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No SIM card

Tuesday 2 June ♡
by John hodgson ☕
in forum cycle.travel
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Can I use an old phone with no SIM card

Comments

HobbesOnTour 🍰
Tue 2 Jun, 13:57

In theory, yes, but navigation only in offline mode.

Why in theory? Because CT requires a minimum 'level' of operating system. Too old and the app won't work.

Try it and see. 

Simon Day 🍰
Tue 2 Jun, 17:31

Hi John, another user here. 

Expanding on Hobbes comments, as I understand it (and great if anyone can correct anything):

With no SIM and no internet access (ie no wifi):

  • you would not be able to create routes on the app. You would see only the standard CT map, and your current location would be indicated and tracked (assuming Bluetooth turned on - IIUC, the app needs that to get the GPS data).
  • You would be able to select and get directions for previously created routes that had been downloaded to the phone when it had a wifi connection.
With wifi access (and a browser on your phone!) 
you would be able to access the CycleTravel (CT) website to create or access previously created routes and download them to your phone for offline use. (Assumes you have created a CT account - its free but users can express their appreciation by contributing.)
Advantages? No SIM will mean less current drain, so better battery charge life.
Disadvantages? I believe you will not be able to display the route profile on the app.
Limitation: I gather from Hobbes' comment that the app won't work on older versions of the phone's operating system (Apple or Linux). I can't see anywhere where the spec is stated.
HTH
Simon Day 🍰
Tue 2 Jun, 17:55

Correcting myself:  phone operating system = iPhone or Android

HobbesOnTour 🍰
Tue 2 Jun, 22:49
:I gather from Hobbes' comment that the app won't work on older versions of the phone's operating system (Apple or Linux). I can't see anywhere where the spec is stated.

System requirements are displayed in the Playstore (Android). I assume similar for IOS. 

Simon Day 🍰
Wed 3 Jun, 01:00

So the app on Android only requires 8.1 or later. That was released in late 2017, so a lot of older phones will be able to run the CT app.

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