How to browse internet on Blackberry using Wi-Fi without data plan?
You can browse internet on Wi-Fi capable Blackberry devices through your wireless Internet router at home, office or at any Hotspot location and you do not need to have a data plan on your account. There are no additional charges involved when using only Wi-Fi. It is absolutely free.
Following is the step by step detailed guide on setting up Wi-Fi connection, browsing and managing Wi-Fi connections profile on your Blackberry.
Requirements:
- Wi-Fi capable Blackberry device. (BlackBerry Bold 9000, Pear Flip 8220, Pearl 8120, Curve 8900, Curve 8320 and 8820)
- Access to Wi-Fi coverage area
Steps:
- Connect to Wi-Fi network
- Change the default browser
- Browse Internet
- Wi-Fi profile settings (Optional)
A. Connect to Wi-Fi network
- Press Menu button and click on Set Up then click on Set Up Wi-Fi (Some options may be different depending on the model of Blackberry and version of operating system. But needs to go in Set up Wi-Fi option)
Or - Click on Manage Connections and then scroll down and click on Set Up Wi-Fi Network
- Click Next and then click on Scan for Networks
- If your Wi-Fi radio is OFF then it will prompt to Turn Wi-Fi on, Click on Turn Wi-Fi on and it will search for available Wi-Fi networks and will show the list of available Wi-Fi networks
- Click on your Wi-Fi network, you want to connect to. If that Wi-Fi has WEP encryption set then it will prompt you to add Network Key. Follow the prompts and later you will see Connection Successful and if you want to save it as Profile. Follow the prompts and click on Finish. That’s it. You are now connected to Wi-Fi. On your BlackBerry Home screen you will see your Wi-Fi network name besides your Wireless Carrier’s Name.
B. Change the default browser
- Click on Browser icon
- Press Menu button
- Click on Options
- Click on General Properties
- The first option is Default Browser change it to HotSpot Browser
- Press Menu key
- Click on Save Options
C. Browse Internet
Go back to browser and browse unlimited Internet without using your data plan. Just to make sure you are not using your data, turn off the Mobile Network from the Manage Connections and test, you will still be able to browse but you will not get any phone call/ Text. 
D. Wi-Fi profile settings (Optional)
Optionally, if you have multiple Wi-Fi profiles set on your BlackBerry then you can change the order how Wi-Fi connections are made and also change the Wi-Fi selection mode from automatic to manual.
Please leave comments if you see any discrepancy or have any difficulty following steps.
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If I have data and a wifi connection, does blackberry prioritize wifi over my data plan? I only have a limited amount of megabytes per month and would love to know the answer…
For Browsing, you do not have that option. What ever is the default browser set last time/ that time it will use the connection accordingly. The only option you have is for (Talkspot feature- making calls through VOIP) available on all GSM Wi-Fi capable devices except Bold. You can prioritize this by going into “Manage Connection” – “Mobile Network Option” – and set the Connection Pref. – Wi-Fi or Mobile Network.
I am confused. I have my default browser set under Hotspot Browser. However, if I turn off my mobile network and have ONLY wifi checked off as the only active connection, i’m still able to download things. So I’m just wondering if I need to turn off my Mobile Network every time…
So, when you have “Hotspot” as your default browser, at that time all data transfer is going through Wi-Fi router and you should not get charged for that.
Turning off Mobile Network is just the extra precaution people take for accidental data usage through carrier, but when you have HotSpot browser set while browsing, then you should be OK.
I have a blackberry Curve 8900 but do not have a data plan. I am wondering is there any way to make sure the blackberry does not access the network but WiFi only and having call text messaging services on at the same time.
I am with Rogers in Canada and am wondering if I could have my internet usage disabled from their end.
@Sam, If you do not have a data plan then the only way you can access the Internet is through Wi-Fi only.
I do have acess to the Internet through WiFi. However I am not able to configure my blackberry to recieve emails in the Inbox. Do I need to have a wireless plan to be able to activate and setup emails on my blackberry curve 8900.
Yes. You need data plan for the pushed email to work.
