I have an old Samsung Fascinate that was wiped to delete my personal data. But I decided to try and resurrect it to use as a alarm clock. However when I turn it on it wants me to activate it with Verizon. Is there anyway to get past this and just use it as a wifi device?
-
After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.
Help Using an old phone as a wifi device, not activated with carrier
- Thread starter Catz99
- Start date
I have several phones that I use for everything BUT a phone, lol, and as long as I don't have a sim card in them I can just skip the carrier screen and get right in. It doesn't let you get past the initial screen?
Upvote
0
I don't understand how these crazy "yank" carriers work but if it really needs activated, could he flash it with another firmware that doesn't?
Upvote
0
Usually not.
This is a Verizon CDMA phone so definitely not.
Put it in airplane mode, turn on wifi.
Upvote
0
The YANKS are actually a baseball team MATE, lol, and I'm also using a crazy Spanish carrier, so that must be why I can get away with it, lmao!!!
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Thanks for your responses. This is a CMDA phone, no SIM card. Tried all the suggestions and some other crazy ones from other sources No go. Oh well I have another old phone that I will use that I can get into. Thanks again.
Upvote
0
Sorry bro.
Pardon my ignorance but what does the activation process involve? (im just interested tbh)
Like you give them your name, address, lock of hair and then what? They want money or what or can you just use it as a wifi mini tablet?
Thanks
Pardon my ignorance but what does the activation process involve? (im just interested tbh)
Like you give them your name, address, lock of hair and then what? They want money or what or can you just use it as a wifi mini tablet?
Thanks
Upvote
0
Did you try touching all four corners? I know I can do that on my OG Droid to bypass activation. I *think* it's upper left, upper right, lower right and lower left. Haven't done it in forever but it works on that phone anyway.
Upvote
0
Good idea @Clemintine_3!
http://androidforums.com/threads/bypass-fascinate-activation-screen.171348/
You just hit the home button on Sprint as I recall - anyway - above thread has the answer for the Fascinate.
http://androidforums.com/threads/bypass-fascinate-activation-screen.171348/
You just hit the home button on Sprint as I recall - anyway - above thread has the answer for the Fascinate.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
It's an automated process that takes the phone id, validates it to the customer record, and provisions the phone for use (that's a CDMA term - trust me, it's what makes it work).
Upvote
0
fwiw, I recently went thru that dance with my Droid X after a factory reset, and wound up having to call VZW to re-activate my S5, after I finished up activating the Droid X. I was not able to get past the "you've got to activate the phone" screen any other way.
Upvote
0
Steady on. We're not the only ones using CDMA.Ahh right. Bloody murica!
It's going away - sad, it's better than GSM for voice and more secure.
What's activation called in China?
Last edited:
Upvote
0
As long as the SIM card has been deactivated, you should be able to access it without problem. We just changed phones and gave one of the old ones to our daughter. With the old SIM still inserted, she has access to emergency (9-1-1) calls and the use of Wifi.
Upvote
0
The Samsung Fascinate is CDMA phone without a sim card, the OP's question has been answered for that phone.
That's good to know about GSM phones however.
That's good to know about GSM phones however.
Upvote
0
BEST TECH IN 2023
We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.
Smartphones
Best Android Phones
See All- Google Pixel 8 Pro Check Price
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Check Price
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Check Price
- Google Pixel 8 Check Price
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Check Price
Upcoming
See All
Best iPhones
See All- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Check Price
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Check Price
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus Check Price
- Apple iPhone 15 Check Price
- Apple iPhone SE (2022) Check Price
Upcoming
See AllTablets
Best Tablets
See All- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Check Price
- Apple iPad Pro (2022) Check Price
- Apple iPad Air (2022) Check Price
- Apple iPad Mini (2021) Check Price
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Check Price
Upcoming
See AllLaptops
Best Laptops
See All- Apple Macbook Pro Check Price
- Apple Macbook Air (2023) Check Price
- Dell XPS 13 Check Price
- Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Check Price
- Dell Alienware m18 (2022) Check Price
Upcoming
See AllTelevisions
Best TVs
See All- Samsung The Frame TV Check Price
- Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C Check Price
- LG G3 OLED Check Price
- LG A2 OLED Check Price
- ROKU Plus Series Check Price
- Samsung S90C OLED Check Price
- SunBriteTV Veranda 3 Check Price
Upcoming
See AllGame Consoles
Best Game Consoles
See All- Nintendo Switch OLED Check Price
- Microsoft XBOX Series X Check Price
- Sony Playstation 5 Check Price
- Microsoft XBOX Series S Check Price
- Nintendo Switch Lite Check Price
Upcoming
See AllWearables
Best Wearables
See All- Oura Ring 3 Check Price
- Apple Watch Series 9 Check Price
- Google Pixel Watch 2 Check Price
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Check Price
- Fitbit Inspire 3 Check Price
- Amazfit Amazfit Band 7 Check Price
- Apple Watch SE Check Price
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 Check Price
Upcoming
See All
Similar threads
- Question
