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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Those apps may not work on wifi same as 3rd party apps.
Hello!
so I just have a few questions.
1. when using this wi-fi connection with your steps, will I be able to use BBM? I realise Eya, who asked a question previously, was able to with something called “servicebooks.”
if thats how you access BBM using only wi-fi, can you explain how to get it please?
2. also, I think I understand no blackberry apps can be used? for example, the facebook app wouldn’t work, only facebook on the browser correct?
additionally, if it’s not a bother, could you clarify what will definetely not be accessable when using wi-fi with your method?
thanks very much! see I’m thinking of purchasing a blackberry, and I’m personally only interested in BBM. so I don’t wish to pay for a service plan when in perfectly happy using merely wi-fi.
so I’m wondering if there’s a way to use BBM with only wi-fi.
1. You need the dataplan to get those servicebooks for BBM. After that either you can use BBM on Wi-Fi or Dataplan
2. Yes. Facebook on Browser.
okay thank you!
but does that mean i still have to pay my data plan to use BBM? or do i pay to get the pin, and then stop paying & use BBM with wi-fi
Also, what are other features that will be invalid when using wi-fi?
You need to pay for Dataplan to use the BBM. If you cancel the dataplan, you will not be able to use BBM.
Without dataplan, all you can do is browse websites via BlackBerry Browser on Wi-Fi.
HI, m holding a Sprint International BB, if m on a visit to some country can i get access to the internet without activating the data plan or do i hav to activate the data plan also to receive my mails.
i have a blackberry curve 8900 and i dont hace a data plan for ma phone…
but i do have wi-fi connection at my house
the problem is when ever i try to login to the blackberry messenger and facebook it saying no data available..but i have wi-fi
i dont know what to do?
help me with this problem…
Pls. see the above comment.
I did all you said on the page to get internet with out data but it doesnt work
Double check the steps again. This is how it works.
Let me know any particular error message you get which is not mentioned in above comments.
i already did everything u told..
but it say unable to connect to internet, please try again later..
please help me..
i on curve 3g with no data plan..
didnt work for me aswell..
Well I have a BB Curve 8900. I’m connected to a WIFI network, and I am able to stream audio from Pandora. Audio is considered data, so will I be charged for streaming audio through WIFI? Also, someone that posted a while before me said you can’t send SMS or call through WIFI, but I am able to do that as well with the Mobile Network disconnected. Again, will I be charged?
By the way, I am on TMobile.
I have a BB Bold 9000. I have tried everything to get my phone to browse via WIFI. I have turned off my provider’s “Mobile Network” (AT&T)connection and changed the default browser to “Hotspot Browser” and done a battery pull. However, all I get is “Unable to find the requested server.” My phone will browse fine using the AT&T signal, but my house gets poor reception and I want to use my WIFI. Tried AT&T customer support on the phone, what a joke! They are beyond clueless. Might try the store if I can’t figure it out soon.
It looks like your Wi-Fi router is blocking it. Could be some sort of security settings on your router. Do you get this same error when you try to browse all different sites on your BlackBerry?
Not sure, if you have got a chance to test it with other Wi-Fi routers.
I would suggest you to remove all security settings on your wi-fi router, reset it, delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles from your BlackBerry and start setting up all over again. Once this starts working OK then gradually enable security settings one at a time on your router and go from there.
I just followed these instructions and it worked like a charm. At the moment, I’m able to browse the net without using any data plans. I’m pretty sure the fact that it shows a wifi sign on the top right corner of the browser is pretty telling on which method is being used to connect to the net, right?
I’m surprised you’re still replying to the comments despite this post being a year old.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks Arif,
The selection of “Hotspot Browser” or “Internet Browser” will decide which connection is being used.
it’s work really well for my curve 8520..thanks a lot dude
I have T-mobile with no data plan and a BB 9700. Before finding this website I was pulling my hair out. But with the pieces on info here and trial and error, I finaly got the WiFi working
Getting my network and the WiFi symbol to appear was easy, the problem was getting the browser to stop giving me errors. These were the settings i found that worked for me.
Manage Connections>Mobile Network Options>
Data services: On
While Roaming: Off
Connection Perference: Wi-Fi Preferred
Browser>BlackBerry Button Options>Browser Options>
Browser Configuration>Browser: Hotspot Browser
General Properties>Default Browser: Hotspot Browser
ola brian…
mine is bb9700 too but not t-mobile
seems that i dont have the connection preference..
any idea?