I have a blackberry curve, using T-Mobile as a provider. When the sim card is installed I get the “Unable to connect to the internet, please try again later. If the problem persists please contact your service provider.” error, however if I pull out the sim card I can surf the web without a problem. T-Mobile currently at least blocks Internet access over wi-fi when you do not have a data plan. I also have a G1 through T-Mobile that I can use wi-fi with, when the sim card is in place with out the data plan. I think any new plan modifications they make include a special change to your wifi capabilities. Nice. Anyways, I guess if you really need to get on the internet you can pull your sim card and surf away. Maybe some loud complaining will get them to re-enable your wifi.
@Theron It’s strange to know Wi-Fi is only working without SIM.
Hi there, i have a data plan and a curve w tmobile. my apt has absolutely NO service. it doesnt have a bar or the word EDGE or anything….it is just completely on X.
I dont have wireless but if i do get it, does that mean i will be able to connect to wi-fi and get all my data including bbms, emails, and what about phone calls?
Please advise as i will not get wireless in my home unless i know this will fix the problem.
thank you in advance.
Without T-Mo cell coverage, You will not get any phone calls/Text Messages. I have seen some GSM devices get BBMs, Emails over Wi-Fi with SIM inside and Mobile Network turned Off. (With valid service books on it). It is not guaranteed to work. I believe you have Curve – 8900 0r 8520 which has Wi-Fi on it.
I have ensured the settings mentioned in the previous posts are set on my phone so I can access wifi on my bb 8220 w/o a data plan. I am able to connect to the wifi but even with mobile network turned off I still get the message that I need to subscribe to the web2go plan in order to surf the web. Is there anything else I can do to access the web on my phone via wifi w/o paying for the data plan?
Thank you!
Test with other HotSpot-Wifi router. Possibly the Wi-Fi zone you are accessing is not free.
Well it was my wifi at home so I’m not sure why it wouldn’t work. I entered the wifi password and everything connected (I just couldn’t surf the web without signing up for T-Mobile’s data plan). I will try it somewhere else though… Thanks for the quick response.
That’s strange. I am not on T-Mo, so will not be able to confirm but I have heard similar requirements for some users on AT&T
Hi,
I’ve just looked at all the above comments and I’m still a bit confused.
I’ve just ordered a curve 8520 it’s with O2 network and has no data plan as far as I know. I just wondered whether it was possible to access the internet with absolutely no charges if I just pulled out my sim card and used it without?
Also, if I were to get on the internet would it indicate whether i’d be charged for it.
I’m a student so I have little money and realllly don’t want to be charged ridiculous amounts for using the internet thinking it was free
Thanks
xoxo
When you browse from your 8520 through your Wi-Fi router, just make sure that you are using Hot-spot browser. That’s the only indication which Internet(data) you are using.
Ideally you should be able to browse without SIM card too.
For the first month, after couple of days, I would advised you speak with O2 cust. care and double check if you have used any data from their network. OR if you are not planning to use their data then have them put the block on those data access.
Just a quick update. I talked with T-Mobile about having to remove the sim card to get on the internet and it turns out my phone apps were terribly out of date and had bugs. They had me update everything with the newest version of the App Loader and the browser works fine now with the sim card installed. Everything else is blocked though, google maps, the application store, etc. So you can browse, but you can’t do much else.
Thanks Theron for the update. Yes, with Wi-Fi capable devices, browsing over Wi-Fi is cost effective way to surf on Internet, but to get the real advantage of BlackBerry (Pushed email, twitter on the go, GPS and Maps on the move, tons of other apps) you need the browsing data plan from wireless carrier which does cost a bit for some, lot for many. Thanks again for leaving your update. So, T-Mo devices do work on Wi-Fi without data plan.
I am a T-mobile customer without a data plan. Days ago, I got a Blackberry 8900 (not thru t-mobile)a refurbished t-mobile phone. I was able to connect to the internet thru WIFI by following your steps. Thanks you. Also, I have noticed that my T-mobile profile account already has the 8900 as my phone without me even informning them. Soon after, even with the WIFI connected, I could not get the internet anymore. Have been getting this message “Unable to connect to the internet, please try again later. If the problem persists please contact your service provider.” Do you think t-mobile has caught up to me and has put a lock to my internet usage with WIFI. Any suggestions as to how I can get back the internet with just the WIFI. Thank you very much and hoping for your reply. Maria
check your settings again and make sure that under the TCP/IP settings, all fields are empty.
(Option>Advance Option>TCP/IP)
Then double check if your default browser configuration is “Hotspot Browser”
It should work.
