In case you haven’t heard, you can remove the data plan from the iPhone via your AT&T online account. Perhaps you use wifi at home and work, or you’re just cheap… or you’re both (just like me). Anyways, I’ve read a lot online about how to do it, but nothing about how to REALLY do it. Anyways, here are the steps, the things you might have to do, and how to fix them.
1. Remove the data package via the online site.
2. Call AT&T and have them block all edge and medianet access (your phone always thinks you have unlimited data, so it will get expensive if edge and medianet are not blocked).
3. Have AT&T create a voicemail box for your account. Removing the data plan removes your voicemail box.
4. Call AT&T back again and verify they blocked the above services. You don’t want a $1000 bill if they screw up (you should also receive an Edge subscription error message while going on the net with wifi off).
5. On the iPhone, from the Settings menu, choose General -> Reset All Settings. This is necessary so your voicemail button works to dial your voicemail.
6. If you cannot send text messages after removing the data plan, enter the following number in your phone and call it:**5005*7672*+13123149810# This will set the SMS center number to AT&T.I hope this helps some people… it took many hours of frustration to get it working 100%.
February 14, 2008 at 10:02 am
Hey, thanks for the post. Does this still work for you? This is exactly what I want; basically an iPod Touch and a normal phone in one. And normal voicemail and text messaging both work just fine?
Thanks
February 14, 2008 at 10:08 am
Yep, this still works 100% for me. No regrets about doing it so far
March 22, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Pat, thats exactly what i want too, have you tried this since your post on 2/14? does it still work?
March 22, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Still works fine.
March 24, 2008 at 3:58 pm
works still, just gotta be firm with AT&T
April 9, 2008 at 7:20 am
how do u remove the data package via the online website?
April 9, 2008 at 8:46 am
It’s under Add/Manage Features. Keep in mind you will be charged for text messaging by removing it (they are bundled).
April 9, 2008 at 9:04 am
it says
“F999: You can view your current features as an iPhone customer, but you are not able to add or remove features online at this time. If you would like to add or remove a feature, please contact customer service at 800-331-0500.”
do u still have the option online? could you check?
April 9, 2008 at 9:36 am
I’m getting the same message. This could be temporary or permanent, but you might have to give them a call to remove the data plan. Hopefully they don’t make a big deal about it.
August 29, 2008 at 6:14 pm
This does not work. AT&T does not remove data package.
August 29, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This post is still valid for using any iPhone without a data plan, but how you get the data plan removed is another story.
I’ve been told that people with 2G iPhones can still get the data plan removed if you pester AT&T. After your contract is up with either the 2G or 3G iPhone, you should be able to remove the data plan without an issue.
August 4, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Just saw your post. Good information.
AT&T told me that I have to use a different phone if I want to get rid of the data plan. I figured I would switch to my Nokia and get them to remove the data plan. Then I would switch my SIM card back to my iPhone (Original 2G) and continue to use it.
Do you think that would work okay?