Why can't I sign into my Microsoft Account without a SIM in my Lumia 1020?

[Windows Central Question]

I've reset the phone, and started using a different phone as my main phone for specific reasons (Chase being jerks), and decided to use my Lumia 1020 as a sort of MP3 Player and camera, but I cannot log into my microsoft account over WiFi. It seems to require using my mobile data. Is there any way around this?

Lumia 1020, AT&T locked, Win 8.1 latest update.

 

[RumoredNow]

I sign in to a SIM-less phone and it texts a code to my number associated with my Microsoft Account. Try signing into the Msft Acct on PC browser and checking the security settings...

 

[mary beth hale]

It sounds like you may have 2-step verification enabled

 

[RumoredNow]

Right... It asks for the number to send the code to. Not ask that the SIM connected to that number be inserted in the phone. I thought the OP was saying he gets a direct request for the SIM to be inserted???

 

[rhapdog]

Been there, done that, on both a L520 and a L635.

I had done phone resets on both without the SIM. It would not allow me to log in to the MS Account "the first time" unless it could use the data plan. It would not do it on Wi-Fi. I inserted the SIM, logged in, and once logged in the first time was able to remove the SIM and not ever need it again.

I don't know why this is, when it asks for Wi-Fi log in credentials before trying to log you in. I think it's a bug in the setup process. Try that method and see if it works for you, if you still have an available, compatible SIM.

 

[6029KingStephen]

I have done exactly what you're trying to do with no problems, the only difference is that my 1020 is unlocked. I can only think that it is to do with the way the locking works. Can you get the phone unlocked by the carrier?

 

[rhapdog]

I have done exactly what you're trying to do with no problems, the only difference is that my 1020 is unlocked. I can only think that it is to do with the way the locking works. Can you get the phone unlocked by the carrier?

Hmm... Come to think of it, I did successfully perform a reset on my L635 this past Saturday without the SIM card. I had unlocked the phone on Friday before.

Sounds like the problem has been nailed down as to the "cause", and there are 2 solutions/workarounds now. Either temporarily place the SIM in the phone, or get the phone unlocked. Let us know how it works out.