activation server, which will automatically check the device and begin the activation procedure.
  • The symbol of the communication company whose SIM card is in the device will appear on the display in the status bar.
  • Finish setting up the device.

If the service is on the user's card mobile internet did not connect or in this moment is not available, he can use the second method of carrying out the procedure - using wireless Wi-Fi networks.

We use Wi-Fi

Is it possible to activate an Apple gadget without having mobile Internet? This question often worries users. Of course you can. It’s even easier and faster to do this procedure over Wi-Fi.

To carry out the activation procedure in this way, you must:

  • Insert the SIM card into the device and check if it is turned on (the smartphone must be turned on).
  • Select country and language.
  • Connect your iPhone to the Wi-Fi network and access the Internet.
  • Further, all steps will be intuitive, because the user will be assisted by an assistant iPhone settings.

If both of the above methods do not suit you for some reason. For example, if no type of Internet is available on the device, try using the iTunes utility.

iTunes is a faithful assistant in activating your iPhone

Using the iTunes utility to activate an Apple smartphone, you need to do the following:

  • Insert the SIM card into the device.
  • Turn on your smartphone.
  • Swipe your finger from left to right anywhere on the display.
  • Select your country and language.
  • Connect to iTunes by clicking on the corresponding inscription.
  • Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB cable(necessarily original, not Chinese fake). If the program does not start, start it manually.
  • Wait for the smartphone to be recognized by the iTunes utility, after which it will connect to the Apple server.
  • Activation will be completed automatically, and a message will appear on the display indicating that the device is unlocked.
  • Complete the device setup procedure.

Above, the main methods of activating Apple mobile devices using telecom operator cards were listed and described in detail. There are 3 such methods in total, and each of them requires the Internet - either in the gadget itself or on a computer. But there is another method that few people know about, and which does not require the presence of a SIM card in the device at all.

How to activate iPhone without SIM card?

After purchase iPhone user first of all, he unpacks it, checks the contents, inspects appearance, admires the design, and after that the question arises of checking the functionality of the new gadget. However, to do this, you need to activate it. But what to do if you haven’t purchased a SIM card for your device yet? Two “secret” ways of doing the procedure without a SIM card will help here.

1st method. It involves turning on the device, and when a greeting appears on the display, successively pressing the Home and Emergency call buttons. After this, you need to dial 112 and start the call. Quickly cancel the call by pressing cancel. After the call ends, the gadget will begin to perform all its functions and work normally. Activation will be completed.

2nd method. Requires the use of the iTunes utility for Windows. The user's computer must have newest version this program. If it is missing, you need to go to the Apple website and download it. After this, you need to connect the smartphone to the computer via a cable and all that remains is to follow the instructions that will be displayed on the screen. After completing the steps required by the system, the iPhone will be activated.

Based on their detailed description of 2 methods of activating an Apple smartphone, implemented without the use of SIM cards, it can be noted that the first method can be used if the user does not have access to a PC or laptop. The second method will work if you have a computer with the latest version of the iTunes utility installed.

How to use iPhone without SIM card?

As you know, to start using an iPhone you need two things:

  • SIM card;
  • Working Wi-Fi network.

It is the presence of these two parameters that distinguishes the operation of an iPhone from a regular iPod. Without active card mobile operator, the user will not be able to continue working with the device. Let's take a closer look at how to bypass this limitation and activate an iPhone without a SIM.

Turning on an iPhone without a SIM card may be necessary at the stage of purchasing a phone, when you need to check its functionality, but there is no time to rearrange cards from other devices. Also, bypassing the restriction will be simply necessary if your operator’s SIM card is not suitable for Apple gadgets.

All the methods presented below are official and legal options for unlocking phone functions without a network connection. mobile operator.

Method 1- Using iTunes

This option for unlocking phone functions involves using the desktop version of iTunes. The application can be installed on any computer running Windows control or Mac OS.

We advise you to make sure that your PC comes pre-installed with the most current update iTunes. This will get rid of possible errors and bugs at the setup stage. Follow the instructions to use Athos without a SIM card:

  • Launch iTunes on your computer and wait for its main window to load;
  • Then connect mobile device to a PC using a charging cable;
  • A message about the new device should appear in the program window, and in the upper left part of the window you will see an icon for the phone model you are using;
  • Once the program recognizes the smartphone, you will see the settings window for the new device. Follow all instructions to unlock your phone.

iTunes will not check to see if you have a carrier card installed on your phone. The iPhone will be activated automatically and you will be able to use the gadget without any restrictions. The only caveat is that working with GPS networks and mobile Internet will not be available, since the gadget is not tied to mobile operator. You can correct the situation by inserting a working card into the SIM tray.

