How to Use a Smart Phone Without a Data Plan

A smart phone is any phone using an advanced operating system similar to a computer's. The wide variety of applications that can be downloaded make the smart phones into mobile work stations. Most wireless providers require a data plan with smart phones. You might need the smart phone only for the advanced address book, with no need for the Internet. You can activate a previously purchased smart phone without a data plan. The process requires that you deactivate data on the phone itself and install the SIM card into the phone.

Things You'll Need

• Used smart phone
• SIM card

Instructions

1. • 1
     Turn the smart phone on.
     
   • 2
     Access the main menu and turn off data. The exact path will depend on the type of phone. Look for "Data Settings" under the "Tools," "Options" or "Settings" menu option. You may have to select the option for "Mobile Network" to locate the setting to turn off data services.
     
   • 3
     Power the phone off once you have turned off data services. Install the SIM card into the phone. The SIM card is located beneath the battery on most smart phones. Power the phone on and it will fully function without data.
     

Tips & Warnings

• Wireless phone insurance will not cover a phone that is not listed on your account. Contacting your provider to update the equipment information with the smart phone will likely require you to add a smart phone data plan. If you choose to operate a smart phone without updating the carrier with the phone information, insurance will not cover damage or loss. Most wireless companies will automatically add the plan if your smart phone connects to the Internet. Deactivating the data connection protects against that, but it also blocks picture and video messaging.