If we don't have a SIM card can I send iMessages? You will need a SIM card and SMS service with a supported carrier to initially activate iMessage on an iPhone. iMessage activation on an iPhone requires an SMS message.
You don't need a SIM card and cellular service to use most features of today's iPhones and Android phones. Most apps and services run just fine as long as you have access to WiFi, and you can even set up a free virtual phone number for making and receiving calls and texts.
To send a message as iMessage or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.
If your iPhone is displaying a No SIM Card Installed error, then you can't connect to your wireless carrier's network. This means you can't use your wireless data over 4G or 5G, and you can't make or receive calls.
Open “Settings” on your Android device and select “Wireless & Networks” to activate WiFi texting. Toggle the option next to “Text Messages (SMS)” to “On” after tapping on the WiFi network you wish to use.
If you have a weak cellular signal but a solid Wi-Fi signal, your iPhone can make calls and send texts via Wi-Fi.
Your iPhone needs a physical SIM or an eSIM to connect to a cellular network. (Not all options are available on all models or in all countries and regions. On iPhone 14 models purchased in the U.S., you can only use eSIM.) Contact your carrier to get a SIM and set up cellular service.
An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.
As long as your iPhone is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network, new SMS/MMS texts can be sent and received on the devices that you added.
iMessage sends messages over Wi-Fi or cellular data when Wi-Fi is unavailable, rather than through traditional SMS. This means, if you do not have a data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur pay-per-use data charges when using iMessage.
As far as your cell provider is concerned, iMessages don't count as text messages. That means they don't use up your text message allowance on your phone contract. However, if you aren't connected to Wi-Fi, sending iMessages uses your cell data instead.
There are three ways to send SMS over WiFi. If you're sending SMS to the same device as the one you're using, you can use a built-in mechanism (on both iOS and Android devices) to do this over WiFi. You can also send text messages using a VoIP number. Or you can use a third-party messaging app.
The simple answer is yes. But to send an anonymous text, you'll need to use a third-party service, whether it's a VoIP service, an app or a website. When you send a text normally, the message is sent in one or more digital “packets,” along with information about the number it was sent from and to.
In this context, WiFi calling is a carrier provided feature. Without a SIM, you can't do WiFi calling because you don't have any phone service at all. You could use an app and a service like Google Voice to place calls to actual phone numbers, or FaceTime audio to call other FaceTime users.
iPhone 13 models and earlier also have a SIM tray for a nano-SIM card—you can use a nano-SIM card from a carrier. iPhone 13 models support Dual eSIM. You can set up a cellular data plan with an eSIM with certain iPad models.
An iPhone 14 model in the United States doesn't have a SIM card.
The SIM card has none of your data on it except the credentials to connect to your cellular service provider's network. There is nothing to erase on it. You can ➔ simply remove the SIM card from your iPhone before sending it in for the trade-in.
Designed initially to access mobile phone networks, a SIM card authenticates the subscriber and ensures the user is accurately billed for used airtime. The SIM also stores your phone directories, messages, information on roaming across different networks, and many other value-added voice and data services.
The only information stored on your iPhone SIM card is your phone number and billing information related to your cellular service. This means that your contacts, text messages, photos, and other personal data are not actually stored on the iPhone SIM card.
If you insert your SIM card in a new phone, your phone number will stay the same. A SIM card is only associated with one phone number at a time, so it won't change even when you insert it into another phone.
Yes, you can use the device as if it were an iPod Touch without cellular service. No need to remove the SIM. It will automatically be deactivated when your new phone is activated.
Fix problems connecting to Messages
On your phone, turn your Wi-Fi off and back on. Make sure your phone and computer are connected to the internet with a strong signal. If you have connection problems, restart your phone. Make sure your phone has background data turned on for the Messages app.
You will need a SIM card and SMS service with a supported carrier to initially activate iMessage on an iPhone. iMessage activation on an iPhone requires an SMS message. Once activated it should continue to work with an iPhone with the SIM removed, although obviously not with your telephone number, but over wifi.