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How to convert old Apple iPhone se20 to spare phone

kayeb
kayeb Posts: 51 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker

I have an old Apple iPhone SE2020 that I kept after I upgraded to a new iPhone 16e last year.

I’m going down to London next week & I'm paranoid about phone theft. I was wondering if I could convert the old phone to a PAYG phone, to use as a “just in case” phone.

I’d only need to make calls, texts & maybe use Apple or Google maps & check train times, so a bit of data. So maybe a PAYG SIM card & I suppose I’d need to restore it to the original settings. I wouldn’t be bothered about WhatsApp or social media. If it was stolen there wouldn’t be much personal information for a thief to steal. I don’t want to put my new phone’s SIM card back into the old phone.

I also run long distances & I’d be happier using the old phone while running, as if I dropped it, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if it was broken or damaged by sweat of rain. it’d be lighter weight for my little running back pack too.

Can you give me any advice about the right way to do it a where I’d buy a suitable SIM card please?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • MikeJXE
    MikeJXE Posts: 3,971 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper

    Reset it to factory settings and set up a separate Apple ID account not linked to your usual account, only use it where you have 360 degrees view not in public places, get your back to the wall. You can get a new sim from any supermarket for a few pounds

  • Woodstok2000
    Woodstok2000 Posts: 1,069 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper

    Theres an mse guide on sim only deals - loads of options depending on what you need. Most will require you to use the phone and/or top up a certain amount every few months to keep it active.

  • kayeb
    kayeb Posts: 51 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker

    Thank you both so much! Really helpful 😃

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