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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes—you can usually set up a smartphone over Wi-Fi without inserting a physical SIM card. That lets you use internet-connected features and apps on Wi-Fi, but it does not give the phone ordinary carrier service. For cellular calls, carrier SMS, or mobile data away from Wi-Fi, you need an active cellular plan through a physical SIM or eSIM.
What “without a SIM” means
A phone can be used without a physical SIM card, but that is different from having no cellular plan. An eSIM is a digital SIM: if it is activated with a carrier plan, it can provide cellular service without a card. Without an active SIM or eSIM plan, the phone has no ordinary connection to a carrier’s cellular network.
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With no active cellular plan, you can still use the phone over a working Wi-Fi connection. Browsing and internet-based apps may work, subject to each app’s account, phone-number verification, and permission requirements.
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How to set up a phone over Wi-Fi
- Charge and turn on the phone. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin setup.
- Choose the initial options. Select a language and region, configure accessibility options if needed, and choose any offered data-transfer method.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. When prompted for network access, select a trusted Wi-Fi network and enter its password. Apple says iPhone activation requires an internet connection through Wi-Fi or cellular; see Apple’s iPhone and iPad setup instructions.
- Continue device setup. Sign in to an account if desired or required, set a passcode and biometrics, and choose privacy and restore options as prompted.
- Skip or defer cellular-plan setup if offered. This does not activate a carrier line. Cellular access requires a physical SIM or eSIM, and setting up an eSIM requires an internet connection. Available activation methods depend on the carrier, phone model, and market; see Apple’s guide to setting up cellular service on iPhone.
- Check Wi-Fi access. After setup, try opening a webpage or an internet-connected app. If an app asks for an account, phone-number verification, or permissions, follow that app’s requirements.
Exact prompts differ by operating-system version, model, account, and whether an organization manages the phone. If the setup flow does not offer a way to continue without a cellular plan, consult the device maker’s instructions for that model rather than assuming the phone can activate a carrier line without a SIM or eSIM.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What you can do on a Wi-Fi-only connection
- Browse the web and use services that work over Wi-Fi.
- Use internet calling or messaging apps when the app, account, and recipient setup support it.
- Use other phone features that do not require a cellular connection, subject to the device and app’s requirements.
Wi-Fi access is not the same as carrier service. If you leave Wi-Fi coverage and have no active SIM or eSIM plan, you should not expect ordinary mobile data, carrier calls, or carrier SMS.
Calls and messages: internet apps versus carrier service
Internet calls and messages travel through an app over Wi-Fi; carrier calls and standard SMS use the carrier’s service. An app may work without cellular service, but its own account and verification rules still apply. Standard carrier SMS and ordinary carrier calls should not be expected without an active cellular line.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Does Wi-Fi Calling work with no SIM?
There is no universal answer: Wi-Fi Calling depends on the phone, carrier, region, and account. Google notes that carrier support varies, charges may apply, and some carriers may allow Wi-Fi calling without service; see Google Phone app Help. Samsung’s Galaxy guidance, last updated March 19, 2026, calls for Wi-Fi, an active SIM or eSIM, and carrier enablement; see Samsung’s Wi-Fi Calling instructions.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →On iPhone, Wi-Fi Calling availability and setup are carrier-dependent. Apple also cautions that emergency calls over Wi-Fi have location and carrier considerations; see Apple’s Wi-Fi Calling guidance. Check with your carrier for the rules that apply to your device and location.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Can you call emergency services without a SIM?
Do not rely on a SIM-less phone as a dependable way to reach emergency services. Apple warns that some cellular networks may not accept emergency calls from an iPhone without a SIM, or when it is not activated or is incompatible with or not configured for that network. Wi-Fi emergency calling is also conditional on service availability, setup, and carrier support. Apple’s guidance is at Use SOS to contact emergency services on your iPhone.
For emergency-call options, follow your local emergency authority’s guidance and confirm the details with your carrier. Do not assume that Wi-Fi Calling or an absent SIM will work in an emergency.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Choose the setup that fits your needs
| What you need | Wi-Fi only, no active plan | Wi-Fi plus an active SIM or eSIM plan |
|---|---|---|
| Internet access while connected to Wi-Fi | Yes, through a working Wi-Fi network | Yes |
| Carrier calls and standard SMS | Not available as ordinary carrier service | Available subject to the plan, carrier, and coverage |
| Mobile data away from Wi-Fi | No | Available subject to the plan, carrier, and coverage |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Carrier- and device-dependent; requirements vary | Carrier- and device-dependent; requirements vary |
| Emergency calling | Not assured; do not rely on it | Still subject to network, device, carrier, and local conditions |
If you only need apps and internet access where Wi-Fi is available, you can set the phone up without activating cellular service. If you need a carrier number, ordinary calls or SMS, or data away from Wi-Fi, check the phone’s compatibility and your carrier’s activation rules for a physical SIM or eSIM plan.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