I am looking at getting the BB8900 and have read several forums & FAQ’s on the wifi/blackberry relationship but still have a couple of questions.
1. Is there a way to detect when you are on your carriers data and thus receive charges from them? Is there an icon or anything that specifies?
2. How do you ensure that the network that you connect to is a hotspot/free wifi vs. connecting to your carriers data stream? Is there an icon or anything that specifies?
1) There is no such icon that specifies which data you’re using.
2) When you first open the Browser and what you see on top status bar “Internet Browser” or “Hotspot Browser” is the only indication that specify which data you are going to use through Browser app.
The “Internet Browser” is for Carrier data and “HotSpot” is your free Wi-Fi.
heyy llk i dont have internet browser i only have hotspot browser and i can’t download the blackberry app world without it. How can i install the internet browser can u give me the site or something?
To download and use App World, you need the data plan from carrier. In that case you’ll get Internet Browser. App world is not supported on HotSpot Browser.
what is this data plan from carrier i don’t understand what it is and how can i get it?.
plz reply i realy want the msn to work on my blackberry
that’s why i bought it.
Thanks, it’s working great!
I just bought a BB Bold from rogers and having problem with the wifi. Earlier had iphone and the wifi was running fine. The wifi on BB works in the start and then it drops and the logo grey out. I have tried using different browser configurations (internet browser, hotspot, opera) and facing the same problem. The router is from bell symaptico and i have disabled mac filteration so thats not a problem as the wifi works fine in the start. Please help me here, or i am gonna throw this guy out of the window.
Hi Najam
I just purchased a Blackbery Curve 8900 from Rogers but I have not faced any problems with WiFi. The BB Curve is made more for WiFi while the BB Bold is made for connecting through the network/service provider
@Sam,
Congrats on Curve 8900 purchase. That’s my one of the favorite BlackBerry.
Thanks Mike,
I do love it’s compact look though sometimes I wonder if a Bold would have been a better idea in terms of
@Najam,
BlackBerry Bold 9000 is one of the top of the line device from RIM. The problem you are facing “Wi-Fi connection does not stay solid all the time even if you’re in active wi-fi area & Wi-Fi logo on the device turns grayed out” I would suggest following troubleshooting.
1. Back up and wipe the device data
2. Reset your wi-fi router without any encryption (security)
3 Test the connection and see if stays solid
4. If the problem persist – test the same with other router (with and without any encryption set on it)
It could be the wi-fi router or the OS on the BlackBerry. If above fails then OS reload is recommended.
thanks Mike…im gonna try this when i go back home after work…hopefully it works.
After much to-do, I found that Wiggler was correct.
I have the Wifi working without the data plan on the Bold 9700.
I needed to access “Mobile Network” configuration in Settings and set “Data Services” and “While Roaming” to ON. (This is somewhat anti-intuitive since it appears that you are explicitly accepting the usage of a blackberry or phone company’s data plan — not true.)
It was once I made those changes above, that the phone was able to assign an IP address from my home router. (Before such time, the phone showed me indeed connected to the router, but it didn’t actually assign an IP address.)
After I set the default browser “Hotspot Browser” in the “Browser Configuration” menu, I was pretty much set.
It’s worth noting that the WiFi icon in the upper right hand corner is STILL gray, opposed to white as some others have claimed. (It turns white if you are actually using a data plan.)
Hope this helps someone.
Gideon.
That did it for me on an 8900! Thanks! Note- I also get a greyed out Wi-Fi and when I look at ‘Manage Connections’ the Wi-Fi connection always has a ‘-’ icon by the side of it (while the Mobile Network has a green tick against it) Not sure what this means?
I own a Blackberry bold 9000 and followed the instructions to the letter, I have established a Wi-Fi connection with my router on my phone however my Wi-Fi Logo on the 9000 Bold remain white still. Does this mean that I am still using data???
As long as your default browser is Hotspot browser you are not using “Data” from your wireless carrier.
The Wi-Fi Logo remaining white is a positive sign. You’re OK.
can
Pearl 8130 use wifi without data plan
I do not think 8130 is Wi-Fi capable.
I have a 8520 Curve (gemini), and when i connect my BB to my laptop using WIFI, it appear “-” white sign at MANAGE CONNECTION, but in the HOME screen, WIFI logo is still grey out, the wifi is already connected to my laptop, but i cannot access any wesite, its like i have no connection to the wifi. I also test my hotspot using my Nokia E65, its good, and i can open any website, but i still dont know why i cant access internet (any website) using BB while it already connected to my hotspot.
