Unlike another popular phone on the market (cough iPhone), the T-Mobile G1 appears like it will be much easier to begin using without any activation. In the case of the G1 you simply have to insert any active SIM from T-Mobile. If you already have a T-Mobile account you can just use that SIM, otherwise hit up a friend. If neither of those options are available you could always get a pre-paid T-Mobile SIM and use that. One thing to keep in mind is that data charges may apply, so if you go the friend route, try and make sure they already have a data plan to avoid any unnecessary fees.
After you insert the SIM, just go through the regular setup process and afterward make sure you enable the Wi-Fi. Then once the setup is complete you can remove the borrowed SIM and reinsert the original one that came with the G1. From there you can begin to play.
Keep in mind this activation bypass is not unlocking the G1 for use on other networks such as AT&T, but just allowing the phone to be used. For those that have not had any hands on with the G1, the phone initially boots up to an initial setup screen that requires an active SIM to get passed.
Of course without an active SIM, you will be limited to Wi-Fi for connectivity and you will not be able to make any calls. Personally, the G1 is a little more money than I would prefer to shell out for a Wi-Fi only device, but for some that may be all you want. As of now, without a contract the G1 is selling for $399 from T-Mobile, otherwise you can hit up the likes of eBay or Craigslist but if you choose that route, make sure you are prepared to pay a bit more.
[Love For Biz via Engadget]
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November 8th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
It is now working anymore,but I worked before. Have you try it now ?
December 9th, 2008 at 2:07 am
I think this back door was somehow closed. I’ve tried using the SIM card from a friends G1 in a G1 that I bought ‘used’ and it won’t activate.
January 28th, 2009 at 2:21 am
need help to bypass the sign in screen, my phone is unlocked already but nev passes teh sign in screen , help req
July 16th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I think what hes trying to say is that the sim card has to have the internet or a data plan on it and also you have to have a user id and password in order to use the phone
August 20th, 2009 at 6:03 am
I am having he exact same problem. I have unlocked the phone and tried 3 different T-Mobile SIM cards that have data plans (two were from G1's) and I cannot get it to activate everytime i try it gives the message that I dont have a data plan on the card and I dont think T-mobile will help me at all since I dont have service with them.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
go check the xda devs forums… and type bypass google activation screen… phonecarecenter shows you how to bypass it by downgrading your firmware and activate WIFI manually on a PC… so that your wifi works perfectly, without any contract, nothing…no rooting or jailbreaking needed…lol