Does your iphone 4 need to be activated before you can do simple things?

Does your iphone 4 need to be activated before you can do simple things?

No. Wi-Fi will work for safari internet, etc. You can still use iTunes on pc to load it up once you set up an AppleID and iTunes account. Basically it's an iPod now until you get service. Can only iMessage other Apple devices but not text others. No difference other than that. Best luck.

Yes. You'd need to at least activate it before you can get to the Home screen to do anything.

Activate through carrier? No, you don't have to do that.

Yes, you need to activate it in order to do anything. And if it's stolen, you won't be able to activate it at all.