[2024] How to Activate iPhone without SIM Card in 5 Ways

Have you got a "No SIM Card Installed" message when you try to activate your iPhone? Most of the time, a SIM card is necessary to activate an iPhone no matter if it is new or second-hand. Then, what to do if you don't have a SIM card? And how to activate iPhone without SIM card? Do not worry. Here we explored 5 ways to solve the problem. Now let's begin.

• Part 1. Can You Activate iPhone without SIM Card?
• Part 2. How Do You Activate iPhone without SIM Card?
• Way 1: Activate iPhone Using Wi-Fi
• Way 2: Activate iPhone via iTunes
• Way 3: Use Emergency Call Feature
• Way 4: Use R-SIM/X-SIM
• Way 5: Activate An Old iPhone by Jailbreaking
• Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Bypass the Activation Lock [Hot]
• Part 4. Conclusion

Part 1. Can You Activate iPhone without SIM Card?

Fortunately, the answer is yes. You can activate your iPhone without SIM card if your situation meets the requirements. Here we'll introduce 3 main situations.

1. iPhone Running iOS 12 or Later

It's the luckiest situation if you are using iOS 12 or a later version. In this case, you can activate your device in several ways without SIM card.

2. iPhone Running Older Versions of iOS

Unfortunately, you probably can't activate your iPhone without SIM card if your iPhone is running iOS versions older than 12. However, there is still a solution, which only needs more patience.

3. iPhone that is Carrier-Locked

Another common situation is that your iPhone is carrier-locked. In this situation, only the carrier company can unlock your iPhone and it's a paid service. You need to contact your carrier and make a request.

Part 2. How Do You Activate iPhone without SIM Card?

After learning 3 main situations, and you have figured out which one is your situation, you may want to ask "How can I activate iPhone without SIM card"? As mentioned above, you are lucky to do this in several ways if you are using iOS 12 or later. If not, there is still a way in 2.2.

Way 1: Activate iPhone Using Wi-Fi

Apple offers options to activate your iPhone, and one of them is using Wi-Fi. In this way, you can ignore the "No SIM Card" or "SIM Card Required" message. Now follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Turn on your iPhone, set up the Language and Country, and then select Set Up Manually.
• Step 2: Choose a Wi-Fi to connect. If you see the "No SIM Card Installed" message, just dismiss it by taping OK.
• Step 3: Continue the follow-up instructions to complete the activation process.

Way 2: Activate iPhone via iTunes

iTunes is an application for iOS devices that assists in managing your iPhone. It's also the most reliable method for activating iPhone without SIM card because it's recommended by Apple. To proceed with this, you'll require a computer and a USB cable.

2.1 iOS 12 or Later:

• Step 1: Launch the latest iTunes and use an appropriate USB to connect your iPhone to the computer, then iTunes will detect your device automatically.
• Step 2: Choose Set up as new iPhone, and it will show a new interface that asks you to sync your iPhone with iTunes.
• Step 3: Click on Get Started → Sync.
• Step 4: Check whether your device is activated after the process is finished.

2.2 iOS Version Earlier Than iOS 12:

• Step 1: Launch the latest iTunes and use an appropriate USB to connect your iPhone to the computer.
• Step 2: Click the iPhone icon, and open the Summary section. Then, click on Check for Update, and hit the Update to update the iOS version.
• Step 3: After updating, follow the steps mentioned above to activate the iPhone via iTunes.
• (Some old iPhone models cannot be upgraded to new iOS versions that support activation without SIM.)

Way 3: Use Emergency Call Feature

It should be noticed that through this way, you might make unnecessary calls that you are not willing to. In addition, this is an old way and Apple probably has found the bug, so it has little chance to succeed. But if you still want to give it a try, the steps are listed below.

• Step 1: Turn on your iPhone.
• Step 2: When the "No SIM Card Installed" appears, press the Home button, then you will see an emergency dial screen.
• Step 3: Dial 999 or 112, then press the Home button as soon as it starts calling.
• Step 4: A message to cancel the call will appear immediately appear, tap on it.
• Step 5: Check whether your iPhone is activated.

Way 4: Use R-SIM/X-SIM

An R-SIM card enables you to make calls, send text messages, and perform basic functions on your device, just like a normal iPhone. If you have an R-SIM or X-SIM, follow the steps:

• Step 1: Place the R-SIM or X-SIM into the iPhone via its SIM Tray, and a list of network providers will be displayed on your screen.
• Step 2: Choose the one according to your situation, if you can't find your network carrier, tap on input imsi.
• Step 3: You will be asked to enter a 7-digit carrier code, click on this link to find the code you need.
• Step 4: Select the model type of your iPhone and then choose an appropriate unlocking method.
• Step 5: Allow the process to finish and restart your iPhone to validate the process.

Way 5: Activate An Old iPhone by Jailbreaking

If all the methods above fail to work, you can consider jailbreaking your iPhone. This method is both tedious and risky as it will remove all the limitations set by Apple. So we suggest you only try this way when it is an old iPhone. Consider this method as your final choice, as utilizing it will terminate your iPhone's warranty.

• Here are the details of jailbreaking your iPhone:
• ☞ Jailbreak iOS Device on Windows
• ☞ Jailbreak iOS Device on Mac

Part 3. Bonus Tip: How to Bypass the Activation Lock [Hot]

There's also a good chance that your iPhone may have an activation lock. This is where the Joyoshare Activation Unlocker comes into play. It's a dedicated tool designed to assist you in removing the iCloud activation lock under various circumstances. This tool enables users to bypass the activation lock screen without a password. Even if the activation lock shows up again, this tool allows you to bypass the iCloud lock and activate the device an unlimited number of times.

Key Features of Joyoshare Activation Unlocker

• Bypass the activation lock without password
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
• Erase Apple ID from the device with the highest success rate
• Technical-free steps and a user-friendly interface

Try It Free Try It Free

• Step 1 Choose Remove iCloud Activation Lock

  To connect your iPhone to the computer, an original USB cord will be a better choice. Next, Launch the Joyoshare Activation Unlocker, and select Remove iCloud Activation Lock. Upon clicking Start, a disclaimer will pop up, please take your time to read it thoroughly and click Agree.

  

• Step 2 Enter DFU Mode Manually and Start Jailbreaking

  The software will put your device into recovery mode. Please follow the on-screen instructions to enter DFU mode. Once your device is in DFU mode, the jailbreaking process will begin.

  

  • Jailbreak Tutorial:
  • ☞ Jailbreak iOS Device on Windows
  • ☞ Jailbreak iOS Device on Mac

• Step 3 Bypass the Activation Lock

  Verify the detected device details and hit the Start to Remove button to initiate the process of iPhone activation bypass. Once you see the Remove Successfully message, the entire process is completed.

  

Part 4. Conclusion

This article focuses on how to activate iPhone without SIM card and concludes with 5 methods. However, not every method works in all situations, the possibility of success depends on your iOS version and whether it's carrier-locked. The situations and steps are explained in detail in this article. If you still have problems or any suggestions, please leave your comment.