topic Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet in Other/General

Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:50:33 GMT

I have the Xperia X-8 from Sony Ericsson and no data plan (voice only). I do have access to the internet through my wireless internet router at home (and at work). When I go to the Market App (labelled "Market" on my phone), it asks me to register with my existing Google account. After about 4 minutes I get the following message:

Can't establish a reliable data connection to the server.
This could be a temporary problem or your phone may not be provisioned for data services. If it continutes, call Customer Care.

The message seems to be hinting that I need a data plan. Is that true? I'd think that I could get to the app store through the internet. I did find this link:
Guide: Using Android Without a Data Plan - Getting Apps, Moving Contacts, and More - xda-developers
and can follow the steps if necessary. It seems like overkill though. I thought there were Android devices that didn't even have phone service? How do they get apps?

Thanks,
Dave

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Uliwooly — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:53:43 GMT

you have to use the same account that you entered when you just got the X8

if you don't remember then use the backup & restore -> backup everything then

settings -> privacy -> factory reset

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:00:40 GMT

This is the first time that I am using the App Store. That is I click on "Market", it asks if I want to enter a new account or use an existing account. I pick "existing" because I have a Google Account. Should I set up a new Google Account? I have never used my existing Google Account for Android stuff. Is that the problem? I assumed I was having problems because Sony Ericsson was trying to force me to buy a phone plan with data services. Please advise. I was thinking I could use PC Companion to get apps to phone but that doesn't seem to work either.

Thanks for the quick replies.

Dave

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Uliwooly — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:06:27 GMT

yes click on existing account

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:12:29 GMT

That is what I tried (using existing account) and got the message:

Can't establish a reliable data connection to the server.
This could be a temporary problem or your phone may not be provisioned for data services. If it continutes, call Customer Care.

Are we sure it's not because I have a voice-only phone plan and am accessing things through the internet directly? I realize most people have a data plan.

Would you still suggest a reset?

Thanks,

Dave

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Uliwooly — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:15:06 GMT

yes you do need a data plan to download apps OR wifi

if you are using wifi and still it doesn't work then do a factory reset

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:32:26 GMT

For anyone following this most, perhaps months from now....

Doing the factory reset worked. I'm speculating that the problem might have been that when I initially set up the phone, it asked for a google account and I skipped that part. I guess they should have said, "Sign up now, or you'll never get another chance!".

Thanks for all the help.

-Dave

Re: Getting Apps on my X8 without having a dataplan (just phone plan) but access to internet

Uliwooly — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:10:46 GMT

no problem, I'm glad its working now