Method 2 - Quickly turn on the phone

You can bypass the restriction without using third party programs. All you need is a smartphone. You can activate its operation without a cellular operator card or connection to a working Wi-Fi network. Follow the instructions:

  • Take the turned on iPhone and press the “Power” key;
  • Wait for the Apple logo to appear and the mobile device to start turning on;
  • Immediately after the “welcome message” appears on the display, press the “Home” button;
  • The “ Emergency call" In the dialing field, enter the combination “112” and click on the “Dial a number” shortcut;
  • When the call starts, press the “Power” key. A window will appear indicating that there is no SIM card. In it, click on the “Cancel” field.

The call will end and the iPhone desktop window will appear on the display. Now you can use your phone without connecting to a cellular operator. Also, there will be no need to enter the router network data.

This method is supported by the following iPhone models:

  • The entire iPhone 7 line;
  • Sixth generation iPhone;
  • iPhone 5c, 5s;
  • iPhone 4, 4C.

The new iPhone, just like the iPad with iPod touch, requires activation. After turning it on for the first time, the friendly iOS interface will start asking you about your preferences in various settings. Our article will help you gain confidence in choosing the answers and activate your iPhone without any problems.

Step 1: Turn on your device

Step 2: Enter your country of residence and preferred language

Step 3: Select geolocation settings. It is not necessary to enable geolocation right away; this can be done after activation by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Location services

Step 4: Setup WiFi connection to complete the activation process. If you can't use a wireless connection, insert the SIM card into the iPhone tray and select Use mobile data

Important! iPhone cannot be activated using Wi-Fi connection, distributed from a mobile device.

Step 5: Wait for activation to complete

Step 6. Select iPhone setup type. There are three possible options here

  • Use as new iPhone(suitable for those who bought their first iPhone and have not yet used iTunes and iCloud)
  • Restore from an iCloud copy (an option for users who want to use the settings and set of applications of their old iPhone, synchronizing them over the air)
  • Restore from iTunes copies(same choice as the second point, but recovery will be done using iTunes while connected to the computer)

Step 7: Sign in with your existing Apple ID or create a new one. You can skip this step, but it is recommended to create an identifier right away

Step 8. Accept the user agreement

Step 9: Set up iCloud settings, Find My iPhone, iCloud Keychain, password protection, and the ability to send diagnostic data from your phone

Step 10: Complete iPhone Activation

That's it, your iPhone is activated and you can start using the device to its full potential.

More iPhone themes:

  • Authorizing your computer in iTunes
  • How to post photos from iPhone or iPad online
  • Where are iPhones made?

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iPhone activation is the process of setting up the device for the first time. This procedure requires you to set the user's language, region, and some other services. In addition, activation may include restoring the phone's software from a backup. Those users who have already used this smartphone should be aware of most of the parameters that need to be configured upon activation. For others, it will be useful to read the detailed step-by-step instructions, as some difficulties may arise during this procedure.

Features of the procedure

Activation of iPhone 4 is possible only if there is a SIM card in the device or a configured wifi networks. In addition, in the process of performing this task, you may need a personal computer and a high-speed Internet connection. This is necessary in case you need to restore the system from a backup. After finishing the preparations, you need to press the power button in the upper right side of the device. The iPhone will turn on, and a welcome image and a bar to unlock the phone will appear on the screen.

At the next stage, you will need to set the interface language and region of residence of the subscriber. For most, this task will not be particularly difficult.

Then the system will offer to join an existing wifi network (if there is one nearby) or use a SIM card to activate the device. A prerequisite for the successful completion of this operation is the presence of a subscriber identification module. If your phone does not have mobile Internet, you will need to connect to a wifi network or have a personal computer with iTunes installed on it.

After performing these operations on the new iPhone, there are only a few steps left for full activation. If you purchased the phone second-hand, you will probably need to set up the iCloud account and password set by the previous owner of the smartphone. There are situations when communication with the seller of a former using iPhone lost, and the new owner of the device does not know the login and password for the account. In this case, you cannot do without the help of the previous owner of the smartphone. Therefore, we can recommend that consumers of used Apple phones reset the device when buying or selling in order to avoid possible difficulties and mutual claims.

If the phone is new, then there should be no difficulties. At the next stage, you will need to choose one option from the three proposed. So, you can restore the system from an iCloud copy or restore data from iTunes. All three options have certain differences between themselves.

To configure the device as new iPhone You need to adjust the device according to your preferences. In this case, the smartphone will be practically empty and will not contain any information, with the exception of the data that the user can restore from iCloud if he used this application when working on other Apple devices.

Restoring from an iCloud copy can be done if you have a backup copy of your data from your previous iPhone or iPad. Retrieving previously saved data from iTunes is also not particularly difficult. You just need to sync your phone with personal computer with the application installed and a backup copy of the smartphone data. After this you need to follow step by step instructions iTunes programs. It would be useful to emphasize that during this operation the icon of the cable and the application itself should be displayed on the smartphone screen.

Set up like a new iPhone

If you select the first setup option, the next step will require you to specify your existing account information. iCloud recordings or create new account. In addition, if the iPhone is the first Apple device for the user, then you can skip creating an account and return to this process after activating the smartphone.

The next step is to read and accept the terms and conditions of the iOS operating system.

