A:Answer Yes, you can use this phone without activating or adding minutes. When you first power it on to use it, make sure you are where you can access a wifi connection. You will have to navigate through numerous screens to get past the activation stuff. You can use the phone for wifi things such as web browsing, email, Google Play apps, etc. There is a lot of Boost Mobile bloatware on this phone - and you won't be able to use the Boost specific apps without activating and being in service. And obviously, you won't be able to make phone calls or send SMS messages.