I'm wondering if it's possible to buy a refurbished and unlocked Apple iPhone from a store like Walmart, open it without activating any phone or internet service, and then just walk over to a place like McDonald's to use their free Wi-Fi for downloading apps and browsing the internet. Has anyone done this?
4 Answers
Yes, you can definitely do that. It's similar to using an iPod touch, which lacks phone functionality but still connects to Wi-Fi for apps and browsing. Just keep in mind that an old iPod touch might not be the best choice since they're outdated. If you're looking to run specific apps, a newer device is the way to go.
I would advise against giving Apple your money, though. If you're primarily looking for a device to run guitar apps, certain models are really good because of the latest processors, which help reduce latency. Consider that when making your choice!
Absolutely! Most smartphones, including iPhones, allow that. You don't need to use a SIM card to access Wi-Fi. Just make sure to download your essentials while connected, and you should be good to go. Also, keep an eye on data usage if you ever decide to activate a plan later.
I did something similar with an iPhone 12 SE 3rd Gen. I mainly used free Wi-Fi for everything, but I also added a plan for $96 a year for some emergency data, just in case. It’s really handy for things like browsing and downloading apps while staying connected.

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