Question:

Can I set up my new Samsung Galaxy device without a SIM card? Will it undergo any resets if I insert a SIM card later?

Answer:

Whether you can set up your new Samsung Galaxy device without a SIM card depends on the device model.

For Galaxy S20 / Note20 Devices and newer:

A SIM card is required at the beginning of setup. Users will be prompted to insert their SIM card before transferring data.

A device cannot be set up or used without first installing a SIM card.

If customer bypasses this message (with manual override) and sets up the device, it will be reset once a SIM is placed in for the first time.

For Galaxy S10 / Note10 Devices and older:

A SIM card is not required to set up these devices.

If a customer sets up a device (logs in, transfers data, etc.) and a SIM card is placed in the device for the first time, the device will undergo SIM profiling and factory reset, losing all customer information.

No device will reset again after the initial SIM profiling, so customers may switch SIM cards freely.

Terms:

SIM card: A small card that stores your phone number, network access, and other account information.

Setup: The process of configuring a new device and transferring data to it.

Manual override: Choosing to ignore or bypass a system prompt or warning.

Factory reset: Restoring a device to its original factory settings, erasing all personal data and settings.

SIM profiling: The process of validating and registering a SIM card on a specific device.