Hey Brian,
I have the same as you, T-mobile, blackberry 9700. But when I do the browser configuration step and I save it, it does not seem to save. It goes back to “web2go.” Do you have any idea to fix this?
Thank you so much!
i just bought my bold 9700 yesterday. why is my phone keep on rebooting every time i turn on my wifi? do i need to return it or is there something that i must do before turning it on?
please reply..thank you..
If you’ve installed any 3rd party apps, you may want to uninstall that and delete all the data from BlackBerry (wipe data) and test again.
To wipe data- see this post for help. http://www.blackberrytune.com/8-ways-to-wipe-your-blackberry-how-to-clean-delete-all-user-data/
If problem still persist then you need to reinstall the Operating System on BlackBerry. This process takes about 30 to 45 min.
To reload OS – see this post for help.
http://www.blackberrytune.com/how-to-perform-a-clean-reload-of-the-blackberry-device-software-using-the-application-loader/
ijust did the septs but nothing,couse u have the same problem i still cant turn on my wi-fi,and when i try to my BB reboot…plzz help me,i have curve 8520
If the device keeps on rebooting even after you’ve done the OS reload correctly then the BlackBerry is defective. There is no other troubleshooting available after that.
See if you have any warranty left from your service provider else you’re out of luck.
Step 5. 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
Thats the thing.. when i tried it. it says unable to connect…. or terminated… please help. I did all the other steps except the manually changing IP address but the WiFi is only light grey not white..
i also tried to put in my details for the Wifi profile. But idk what domain suffix is for my com. Please help
You need to double check the settings on your Wi-Fi router first. If it’s open connection without any security, it will let you connect directly else you’ll have to enter the key if it has WEP or WPA encryption set on your router.
On your BlackBerry, start all over again. First delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles, do a battery pull and then scan for Wi-Fi networks. If it doesn’t go through then reset your Wi-Fi router again, remove all security and start setting up again on BlackBerry.
There is no domain suffix info required for setting up Wi-Fi. If you want to enter it manually on your BlackBerry then you need to know the “SSID”, type of security if enabled like WEP or WPA and the Key. That’s it.
Let me know the error you get when you do not have any security enabled on your router.
Sir, i have Blackberry 8900 Curve i am trying to connect to my Wifi i have succeeded to connect to the Wifi router . My Wifi router is in DHCP there is no security and i followed all the instrutions that you mentioned above but i connect to the router automatically and it has been found IP address automatically also i seen the router name beside my wireless carrier name then i open the browser to browse the sites it has been going for requesting after loading it has been made an error that UNABLE TO CONNECT TO THE SERVER please help me please
thanks you are such a saviour. I did battery pull and when i opened my browser its working perfectly..
i just bought my bb 9700, it conected to wifi, but i cant internet, it says i have no 30$/month plan, so i cant internet without plan? plz reply me, thx very much
Hi i have a question.My problem is that i want to connect my Blackberry to my house network, but when i put scan for networks, it appears and them i click on it, and the cell tell me that the wireless router supports wifi protected setup, so to connect to that network i need to put a PIN that the cellphone is gona give me and i have to type that pin into my wireless router…HOW I CAN DO THAT OR WHAT ELSE I CAN DO?
Do a battery pull and try setting up again.
Just scroll down when this appears and press back and it will connect… putting the required pin is not necesarry… or at least it worked for me…
So I have a Blackberry Bold 9700 – I’m sure this question has been asked but I want input also. I’ve set the browser to Hotspot, but I haven’t turned off the Mobile Network. Is turning that off necessary? I still want to receive calls/texts when surfing the net on WiFi. I do not have a data plan and I don’t want to get charged at all! I just want to know if I could get on the net through Wifi wherever it’s possible – home, school, libraries etc. Is there anyway that can guarantee me not getting charged?
If you haven’t subscribed to any data plan, that is THE guarantee that your carrier will not charge you for the data plan.
Turning OFF the Mobile Network is not necessary.
how to turn off mobile network for BB bold 9700?
Hi, I did what was told above, but when I tried surfing, an error appeared.
“Unable to connect to the internet, please try again later.
