Second mobile just for apps 5 July 2021 at 11:40AM in Mobiles 14 replies 353 views

Mollybet

Hi, 
Ive got an iPhone 6 which I dont use much but I do like and dont really want to change to an Android. However, in the last few months I've discovered that several apps (such as NHS Track and Trace, Wimbledon etc.) cant download because they need a higher iOS. The cost of upgrading to a more up-to-date iphone is totally prohibitive.

I've picked up a new Motorola moto g from an auction website and was thinking of keeping that just for apps. What would be the best way to finance that. I dont mind paying for a PAYG sim for say £10 but not every month. It would need the data to carry over each month until I used it. 

I feel I'm floundering in the dark with this. Hope someone can help.

flaneurs_lobster

I would depend on how much data you were expecting to use on your new phone and if you have a need to be with a particular network (because of local reception conditions). Was the Moto unlocked from any network? What kind of plan do you have on your iPhone? 

pbartlett

do you really **really** need these apps? i would personally not go the second phone route it will end up cumbersome and complicated!

getmore4less

3 data reward SIM 200MB a month totally free to set up.

pbartlett

200mb won't get you many apps

chistery

You can use wifi when at home though to download and use the apps.

J_B

I have a spare Android phone which has no sim that I just use for a few apps via wifi

iM nOt sUre iF I pHones would work the same

Neil_Jones

You can run mobile phones without SIM cards in them.  If you purely want it for apps and you have Wifi and you're happy with having no access to the mobile network, just don't shove a SIM in it.

Mollybet

Thanks for all your comments. They have certainly given me something to think about. The type of apps are generally ones with tickets attached. For example, last week I managed to get a ticket for Wimbledon but they only did them stored on the Wimbledon app so you show your phone at the entrance with the app opened to show the ticket. Instead I had to queue (in the rain!) for an hour to prove I’m me to get my ticket. I don’t know how much data I would need to just open the app but presumably some. I might only use it once a month. I might look a bit more into getting a higher number iPhone.
Thanks again.

getmore4less

Basic opening and loading existing stuff should not use much data.

If you know  in advance you can set it up and open on WiFi and just turn screen back on at a venue.

jnm21

Does your iPhone offer tethering/hotspot?

You could run the 2nd phone without a SIM and tether it to the iPhone for data.

Also I am waiting for an RWG SIM arriving after it was mentioned on here - 50 mins or SMS plus 250MB per month for free, with reasonable prices (by pay & go standards) if you go over, all using EE signal!

Combine both methods - an RWG free SIM in the 2nd phone on flight mode (for battery saving) with WiFi turned on (yes, it is possible) to tether to the iPhone for data.  If you run out of data/power or simply forget the iPhone, simply turn off flight mode & use the RWG SIM.