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

Sonic Pilot

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Feb 2, 2021
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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

Well-known member
Jan 11, 2014
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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

Senior Ambassador
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Mar 9, 2012
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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

Well-known member
Jan 11, 2014
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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

Senior Ambassador
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Mar 9, 2012
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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

Retired Moderator
Feb 12, 2012
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My Note 3 still complains about there being no SIM, but other than that one notification, it works fine.
 

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