If the problem persists, please contact your service provider”
I believe, this is stiill using the data plan, but I did what was told above.
Again, a new error prompt appeared..”data Services are disabled. Go to Mobile Network to enable”
Again, I tried another error that could happen, Turned ON data plan, and turned off while roaming options. what to do next?
If you’re having the same problem as mine..
Try this. I found it int he net, and it my bb worked now.
First u need to go to Options then from there go to Advance Options then go to TCP/IP. Then you need to delete all the information.
After than go back one menu and click on Service Book. Delete all of the WAP. Then u are ready to use the WiFi with NO DATA CHARGES. I’ve tested it and I have not been charged anything for data.
Now on mine I couldn’t recieve any MMS messages but that could just be mine.
I hope this helped
and feel free to ask me questions on here
If you want to receive MMS messages, do not delete the MMS transport(WPTCP)in the service book.
followed vincent way n delete all those wap in service book..
appeared taht my browser folder is gone..
how to restore?
Take the battery out and put it back after few seconds. You’ll get the browser folder back.
yes..get back the icon..but when clicked the icon..nothing happen..nothing appeared..
the browser didnt work..gosh +.+
I have a 9700 on T-Mobile, without a data plan. Am I able to access the net, via wifi at my house? I am connected to my wifi network with no problems. But I keep getting the upsell ‘subscription required’ message when I try to connect to facebook, etc.
I can get espn, and other sites, but not FB. Why can I access ESPN, but not others? Thanks
Do not use the facebook icon to access it, Try using m.facebook.com or facebook.com in the browser itself.
Hey, i have a black berry bold 9000 i am connected to my wifi network but whe i try loading a page it goes “requesting…” and then it tells me ‘unable to connect to the internet’. and in my home screen i see ‘Rogers-(my router name)’.
Mike.
You’re connected to Wi-Fi. As far as steps are concerned it seems like you’ve done it properly.
You should delete all Wi-Fi profiles then do a battery pull, set up Wi-Fi again and test. Try couple of different websites.
If problem persist, I would suggest you to try at different Wi-Fi router and see.
Sir, i have Blackberry 8900 Curve i am trying to connect to my Wifi i have succeeded to connect to the Wifi router . My Wifi router is in DHCP there is no security and i followed all the instrutions that you mentioned above but i connect to the router automatically and it has been found IP address automatically also i seen the router name beside my wireless carrier name then i open the browser to browse the sites it has been going for requesting after loading it has been made an error that UNABLE TO CONNECT TO THE SERVER please help me please
Try again with different websites. Make sure you’re typing the website address properly. for e.g. http://www.google.com
If the problem still persist, do a battery pull and try again.
hi! just want to ask if i can access my emails even though i dont have any data plan? =)
You don’t get the pushed emails without data plan. The way you can check emails is via browser which is not convenient.
Hi i am a Bold 9700 User. Managed to connect to my home wireless wi-fi and changed the default browser to hotspot browser. However, problem still persisted and it still prompt ‘unable to connect to the internet, please try again later’.
PS – I’ve tried typing the website address properly like http://www.google.com and http://www.facebook.com to no avail.
I am also having the same problem, the error message is ‘unable to connect to internet, please try again later’.
Any solutions yet?
Thanks
You should delete all Wi-Fi profiles then do a battery pull, set up Wi-Fi again and test. Try couple of different websites.
If problem persist, I would suggest you to try at different Wi-Fi router and see.
Hi,
After some more searching I did the following:
1. Connected to wifi as in original post.
2. Turned on ‘Data services’ in manage connections.
3. Managed to load google in the Hotspot browser, then cleared all cache/cookies, and closed browser.
4. I then turned off the mobile network, to ensure that I’m not being charged for the data (this turns off data services too)
After this, the wifi works, however I can’t receive calls/texts while online.
Cheers
That’s great. This is exactly how it works. Once you turn on the Mobile Network, you’ll start receiving calls/text.
Let me know if you have more questions.
after using the internet…i wanna close it …where do i go to close??? i was ask to push the off button but couldn’t find it. If i was out frm Wi-Fi area they would actually charge me even i’m nt playing.
Hi so this won’t come on the bill if i don’t have the internet on my plan and if I followed all your steps? Please answer thanks.
Umm i was trying to go on yahoo and google but it says this is a wi-fi service. Please ensure your device has an active wi-fi connection and try again. I don’t know what to do.
