Are you wondering if you can still use Wi-Fi on your phone even after deactivating it? People want to know whether their old phones can still connect to Wi-Fi after deactivating them, and more often, the answer is yes. Here’s what you must know about using Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone.
What is a Deactivated Phone, and How Does it Work?
A deactivated phone is a phone that has had its service disconnected by the carrier. This means that the phone can no longer make or receive calls, texts, or use data. However, some phones may still be able to connect to Wi-Fi and use apps that don’t require an active data connection.
So, Can You Use Wi-Fi on a Deactivated Phone? Yes, you can use Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone. However, there are exceptions and things to remember before counting on this as your only way to stay connected.
What Are the Exceptions Where Your Deactivated Phone Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi?
If you’re planning to deactivate your phone, you might be wondering if you’ll still be able to use Wi-Fi. The answer is: it depends. While most phones will no longer be able to connect to cellular data networks, they should be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
However, there are a few exceptions where your phone might not be able to connect to Wi-Fi. For example, if your phone is locked to a specific carrier, it might not be able to connect to other Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, some phones may not be able to connect to certain types of Wi-Fi networks, such as those that require authentication. It’s essential to check the device’s manual before making any assumptions about whether or not it will be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
Is It Possible to Use Wi-Fi on a Deactivated Phone to Make Calls?
Many assume that once they deactivate their phone, they will no longer have access to its features. However, this is not always the case. While you cannot use your phone to make calls or send texts, you may be able to continue using its Wi-Fi capabilities, depending on your service provider.
This means you can still connect to the internet and use apps that rely on an internet connection. So, if you’re unsure whether you can use Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone to make VoIP calls, the answer is: it depends. For example, if you are with T-Mobile, you can use Wi-Fi until your plan expires. If you’re with Verizon, however, there is a possibility that your device could revert to roaming mode when it becomes inactive. If this happens and you have unlimited data roaming on Verizon’s network, there would be no additional charge for internet usage (unless otherwise specified by Verizon).
Otherwise, fees could be associated with making voice over IP (VoIP) calls or downloading data over wireless networks while roaming in another country, depending on the plan customers subscribe to with Verizon Wireless.
As long as users don’t mind these potential fees, they should feel free to continue using their phone’s Wi-Fi capability while remaining inactive.
Why would I want to use my Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone?
You might want to use your Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone for a few reasons. Maybe you’re trying to save data, or perhaps you want to be able to connect to the internet without using your data plan. Whatever the reason, connecting to Wi-Fi is possible even after deactivating your phone.
Here’s how.
- First, ensure your phone is fully charged before doing anything else.
- Second, find a place with a strong Wi-Fi signal – this could be at home or in the office.
If you’re not at home and don’t have access to an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal, search for coffee shops or other public places with free Wi-Fi (there are tons of these!). Once you’ve found an excellent spot with an available signal, download and install any app that will allow you to log in to public networks – this could include Mobile Hotspot Pro by Bitdefender and LogMeIn Ignition by LogMeIn Inc., etc.
Will I have to Pay for Any Data Usage After My Contract Expires?
After your contract expires, you may have to pay for data usage if you continue to use data services on your phone. Data services may include email, web browsing, and app usage. Suppose you cancel your service; you will no longer be able to use these features. However, you may still be able to use Wi-Fi on your phone after canceling the service.
Contact your carrier to learn more about using Wi-Fi on a deactivated phone. You should also check your device’s user manual. Some devices may allow you to continue using Wi-Fi without signing in or with a limited connection.
However, other devices may require signing in with an active account before connecting to the internet through Wi-Fi.
How Do I Connect an iPhone to Wi-Fi When it’s Deactivated?
Even if you have deactivated your iPhone, you can still connect it to Wi-Fi networks. Just make sure that the phone is in Airplane Mode and then follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap the network you wish to join.
- When prompted, enter the password for the network.
- Once connected, go to Settings > Cellular and turn off Cellular Data.
- Now you can use Wi-Fi even though your iPhone is deactivated! When you leave the Wi-Fi zone, your connection will be lost, and you will need to repeat this process.
How Do I Connect My Deactivated Android Phone to Wi-Fi?
There’s good and bad news if you’re trying to connect a deactivated Android phone to Wi-Fi. The good news is that it’s possible, while the bad news is that it will not be easy. Here’s what you need to know.
- Go to Settings > Wireless & networks > More > Tethering & portable hotspot.
- Tap the USB tethering option and then connect your phone to your computer via USB cable.
- Open your computer’s control panel, and then go to Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
- Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and select Obtain an IP address automatically. Save changes by clicking ok, and return to the main Control Panel window.
- Go back to your Android phone’s wireless setting menu, and tap Advanced Wi-Fi > Custom Configuration.
- Copy and paste the following two lines of code into the Preferred DNS Server field without quotes: 192.168.1.1 and 8.8.8.8. 8.
- �?Leave everything else as default and press save before disconnecting from your computer.
- �?Click Done on your phone screen for both menus.
- This will now give you access to Wi-Fi without having to have service with a carrier plan!
Are There Any Other Ways to Connect My Device to the Internet Once Disconnected from the Carrier Network?
Suppose you are exploring other ways to connect your device to the internet once it’s disconnected from the carrier network; a few options are available. You can use Wi-Fi, connect to a VPN, or use tethering.
Using Tethering to Connect to the Internet on a Deactivated Phone
If you have a data plan, you can use your phone as a modem to connect your computer to the internet. This is called tethering. Even if you deactivate your phone, you should still be able to use this feature if you have an active data plan.
However, tethering will no longer work if you cancel your data plan. Additionally, some carriers may charge an extra fee for tethering. AT&T charges $25 per month to use this service. Verizon charges $20 per month, and Sprint charges $29.99 per month.
How to Use VPN on a Deactivated Phone to Access Internet
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a private network that encrypts and transmits data while it travels from one place to another. A VPN is often used to secure communications between two offices, employees, and clients.
It can also be used to access the internet when you’re not at home or work. If you have a deactivated phone, you can still use Wi-Fi to access the internet by connecting to a VPN. Here’s how:
- Download and install a VPN app on your phone. We recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
- Open your VPN app and select a server location. For example, if you’re in the US and want to access UK-based content, connect to a server in the UK.
- Select the type of connection that best suits your needs – unblock social media, surf anonymously, etc.
- Key in the URL of any website you want to visit and hit connect. The page will open as if you were browsing on a PC with full internet speed!
The Final Word
If you’re planning to deactivate your phone, you might be wondering if you can still use Wi-Fi with it. The answer is yes! Even though your phone will no longer have a cellular connection, you’ll still be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
This means you can still use all your favorite apps, browse the web, and check your email. So, deactivate your phone – you won’t have to worry about losing your internet connection. Just make sure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough by performing a speed test in the area.