Hi, thanks for the tutorial. My BB bold still can’t browse online though, it says subscription is needed. Will my last choice just be to purchase the data plan?
I am not sure if you have access to your own wi-fi router, and in that case it should not ask you about subscription. Kindly check — if you are using any paid hotspot wi-fi zone then it may ask you about the subscription.
I read your instructions on how to get wi-fi, but once i turn on my t-mobile network and i decide to get on the internet, it always bring me to the “upsell” screen which is also part of “web2go”. Do i have to turn off my t-mobile network in order to get on the internet?
You should be able to browse Wi-Fi while the T-Mobile network is still ON. Depending on your default browser, wireless carriers do promote their mobile home page.
Hi, I’ve just bought BB9700 but I can’t install applications I’ve downloaded from the app store. For example this one: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/2352
I haven’t downloaded anything such as the “App Word” and I don’t have a PayPal account. Do I need to do any of those to download or get a FREE application? I also don’t have a plan for my BlackBerry. I’m just using Wi-Fi for internet connection.
Thanks.
To download and install App World you need browsing data plan from your wireless carrier. It will not work on Wi-Fi.
Without “App World” app you will not be able to download any apps.
You can download that game from this link http://go.mobihand.com/?target=product.asp&id=41448&op=wc&posid=96&affid=2016&wid=1835
hiya i have a blackberry storm 2 9550 and its on o2 on pay as you go. when i go onto brower i keep saying contact your service provider i only wana use the internet on wifi
You should be able to browse on Storm2. Follow the steps mentioned in the post. Make sure the default browser is Hotspot Browser.
got that working if i go on o2 contract sim will they give me the settings for the internet without wifi?
Your access to Wi-Fi is entirely related with your available Wi-Fi Internet router you have. It not related to O2 (Wireless Carrier) in any way.
If you want to browse Internet via O2, all you need to do is just change the default browser to Internet Browser and it has all settings in it.
I hope this helps.
Do i have to switch data services to “off” for me not to get charged whilst using the “hotspot browswer”?
Data Services has to be ON for any browsing to work. If you want you can uncheck “Mobile Network” but you will not get calls or SMS.
So how do i make sure that i wont get charged? what are all the precautions necessary?
So how do i make sure that i wont get charged? # Double check the default browser is Hostspot
what are all the precautions necessary? # uncheck the “Mobile Network”
Hi,
After searching many different web sites and other ‘berry’ you’rs had the right answer and it was easy and quick to understand.
I used this article for my 8520 unlocked. It worked!!
I have a blackberry bold 9700. I can’t access my browser. It says its connected to my WiFi network and it has full bars. I go to Browser Config and it says HotSpot Browser. I used to have Internet Browser. I was wondering how to get Internet Browser back the way I used to have it. I think I did a wipe to erase Email and Messages and I think it erased the default browser settings. Now it only shows the hotspot browser. Anybody got any suggestions on what to do? I have no sim in my bb
You are missing service books. That’s why Internet Browser is not showing up. Insert the SIM. Turn on your Wireless Network. I believe you have the data plan. Go to Options-Advanced Options-Host Routing Table-Press Menu button- and select Register Now.
Once you get the service books. You’ll see Internet browser there.
@victor
The BlackBerry App world is only supported on data plan you subscribe from your wireless service provider (e.g. Verizon, AT&T, Rogers, O2.. etc) and pay monthly charges for it.
App World is not supported on HotSpot Browser. So, if you are missing Internet Browser on your BlackBerry, then make sure you insert the SIM and you have the proper browsing data plan as mentioned in above paragraph. This will bring the necessary service books your BlackBerry needs to show up Internet Browser as option to select.
I hope this helps.
Hi I have a BB Bold 9700. I tried connecting my BB with my school’s wifi connection and they said that BB wont connect because it doesn’t support a proxy? Is this true? What else can I do?
Wi-Fi and Proxy both are different. For BlackBerry to connect via Wi-Fi, Proxy does not come into picture.
As long as you are in Wi-Fi coverage of your school and you have all info about your school Wi-Fi router, you should be able to browse Internet on Wi-Fi.