Also during step 5 where it was supposed to say connection successful, it said connection unsuccessful but do you want to continue and save it as a profile. So i said yes. I tried it and I can go only on my school site (which is nisd.net, if it helps) and nowhere else. Please help me.
I don’t understand why it worked and now it doesn’t.
You need to check your Wi-Fi router first.
The school site you are seeing may be coming from the temporary files (browser cache) not the actual Internet.
Reset Wi-Fi router, delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles, do a battery pull and start all over again.
If you do this process, will you be able to recieve/make phone calls, text and recieve texts?
Yes. (Keep the “Mobile Network” in “Manage Connections” turned ON)
by keeping it on, you’ll still be able to go on wifi without data charges right?
Mike, I have the same problem as Luke, “Unable to find the requested server”. My home WiFI Signal is very good and i have change to use HOTSPOT.
REgards,
Pls. follow what I’ve advised to Luke. Let me know if you get any other errors after following those steps.
I Forgot to say u that my sister has NOKIA with the same peruvian operator as me (CLARO PERU) and she has no connecting problem. She can easily connect to my home WIfi and my mother Wifi. I had already make the new set up, I took put the battery …but still the same..I cannot connect to my home or mother or Starbuck or etc etc… Wifi. Other point: My sister bought the NOKIA directly to CLARO i bought my BB in PAnama and I unlock it here in Perú.
HELP!!!
I understand Nokia is working OK and you have tried with multiple Wi-Fi router’s and it’s a same error message. I would suggest you to Back up your data, wipe blackberry and set up Wi-Fi again
Try following steps on your BlackBerry
1) Take the back up of your BlackBerry data ( Perform only Step 1 from this post http://www.blackberrytune.com/how-to-perform-a-clean-reload-of-the-blackberry-device-software-using-the-application-loader/)
2) Then disconnect your BlackBerry from computer, Go to Options – Security Options – General Options – press Munu button- select Wipe Handheld and follow the prompts
3) Try setting up the Wi-Fi again
the same..it locates my home Wifi I configure as hotspot..but again…it says “Unable to find the requested server”. Besides that (as the former configuration) it doesn´t appear the e-mail configuration icon…
…
…
Since, BlackBerry is able to connect to your Wi-Fi router and after that you’re getting the error when you try to browse any sites; based on my experience, I suspect your Wi-Fi router is blocking it. (I understand it’s working for Nokia, but it is/can block other BlackBerry devices)
- Try to remove any security you have on router/ reset it and test
- The only troubleshooting left for you on the BlackBerry is the “Reloading the OS on BlackBerry”
Try to follow all the steps mentioned in previous comment link. Since you already have the back up of your data, follow the remaining steps.
Hi, i have done all the steps here correctly, i have done everything right but when i have hotspot browser settings on, and wifiprefered connection aswell. it connects perfectly to my router since its right next to me there isnt any problem. infact the signal is great but the wifi symbol is grey. at one time it chaned to uma and it worked amazingly fast but that was it then it just stopped working and appeared grey all the time.
Please check the previous comments on how to troubleshoot gray Wi-Fi icon.
If you keep the mobile network on, will you still be able to browse through wifi without charges?
Yes.
Ok so Mobile Network ON, WiFi ON, Data Services ON, While Roaming OFF, NO DATA PLAN…ill be able to use WiFi, receive calls/sms and NOT get charged for the internet browsing right??
so i am trying to understand this correctly.
if i use wifi on my blackberry curve & do all of the steps you listed, i will not be charged anything extra for using the internet? i have no data plan and i use tmobile.
oh sorry and one more thing.
whats the difference with having data services on or off or off while roaming? will any option charge me extra? sorry im new to blackberry.
Hello, and thanks for all the good work.
I tried following the steps below but it seems I am unable to make the change in settings in my BB 8320 curve default browser.There were no options for a change to the Default Browser sub-menu, it was blank and I was unable to type or fill in new settings as stated in your blog. What could be wrong with my phone?
