Android

Creating a wifi (only) smartphone out of an old, unwanted android device

First just to let you know some specs on the android device I converted over:

Carrier - Verizon

Device - Motorola Driod Bionic

Network - CDMA

OS - Android 4.04 (Ice Cream Sandwich) Build 6.7.245

The purpose of this project was to create a campus phone for me, and to test an iPod Touch equivalent for my daughter.

Notes: I chose not to root the device because it wasn't necessary. Some devices may not work using this tutorial so you may opt to root device.

You may or may not need to keep your sim card in. In this case I kept the sim card in.

  1. With the sim card in, turn on the device
  2. Do a factory reset of the device - http://droidologist.com/how-to-reset-an-android-phone/
  3. Reboot the device
  4. With the sim card in, turn on the wifi and connect to your router
  5. Create a new account on the device
  6. Pull out your sim card
  7. Reboot the device

The device will should detect your wifi connection and load on reboot without the sim card. You should also notice that you no longer have cell coverage on the device.

If you're using a smartphone, the instructions below will help you make calls and send text messages via your wireless connection using VOIP. Keep in mind that you need a wireless connection to do this.

  1. Download Google Voice
  2. Create a Google Voice number - http://support.google.com/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=150640
  3. Download Talkatone (there are other free call and sms apps; search "voice over ip or voip" in apps store for others.)
  4. Follow the instructions when setting up Talktone and you should be able to send and receive calls and text messages

Notes:

You can also send sms via Google Voice instead of Talktone.