Now it's wise to protect your device with a password or Touch ID. It is not recommended to postpone this operation until later in order to increase the security and integrity of data.

The system will then prompt you to enable the geolocation option. This tool will help the device determine its own geographic location. And this, in turn, will allow the smartphone to provide relevant and necessary information to the user. An example is the ability of an iPhone with configured geolocation to show its location on Maps, Google or Yandex. In addition, a smartphone with this option activated will be able to provide the user with information about the weather and time in the place where he is currently located.

At the same time, you can configure the sending of diagnostic information and give access to the device to developers. These tools can be turned on and off at any time and at the request of the phone owner. The manufacturer recommends leaving these items activated, which will allow the device to send information about problems and malfunctions to Apple. In turn, the manufacturer’s specialists, analyzing data received from millions of devices, will be able to improve the quality of services and correct errors.

Recover from iCloud copy

If the user was already the proud owner of an iPhone phone and created a backup copy of the data saved in the Apple cloud, then you can choose this item for activation without hesitation. In order to carry out the procedure in exactly this way, you will need to enter the Apple ID and password that are assigned to iCloud in the appropriate window, and then click the “Next” icon. If you have access to the Internet and the data entered is correct, the download and installation of the backup copy will begin.

During the recovery process, the system will ask the user questions similar to those when setting up a new device. It would be useful to emphasize that activation iPhone will pass calmer and faster if you have high-speed and stable Internet access. This is due to the length of the process of restoring data from a backup. Transferring videos and photos takes the longest time. Therefore, it is advisable for large volumes backup file The activation procedure should be carried out if there is sufficient free time.

Recover from iTunes copy

Last method iPhone activation most suitable for those users who have backup copy data takes up a very large amount of data and at the same time it is possible to use a personal computer. Activation via iTunes is most quick method carry out this operation.

The process itself is not particularly difficult. All you need to do is select the required copy of the data (if there is more than one) in the iTunes program installed on your PC and click on the “Recover” icon. After copying the backup data to the new device, the system will prompt you to enable geolocation and protect your iPhone with a password.

You can also enable diagnostic information to be sent to developers. In conclusion, it is necessary to emphasize to beginners that after activating the smartphone via iTunes, they should not rush to disconnect the cable from the device. You need to look carefully at the smartphone screen. At this point, the process of transferring media files or software and disconnecting the cable can lead to a failure in operating system. The above tools on how to activate an iPhone can be mastered not only by experienced users of Apple products, but also by beginners.

Immediately after purchase iPhone smartphone, before you start using it, you must first activate and configure it. This process is completely simple and will not take much time.

What is iPhone Activation?

iPhone activation- a process in which a new iPhone communicates with Apple servers via the Internet and receives permission or prohibition to use a smartphone with an installed SIM card.

What is a locked (unlocked, carrier-locked, factory unlocked, SIM Free) iPhone?

  • iPhone that was purchased with a carrier contract(synonyms: locked, contract, locked, tied to the operator, operator, SIM-locked) can only be activated with the SIM card of the operator to which it is linked. In other words, such an iPhone cannot be activated and used with any SIM cards.
  • iPhone purchased without being tied to an operator(synonyms: officially unlocked, official, factory unlocked, SIM Free) can be activated with a SIM card of any mobile operator.

How are Activation and Apple Warranty related?

The iPhone activation process automatically starts the clock Apple warranty. In other words, countdown warranty period for the new iPhone will start not from the date of purchase, but from the date of activation of the smartphone.

ATTENTION! Inscription " Hello" (Hello, etc.) on the screen the first time turning on iPhone does not mean that the iPhone is really new. The article at the link below will help you check that you have purchased and activated a new iPhone:

2. Turn on iPhone

After the working SIM card is placed in the slot, turn on the iPhone (press and hold the Inclusions within 3-4 seconds), wait until the welcome screen appears and press the " Home"to open preliminary settings;

3. Then select your language and indicate your region of residence;

4. After this, connect to a Wi-Fi network or, if there is no access to one, to a cellular network (button Use cellular network ) or to the computer with advance installed program iTunes (you can download) and with the ability to connect to the Internet.

5 . Starting with iOS 11, it became possible quick setup, which consists of copying credentials from your other device running iOS 11 or later.

6. In the next window, configure the Touch ID sensor by storing your fingerprint. This will allow you to unlock the device in the future by simply touching the sensor, as well as make purchases online and quickly log in to various resources.


Then enter a four to six character password that will be used to unlock your device. By pressing the button Passcode options you can choose the type of password code;

7. The next window will ask you to restore programs and data from a copy in iCloud / iTunes or transfer data from Android.

If this is not necessary, then you should select “ Set up like a new iPhone»;

8. After this, a window will open with a field for entering your Apple ID, but if Account has not been previously created by the user, then you should not register an account directly at this stage.

To refuse registration, click on the buttons " No Apple ID or forgot it», « Configure later in Settings" And " Do not use».

Correctly create an Apple ID without being tied to credit card will help you;

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