Can I set up a refurbished iPhone with an Apple ID before choosing a carrier?

I purchased a refurbished iPhone from apple for my wife's birthday. I will set it up after i give it to her. Can i set up the iphone with her current iTunes/apple account before we select a carrier.

my plan is to port our home number to this cell. Visible site verfied the number is portable. But need to know if phone should be set up with my wife’s account first.



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Posted on Apr 23, 2025 7:01 PM

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Posted on Apr 23, 2025 8:05 PM

Yes. You can set up the Apple account on the phone without a carrier (just like you would on an iPod or iPad without cell service).

5 replies

Apr 24, 2025 5:20 PM in response to Arnolfo Santoro

"I would only set up the iPhone with one account. I am just wondering if I can set it up without a carrier. I plan to choose a carrier later."

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You can only have one Apple Account associated to it at a time. You do NOT need to have cellular service to log into it --just use WiFi. But, if you try creating too many AppleAccounts on it, then you'll be restricted to creating it on another device. So, that is why to use another device on it.

Apr 23, 2025 8:24 PM in response to Arnolfo Santoro

"Can I set up a refurbished iPhone with an Apple ID before choosing a carrier?: I purchased a refurbished iPhone from apple for my wife's birthday. I will set it up after i give it to her. Can i set up the iphone with her current iTunes/apple account before we select a carrier. my plan is to port our home number to this cell. Visible site verfied the number is portable. But need to know if phone should be set up with my wife’s account first."

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Issues with Creating Apple Account:

You might get an error in regards to setting up too many Apple Accounts on it. If you do, then set one up using a computer or other device. Go Here: If you See “The maximum number of free accounts have been activated” - Apple Support

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Can I set up a refurbished iPhone with an Apple ID before choosing a carrier?

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