Do you want to know how to activate Android phone without SIM card? We have the complete steps you’re looking for!
Android smartphones are more than just phones. In fact, they’re tiny computers that can do a lot of things.
We have found a way to set up and activate your phone even if you don’t have a SIM card.
Here’s how you can do it!
To activate your Android phone without inserting a SIM card, you only need to disregard the prompt. You can then proceed to connect your phone to the WiFi network. Continue with the setup and continue to use your phone, minus the network calling and texting.
Can You Set Up a Phone Without a SIM Card
Absolutely! Nowadays, a SIM card isn’t really a make-or-break situation when it comes to using your phone.
As long as you’re using an Android smartphone, there are still a ton of things you can do with it.
One of the main disadvantages of not using a SIM on your phone is network calls and text messages.
However, you can easily replace that by using communication apps that rely on the internet.
In fact, you can even keep your number, use Google Voice and receive calls as long as you have an internet connection.
Things You Can Do With an Android Phone Minus the SIM Card
You can do many things with your Android phone, even if it doesn’t have a SIM card.
If you know what you’re getting into, you might even decide to ditch the SIM card and the traditional phone features that come with it.
The only aspect that you’re going to be missing out on is mobile data.
As long as you rarely go out and need access to the internet while you’re on the road, you’re not missing out on a lot of things.
1. Surf the Web
If your Android phone doesn’t have a SIM card, you can still open your browser and surf the web.
Connect to a WiFi network, and you should have no issues going through websites and even doing some light work on your phone.
2. Video Streaming
This is something you will not miss if your phone doesn’t have a SIM card.
Most video streaming services use an app, and your SIM has absolutely nothing to do with it. As long as you’re connected, you should be able to watch content.
3. Video Calls
There are also a lot of apps that will allow you to make calls on your phone.
It’s not the traditional phone calls where you dial a number, but you can still contact family, friends, and even business partners.
4. Messaging Apps
You will also not miss out on messages. There are many messaging apps to choose from so you can continue connecting with those you know.
5. Other Apps
If you’re using an Android smartphone, you will download many apps anyway.
None of those will be directly affected unless it’s your network’s account management app.
You should have no problems using your Android phone even if you don’t have a SIM card.
You must activate it properly, so you can use it to do anything but call and send texts virtually.
How to Activate Android Phone Without SIM Card
Activating your Android phone should not be much of a problem.
Even if you don’t have a SIM card, it’s still possible to set your phone up so you can continue to use it.
If your SIM has not arrived or planning not to use one, there’s nothing you should worry about when it comes to getting your phone up and running.
Step #1: Factory Reset Your Android Phone
If you have a brand-new phone, you can disregard this step.
However, if you’re using an old phone that you want to set up again without all the apps, you’ll need to perform a factory reset first.
Doing it should ensure a clean slate so you can get all the apps you need that can replace your phone’s calls and messaging features.
Here’s how to factory reset your Android phone:
- Go to the Settings app on your phone.
- Select Backup and reset.
- Tap on Factory data reset.
- Select Reset Device.
- Choose Erase Everything.
Pro Tip: We recommend updating your phone’s firmware after resetting it.
Step #2: Skip the Insert SIM Card Prompt
After resetting your phone, you can now turn it on. Since you’re not planning on using a SIM card, you’re not going to insert one into the tray.
If you turn on your new or newly-reset phone without a SIM, it will naturally prompt you that it did not detect a SIM.
You can disregard this, but the notification will continue to appear on your phone.
Here’s how to skip using a SIM card and disregarding the prompt:
- Turn on your phone to start the setup procedure.
- On the section that says Insert Your SIM, tap on Skip.
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to show the notifications.
- Swipe the Insert SIM prompt to the right to disregard.
- Continue to the next part of the process.
Note: Don’t worry about skipping this step, as you can still use a SIM card in the future if you choose to do so.
Step #3: Connect to the WiFi Network
Since you’re skipping using a SIM on your Android device, you’ll need to connect to the WiFi network.
This way, you’ll still be able to use the other features of your phone.
You can continue on with the setup and activation process by going through the WiFi connection steps.
Here’s how to connect your phone to the WiFi during setup:
- After skipping the SIM prompt, select the Language for your phone.
- You’ll now be presented with the WiFi connection page.
- Tap on Scan to get all active wireless networks in the area.
- Select the WiFi network name.
- Enter the WiFi password to connect.
Note: The WiFi can take a few seconds to connect successfully, so please be patient.
Step #4: Enter Your Google Account Details
Now that your Android phone is connected to the internet, it will prompt you to set up your Google account.
At this point, you can either create a new account or enter your current Google details.
If you reset your phone, you likely have one, so all you really need to do is to enter them to log in.
Here’s how to enter your Google account on your Android phone:
- Your phone will show you the Google sign-in page.
- Enter your Google account username or email.
- Select Next.
- Type in your Google account password.
- Tap on Sign in.
Note: If your phone is new and doesn’t have a Google account, you can create one by selecting Create account instead of signing in.
Step #5: Setup Password or Biometrics
Your phone should now start to sync its apps to your Google account.
Your details, email, and calendar entries are getting imported to your phone. All your Google account details are on your phone when this is done.
It will now proceed to complete the activating process. You should enter a few more simple steps to get your phone set up.
Here’s how to finish the setup on your Android phone:
- Set the Time and date on your phone, then tap on Next.
- Choose your security method for your phone.
- Set up the password for your phone, then go to Next.
- Follow the steps to save your fingerprints on your phone.
Note: Other devices can have a slightly different setup than your vanilla Android device.
Step #6: Use Google Voice for WiFi Calling
If you’re going to activate your phone without a SIM card and still want to receive your calls, you can try using Google Voice.
You’ll need to transfer your current number to them, then link your phone to the Google Voice app.
This will link your number to your phone without using a SIM card.
To fully enjoy Google Voice, you’ll need to activate WiFi calling on your phone.
Here’s how to activate WiFi calling on your phone:
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Tap on the WiFi menu item.
- Scroll down and choose WiFi Preferences.
- Select Advanced.
- Toggle the switch opposite WiFi Calling to On.
You can also download and install communication apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Snapchat, and others.
These are also excellent instant messaging apps so you can communicate with your family and friends in real-time even if your phone doesn’t have a SIM card.
You can contact your phone’s customer support if you have any questions about your phone not having a SIM card.
Read Next: My Phone Says No Sim Card Emergency Calls Only? – Fixed!
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to activate Android phone without SIM card, you can now set it up and complete the process.
You don’t need a SIM card to use your phone. It does help if you know what you’re doing to avoid any confusion with the process.
Follow these steps carefully, and you can start using your phone even if you don’t have a SIM card with you.
You can do many things with your Android phone, even if it doesn’t have a SIM card. You can even install your favorite VPN app, like Atlas VPN, so you can watch Netflix shows that are not available in the US.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.