*****Change the default browser*************************
1. Click on Browser icon
2. Press Menu button
3. Click on Options
4. Click on General Properties
5. The first option is Default Browser change it to HotSpot Browse
*****************************************************
I bought the phone on ebay in the UK but now use it in Nigeria, West Africa and it was unlocked from orange network in UK. I some how downloaded Opera 4.2 browser and used my mobile network settings( Zain Nigeria now Bharti Airtel) in TCP/IP settings and it worked. But i am being charged per kilobyte of download. I want to use my wifi using iskoot to call. Please advice me on how to get around this issue. My phones software is 4.5.0 version
This steps did not work for me. IF you need IMIE No. I can furnish you with it. Thanks again in advance.
The reason you are not able to see the hotspot browser in the drop drown list is because your BlackBerry is not connected to your wifi router.
Make sure you see the wifi network name on your home screen once you are connected.as shown in the above steps.
Hello Mike,
I did that before and it didn’t work. After your reply, I did another wifi search and still the Hotspot browser option did not show up and default browser menu will still not allow any change.
Is there a problem with the phone or phones software?
Thanks, expecting your reply.
Q1) Do you get any specific error while trying to connect to your Wi-Fi router?
Q2) Do you see your Wi-Fi network name on your HomeScreen?
If your answers to above questions are Q1) No Q2) Yes then there could be the problem with the software. Back up your BlackBerry data and perform OS reload on your BlackBerry
Thanks Munich. I can see my WiFi name beside the network name and I can tell you that my WiFi works well even over a distance of 100meters. I have configured Nokia & Sony Ericsson phones 2use my wifi spot and they are all browsing. I guess you hit the nail on the head, do a re-installation of the 4.5.0 OS. I am replying using Opera and charged by my network per data usage, fine for out of range use, but to blog and call over skype, I need my wifi connection. Thanks, I’ll do a reload and get back to you tomorrow. Yeah, I noticed the time difference. Cheers
We are based out of Toronto.
Will this work for Verizon? Many of the posts that I have found elsewhere indicate that any PDA phone made after a certain date will only work on Verizon with a data package.
Hi MIke,
tried to do a reload of my BB OS 8320 but got info that I had the most recent OS and the reload process stopped. my OS version software is 4.5.0.174(platform 2.7.0.105)
Is there any later version for my model? If yes, please give me a link to the URL where I can update it.
Thanks and God bless
4.5.0.174 is the latest one for 8320. You can get all the official OS from following link # http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/downloads/download_sites.jsp
Even if you’ve latest OS, you can still reinstall the same current version again. Stopping the OS reload or not completing the OS reload process (once started) is not a good idea.
Mike it me again, I heard the BB released a new concept OS called BB 6 OS; the question is: would older versions like my BB 8320 be getting an upgrade especially on the knotty issues of 3rd party apps and B browser being tied to the data plan of your network.
Any info is welcomed.
thanks
Unfortunately, I am pretty sure the 8320 will not be compatible with upcoming BlackBerry 6 OS.
Hi Im using a Bold 9700 in Saudi Arabia. I subscribed to a data plan and my bbm and email is working perfectly. The problem is that I cannot connect to the Internet and browse any site: unable to find the requested server. How do I fix this problem? Ive followed the advice/instructions of the carrier but still no solution. Appreciate your help.
Hmm. This is really strange. Can you double check if other BlackBerry users in Saudi Arabia are able to browse?
Is it possible that you can test it with other Wi-Fi routers? Was it working before? As per my experience, I do not see any issues with your BlackBerry.
i just traveled to paris from egypt and the roaming charges are extremely high. i switched my “mobile network services” to “off when roaming” and i switched wifi on..but the msg that i get says “not data disabled” and that my mobile network options are off…how do i fix it so i can use bbm through wifi?
To use BBM on Wi-Fi while roaming:
Wi-Fi = On, Data Services = On, Mobile Network = OFF (You will not be able to make-receive calls until you turn on Mobile Network)
Once you have used the BBM, browsing on Wi-Fi and want to make/receive calls change Data Services to Off when roaming, Mobile Network=On and Wi-Fi = Off
Well i use BB 8900 curve but somehow it is not registering my work emails. The activation is not happening and it ask for a activation server address for my gmail as well. i am able to browse using my BB but not able to set up my emails and chats using Wifi alone. Kindly throw some suggestion for the above and how i can make use of the above services with just Wifi alone.
It seems like your work emails are through “BES” from your work. If it was working before and then stopped working, I would advise you to contact your work System Admin to resolve the issue.