I am a T-mobile customer without a data plan. Days ago, I got a Blackberry 8900,a refurbished t-mobile phone (but not thru t-mobile). I was able to connect to the internet thru WIFI by following your steps. Thank you. Funny thing, I have noticed that my T-mobile account profile already has the 8900 as my phone without me even informning them (t-mobile). Soon after, even with the WIFI connected, I could not get the internet anymore. Have been getting this message “Unable to connect to the internet, please try again later. If the problem persists please contact your service provider.” Do you think t-mobile has caught up to me and has put a lock to my internet usage with WIFI. Any suggestions as to how I can get back the internet with just the WIFI. Thank you very much and hoping for your reply.
The error you have now is most of the time because of default browser not being the hotspot browser. Double check again and see if it’s OK.
You may want to delete any saved Wi-Fi profiles, do a battery pull and try setting up Wi-Fi all over again.
Wi-Fi internet access is on your own and it should work without any restrictions from T-Mo.
thanks for the tips. I got it to work and I do get calls and text messages on a wifi connection with no additional charges from Tmo.
woot!
i don’t have data plan for my BB but we do have wifi subscription at home. will i be able to use BB messenger with our wifi? if so, what settings do i need to configure? thanks!
kleng
You need the Data plan to use BBM. Once you have that, your BlackBerry will get proper service books from RIM servers which will allow you to use it on Wi-Fi later on. Without first the data plan, it’s not possible.
Now this is helpful. I have an additional comment and question. I have tried two scenarios (given I have unlimited data plan but don’t want to pay extra while abroad)
Scenario 1.
I took out my sim card. Switched my bb on and enabled wifi. Wifi icon was grey and I was able to browse internet. The email push didn’t work for the reasons already mentioned above. So this insures that I am not being charged for using internet on my bb.
Scenario 2. I inserted my sim card back. Switched my bb on and enabled wifi ONLY. This time the wifi icon turned white which means the email gets pushed through using wifi connection. Internet browsing is still via “Hotspot browser”.
Now the question is: Is it possible that somehow I am not being charged by my service provider for using the full bb data support via wifi (given that Mobile network IS switched OFF)? Or is it only my illusion.
Answer to your question for Scenario 2: I have been using it like that and haven’t been charged extra by my service provider in Canada.
Based on my experience with BlackBerry and wireless carriers you should (will) not get charged.
Depending on your service provider, it’s advised to check your data usage later and see what happened to get the precise info. Please let us know if it turns out the other way.
All went well! My service provider didn’t charge anything. I basically switched off a mobile network and was operating on wifi bases only. BB gave me a full service. Hurray!
@andy
Thank you for getting back and leaving comment. Glad to hear it’s working the way you want.
Hi, i have done all the steps that shown on the side but i still cant use browser. It always show that i need to contact to my services provider. I have tried every others wi fi but still cant
Hello,
I’m on T-mobile without a data plan. When I first got the phone, I had a data plan – wifi was setup & working. After ditching the data plan, that’s when I began having problems with the wifi.
I’ve tried the steps for the Bold 9700. Using the browser, I’d get a Connection Failure message after a long request load.
I’m also trying to get MSN live messenger to work on wifi without the data plan, but keep getting Connection Error (65)
I tried other fixes like disabling the APN, setting APN to internet.com, turning off data services in Mobile Network options, and battery pulls after trying each fix. But nothing works to let me browse the internet.
Any ideas what I could do?
thanks
I am sure, you must have gone through the steps mentioned above.
My guess for your problem could be the router/BlackBerry settings as it’s giving you the Connection Failure message after a long request load. In this situation, I would advise wipe handhand and start setting up Wi-Fi all over again before you restore any data. Try the simple steps mentioned in the post first. If still doesn’t work then try with different wi-fi router before you try to configure any advanced settings like APNs/ Data Services.
Hard to say anything for MSN messanger connection error at this point.
I have the new blackberry curve and i was able to get on the internet and now i cant? Not even if i have Wi-Fi and i have a data plan. How can i connect it back or do i need to take it to the verizon store?
Try following the steps mentioned above and see if it helps. Check out some comments and see if you are getting any error message similar to other users. For me to suggest something, I need to know what error message you’re getting and what troubleshooting you have done so far.
I am not sure about going to store for technical problems but nothing wrong if other person can look at it. It might help to test your BlackBerry to their store wi-fi as well.