How to Reset an iPhone With No SIM Card
By Melly Parker
Your iPhone has the same reset process whether it uses a SIM card or is designed for CDMA networks. Even if no SIM card is in the device, you can reset the iOS software normally; apps and functions that require mobile service won't work until the SIM card is in the phone, but the iOS software will still work normally. Add a SIM card before or after resetting the iPhone to connect to your provider's network. Restoring your phone in iTunes returns your apps, media and personal information to your device once the new copy of iOS is installed. Before starting the restoration process, back up your iPhone with iTunes so that your latest data and settings can be saved to your iPhone after the reset is complete.
Step 1
Press the release button on the micro-SIM slot with a paperclip or SIM eject tool and then insert your SIM card, if you have one. If you don't, continue without putting a SIM card in your iPhone.
Step 2
Plug your iPhone into your computer with the iPhone charging cable. Start iTunes on your computer.
Step 3
Click the "iPhone" in the Devices tab and then click the "Summary" tab.
Step 4
Click "Restore iPhone" and then click "Restore." Wait for the device to restart.
Step 5
Drag the slider across the screen and follow the steps to set up your iPhone.
References
Tips
- When you set up your iPhone with the setup assistant, you have the option to install iOS on your iPhone as if it were a new iPhone or to back up your apps, media and settings from iTunes.
- Leave your iPhone plugged in to the computer until it's done being updated.
Warnings
- The information in this article applies to iPhones with iOS installed. Attempting the steps with other hardware or software may give you different results.
Writer Bio
Melly Parker has been writing since 2007, focusing on health, business, technology and home improvement. She has also worked as a teacher and a bioassay laboratory technician. Parker now serves as a marketing specialist at one of the largest mobile app developers in the world. She holds a Master of Science in English.