You will not be able to “SET UP” emails on Wi-Fi. You need the data plan to set up new email accounts.
thanks mate.
thx man it really helped me and everything is working fine i just didnt understand why is msn not login in
is there anything that i have to do or change?
thank you
Hard to say, Need more info if you’re getting any particular error while using MSN.
Is that MSN messenger or the website? Are you using Wi-Fi only? Was it working before and then stopped working? What other apps you’re able to use? How’s is your BlackBerry connected to Internet? Just Wi-Fi without data plan or you do have data-plan? Any other info you can think of that might be related to this problem?
well i got my bb 3 days ago and im only using wifi and i downloaded msn messenger but it doesnt log me in, i dont have data plan
It will not work without dataplan.
This is really great help, but I would like to get a peace of mind answer. What are the EXCACT settings I can do so that I can use only wifi without being charged while being able to receive/send calls and texts? (bold 9000 unlocked for tmobile, no data plan)
Settings: Wi-Fi =On, Default Browser=Hotspot Browser, Data Services = On
Thank you for your fast response. I just had chatted with online tmobile support, and they said even if i just use the wifi, I will still be charged the data plan. Should i ignore this and continue to use wifi on my bb?
That’s funny response from T-Mo.
Go for a safe way. Use Wi-Fi for a week. After that speak with T Mobile cust-care and see if there is any additional data usage on your BlackBerry account. Make sure, there are no charges in the next bill.
Let us know what happened later.
I am with Rogers in Canada and there are no extra charges using Wi-Fi if you don’t have any data plan. Based on my years of experience with BlackBerry, you will not (should not) get charged using Wi-Fi if you don’t have any data plan.
Thanks for all the help!!
Mike, great forun you going on here. Will fill you asap as soon as I’v done the OS reload on my BB 8320.
have a gr8 weekend
Thanx and same to you.
I was wondering, do the TCP settings on the blackberry matter at all? I have an unlocked bold 9000 for tmobile, and for my TCP APN settings theyre set for cingular. I plan to use wifi without data plan. Will they matter?
TCP- APN settings are not used while using BlackBerry over Wi-Fi. I would advise to delete it.
I have a Black Berry Bold 9700. I do not have a data plan but I can surf using my wifi home network. Sometimes when I surf on my BB at home I get 404 error even when I am connected to the wifi. To solve this issue I disconnect from my mobile network and everything works fine the 404 error is gone. My question: can I solve this issue without disconnecting from my mobile network?
Thank You
Delete all browser history, cache, cookies and try again.
Do you get 404 error with one particular site or all sites?
Yes I still get the 404 error when I have the mobile network turned on.
The next troubleshooting step would be to backup and then wipe BlackBerry data. Test again.
If above doesn’t resolve the issue then last troubleshooting step would be the OS reload.
Gents, i have a case which i need your support.
i had a local data plan for my blackberry, i left the country and i was able to browse the internet, and BBM outside the country using any wireless connection (wifi), when my data plan expired (while i was roaming), my BBM stoped working but i was able to browse the internet using the wifi, i renewed my data plan, but i am not able to use my bbm over the wifi. any idea of how can i use it again ? (keeping in the mind that still i am roaming and i dont have a data roaming plan).
thanks,
I believe when the data plan expired, the BBM service books got deleted/ deactivated from your BlackBerry.
Even with the reactivation of your dataplan, I suspect your BlackBerry is still missing those service books for BBM.
Now, you need to use the BBM on dataplan first (If you’re roaming currently, you’ll need roaming data just to use the BBM once), once it start working OK, you’ll be able to use BBM later on Wi-Fi.
Hi, i’ve read most comments and didn’t find this addressed:
I have a data plan, and thanks to your instructions was able to browse on the internet using my wifi connection. Problem is my home has no cellphone coverage so I want to use bbm from the wifi connection. Is this possible?
Thanks!
It’s mentioned on this post
http://www.blackberrytune.com/blackberry-services-supported-over-a-wi-fi-connection/
Yes, It’s possible. Just make sure, when you’ve cellphone coverage – BBM is working.
And, when you don’t have cellphone coverage, do not try to change SIM card else the active “BBM service books” will get deleted and you’ll have to go in cellphone coverage area again to get it.
I hope this helps.
Thank you very much, this was very helpful.
