Do I need to have a micro sim to use tablet as just a tablet?

[adamussg11]

I know it sounds like a ridiculous question. I am looking to pick up a used galaxy tab 3 off of eBay to replace my father's 1st Gen kindle fire. I know some are strictly WiFi, some are att branded, and some sprint. If I decided to get him an att or sprint branded tablet, will he still be able to use the device as JUST a tablet... Or is a microsim needed to even activate the device? He has no desire to ever need a 4g signal or use it as a phone. Am I better off just trying to look for a WiFi only version? Thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any advice given.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I believe those kinds of devices don't require a SIM to work as a wi-fi only device.

 

[Rocko]

I know it sounds like a ridiculous question. I am looking to pick up a used galaxy tab 3 off of eBay to replace my father's 1st Gen kindle fire. I know some are strictly WiFi, some are att branded, and some sprint. If I decided to get him an att or sprint branded tablet, will he still be able to use the device as JUST a tablet... Or is a microsim needed to even activate the device? He has no desire to ever need a 4g signal or use it as a phone. Am I better off just trying to look for a WiFi only version? Thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any advice given.

No, you don't need a sim card. I just bought a Spring version. Here is the deal. It will work great as Wifi only. You simply put it in airplane mode with wifi on. On airplane mode with WiFi on, it will work fine with the only drawback being is there will be a notification at the top-that has to do with activation and needing a sim card-that won't go away unless you force stop it. It will come back on reboot. You can also root the tablet and freeze a few services for this icon/notification to be gone all the time. My advice is to look for a wifi only-so you don't have to look at the notifications- unless the price difference is so drastic. $60-85 is what they are going for. Mine was $85 and was brand new. Let me know if you need anymore info.