question about old iphone

I'm about to pay off my iPhone 6 and I was thinking of just keeping it until it dies. However, I've been thinking of leaving my 10 yo at home for short periods of time (hour at the most) and I don't have a land line.

I can't afford anything extra - like adding him to my cell plan or paying for a land line, but I'm wondering if I give him my iPhone 6, would it work connected to wifi (like an iPad)? Since it's a phone, he could call 911, but he would also be able to text me if he needed anything.

Re: question about old iphone

I don't *think* so because you'd have to use your Apple ID on your new phone. And I don't think you'll be able to use it on both. But I could be wrong.

Message edited 10/8/2019 3:19:39 PM.

question about old iphone

Yes, you could. I actually just upgraded my phone and my old phone works on wifi.. atleast with Texting. I have not tried 911.
But if you are planning on spending money on a new phone anyway, for the same amount you would spend on a new phone you might be able to add a line and get a new phone for free. For example, Verizon is another 35 per line and was offering i believe it was the iphone 7 for free if you add another line. Just a thought.

Re: question about old iphone

You can still put the Apple ID on the iPhone 6. It will work on Wifi, but it won’t work through texting through a phone number since you won’t have one.

Use WhatsApp or another texting program app. AFAIK Emergency calls are included. You can also make calls through WhatsApp. It just needs to be on wifi.

If the battery is still good, then why not use it? I still use my iPhone 6. I got a new battery on special promotion and it works great still almost 2 years after getting the battery replaced. I’ve had the phone for over 5 years. I’ll upgrade when the battery is on its way out.

question about old iphone

The battery works fine and I would keep using it for myself, but I need an option so I can leave my son home alone. I think he's too young to have a phone of his own (and he doesn't have after school programs that would make it easier if he had a phone).

I'll have to look into the Apple ID thing. He currently has an iPod Touch that is connected to my Apple ID so I'm not sure if I can remove it from there and put on the "new" phones. The Touch has been working out well for him (he can text, etc) but it's pretty old and some of the apps aren't supported anymore. Plus I don't think he can call 911 since it's not a phone.

I'll ask next time I go to Sprint to see if they have any specials like you mentioned through Verizon.

question about old iphone

Yes, that’s what we did with my DD. DH gave her his old iPhone. It doesn’t have a phone number, just connects to our wifi and he created an apple id for her. She can imessage and facetime us and use apps.

question about old iphone

I just gave my DS my old Iphone. I created an apple ID for him and he can use text and face time when he is connected to WIFI.

Re: question about old iphone

question about old iphone

I thought all phones (even without a contract) can call 911.

Google says:
Federal law requires that cell phones must be able to call 911 at all times. As long as an old cell phone is functional, it can be used as an emergency phone.

But without a contract if it has access to a WiFi then it can do everything an iPad can do.
Facetime/iMessage/Whatsapp/Skype/etc