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

SOLVED
Not applicable

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

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

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

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

View solution in original post

7 REPLIES 7
profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

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

Not applicable

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

profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

yes click on existing account

Not applicable

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

profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

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

Not applicable

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

profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

no problem, I'm glad its working now