Can I use a cheap WP as Wi-Fi ONLY device?

[OldMillXxX]

I want to get my younger son a phone, but not connect it to the cellular network. They have Wi-Fi at school and we have it at home, plus most places we go. I figure he can get in touch with me through Skype, or whatever chat app he wants to use. Can I do this? For $50 (Lumia 520, or other cheap model), this seems like a great option without the cellular bill. Anyone done this? How does it work? Still get OS updates? Developer Preview? How about firmware updates? Need to be Unlocked phone?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alienhead95]

Yes you can use the phone on Wi-Fi only without any problems. You will still get all the updates without the sim card. You dont need to unlock the phone.
Only apps like whatsapp or viber which need a phone number to register will be a problem, othewise you are ok.

 

[Wam1q]

Just don't put in a SIM. Instant WiFi-only device. Everything except calls/SMS works. Updates and everything. (Had my phone without a SIM for 6 months.)

Edit: I don't use Whatsapp, though. Didn't know about that.

 

[OldMillXxX]

Awesome! Planning to order shortly...

On a side note, if I choose to add him to my Verizon plan, can I add any phone that has CDMA hardware inside? I heard a rumor that Verizon will not allow a phone that they didn't sell on their network. I have seen some cheap WP that have the CDMA hardware inside, but since Verizon didn't sell them, they don't allow them. Thought I could pop my SIM out of my 928 and register the device with Verizon and then just order a SIM for him if I choose to go that route. Truth to that? Anyone ever try and fail/succeed?

Thanks again!

 

[simpkijd]

I bought my 11 year old son a L635 for this exact purpose. He uses it all the time for music, games, Skype, Netflix, etc with no SIM. Just wifi... for $99 buck it's a good deal.
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[JohnStrk]

I too was also wondering about this as I might get my younger nieces one for Christmas. They love playing around with my Lumia 920 even though it lacks the popular apps and games that they are used to.

FYI - Best Buy and I think Radio Shack will have the Lumia 635 AT&T GoPhone (No-Contract) for $40 on Black Friday.

 

[tgp]

On a side note, if I choose to add him to my Verizon plan, can I add any phone that has CDMA hardware inside? I heard a rumor that Verizon will not allow a phone that they didn't sell on their network. I have seen some cheap WP that have the CDMA hardware inside, but since Verizon didn't sell them, they don't allow them. Thought I could pop my SIM out of my 928 and register the device with Verizon and then just order a SIM for him if I choose to go that route. Truth to that? Anyone ever try and fail/succeed?

You'll need a Verizon version device if you want to get one with the capability of activating it on Verizon. I've never owned a Verizon WP, but I think you'd want to get an 822, 928, Icon, or HTC M8.

 

[worldspy99]

Buy a used 520 or a 521, best bang for the buck. You can get one on eBay for $30 or less. Then when you are ready to register with VZW just get a compatible device and keep the original one as a media player.