can I add an iPhone without a data plan, just a phone line

iPhone’s don’t function well without data.  Sending and receiving messages using iMessage requires a data connection.  An iPhone in my opinion, is the worst choice for a smartphone to try and use without a data plan.  I would recommend a Google 6a as that is what my 87 year old grandmother uses.  It works just the same with or without a data connection when setup correctly.  

there should be some pretty simple set up phones that they can look into as well. things with slightly larger buttons etc.

Ok, figured I’d have to ask T-Mobile. So it’s for an elder person who has the latest flip phone but it’s too hard to see and doesn’t save voicemail. Literally all they need is a phone, be able to save contacts and have voicemail. Will never use any part of the rest of the phone (which is a shame) but is happy to pay for the better phone. Thanks

You need to call Tmobile support. They do have plans they offer that aren't on the website.

i dont believe so. pretty sure it’ll need at least 4G in order to make calls once they shut down 3G (3G handles calls and such). a flip phone perhaps but for a smart phone i dont think it would be able to make calls once the shut down happens.

i believe.. someone else will chime in here in a bit in case im wrong.

anywho...you’ll have to keep in mind that pretty much everything else that phone can do needs data.