Do I need to have an active cell service provider for..

[Sonic Pilot]

On an S9 Plus, if I simply want to use it as a camera/video device only, do I still have to have it connected to a service provider like AT&T or Verizon? Cant I use these features without a cell service provider?

 

[L0n3N1nja]

You don't need cell service for anything other than call/text and mobile data.

With no cell phone plan a cell phone is essentially a mini Android tablet and you can still use WiFi for an internet connection.

 

[B. Diddy]

In the old days, some carrier-specific phones required activation on the network, but these days I don't think that's necessary for any device.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

In the old days, some carrier-specific phones required activation on the network, but these days I don't think that's necessary for any device.

Even back then you could bypass the set up and activation requirement if you knew how, I did it all the time at Verizon. I've never encountered a phone that couldn't be used as a WiFi only device.

 

[B. Diddy]

Even back then you could bypass the set up and activation requirement if you knew how, I did it all the time at Verizon. I've never encountered a phone that couldn't be used as a WiFi only device.

Yeah, I remember with the 1st gen Moto G, you had to tap all 4 corners of the screen in the activation screen. But I thought there were some other phones that didn't have a trick.

 

[Rukbat]

My Note 3 still complains about there being no SIM, but other than that one notification, it works fine.