Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card?

Posted by MrThoughtful on Monday May 08, 2023 @02:57PM
from the ask-hn dept.

I don't like to be tracked. So when a device does not work without initializing it via an app, I install the app on a secondary phone and then delete it again.

But to get my data from my smartwatch, I need the Samsung Health app. And that one refuses to install if the phone does not have a SIM card inserted.

Is there a way around this, so I can get my data without being tracked by Samsung?

( 5 comments | 2 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card? by jollyllama on Monday May 08, 2023 @03:42PM (#35866119)

You could probably acquire an old, defunct sim card pretty easily and insert that. It might technically satisfy the ability even if it's not traceable to you.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card? by MrThoughtful on Tuesday May 09, 2023 @01:16AM (#35870433)

How would you get a defunct sim card?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card? by jollyllama on Tuesday May 09, 2023 @08:11AM (#35873134)

Post something on craigslist or fb marketplace " $5 for old unused sim card"

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Re:Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card? by KomoD on Tuesday May 09, 2023 @10:42AM (#35875056)

I guess you could also get a sim card but not load it or active it.

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Re:Ask HN: Samsung Health without a SIM card? by 45ure on Tuesday May 09, 2023 @11:29AM (#35875867)

I am not sure how fruitful your efforts are going to be to circumvent this check. I remember coming across some information that the SH app has some country restrictions and spoof detection, which requires geolocation, probably via a SIM or Device CSC.

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