I have a 8900, i went through all the steps but when i try to browse a message comes up saying that web browsing is not apart of my plan. i have the uma connection and everything i just dont know why it wont work! is it because my phone is currently prepaid?
Beste, mijn BB geeft steeds aan dat ik mijn radio moet inschakelen. Ik weet niet wat er daar van mij verwacht wordt. Mijn eigen wifi netwerk is ingesteld.
Fantastic, and easy. Thank You
Hi, I recently got the BB curve 8520, and I have connected to my wifi, and changed the browser to hotspot browser. However, when I use my browser and search for something, it tells me subscription required and I need a data plan. I don’t have a data plan and I don’t wish to get one. Please help, how do I use my browser with wifi?
Do a Battery pull and try again.
It seems like you have done all the steps correctly on your BlackBerry. Checking it again with different Wi-Fi zone/router would be a good idea.
Hi, I have a BB curve 8520, I turned off data services but can’t connect to the internet even with wifi connection. What should I do? Thanks.
“Data Services” should be ON to browse. Also, make sure you’ve followed steps mentioned in the above post.
I have the blackberry bold 9700. I used to have a data plan, and when I did, my browser worked fine using wifi. however, I recently switched my data plan to an unlimited social networking/instant messaging plan and I am no longer able to connect to the internet through wifi on my hotstpot browser. now whenever I try to connect to a page, a msg pops up saying “unable to connect to internet, please try again later. if the problem persists please contact your service provider. this is only the case with the default browser though, as all my other apps such as opera mini are working fine through wifi. why is this?
Try these steps.
- Delete all browser history, cache, cookies
- Delete all saved Wi-Fi profiles
- Do a Battery Pull
- Reset your Wi-Fi router (Optional- If you can)
- Now try setting up Wi-Fi on your BlackBerry again
- Make sure you have a Hot-spot browser set and “Data Services” ON
- Try browsing website.
(Go through previous comments on this post if you have difficulty following any of above steps)
- If problem still persist, test again with different Wi-Fi router and last let me know the exact error if above steps doesn’t resolve the issue.
tried this na. wifi icon is still gray on my homescreen.
Hi! i have a problem. i followed exactly your instructions. however, the thing that prompt me asked me to contact service provider? this is the part i do not understand. it’s wifi. pls help me. mine is a bold 9000
Pls. follow the steps I have mentioned in above comment.
Hi
Appreciate your help sincerely! It turned out that it wasn’t me that had the problem. It was the phone. The firmware is too old. My dearest cousin flashed it for me and solved eveything that I had problems with. If next time others ask you about wifi problems etc, you could tell them if everything that you had mentioned did not work, it could be the outdated firmware. I am using the lates v5 for bold 9000!
Thanks & Regards
Daryl Bay
Great help. thanks buddy…
do i need to register to HRT before i can use my fb app in my bb curve 8520?
I followed the instructions. In fact, my 8520 is connected to the router that im using with this laptop to browse this site right now. However, the phone won’t browse using WiFi and as HotSpot Browser! I checked the settings, it has been given a proper IP Address. I also did a “soft” reset (alt+rshift+del) and still nothing!
I already can connect to the internet using rhe browser but I can’t connet through the bbm. Actually. I stopped the data service from the mobile network bec it costs me a lot. And the wifi sign is always white and connected but the bbm or wlm isn’t working while the browser is working
i have a bb bold 9700 for some months now but i’m not enjoying it all.
The problem is, i can’t use my home wifi. i only get the gray wifi icon when i try to connect through home wifi (even if i’ve connected successfully). When i tried browsing (with hotspot broswer) a prompt appears: unable to find the requested server.
What’s weird is i can access wifi at the malls and use hotspot browser without any problem. I don’t think the problem is with my home wifi since it perfectly works well with my PC, laptop and all other mobile phones (nokia, nexus one, iphone).
i can’t use my home wifi with my bold 9700. i only get the gray wifi icon when i try to connect through home wifi (even if i’ve connected successfully). When i tried browsing (with hotspot broswer) a prompt appears: unable to find the requested server.
i can access wifi at the malls and use hotspot browser without any problem. I don’t think the problem is with my home wifi since it perfectly works well with my PC, laptop and all other mobile phones (nokia, nexus one, iphone). help anyone?
Since your BlackBerry does work with other Wi-Fi routers, chances are there is nothing wrong with the BlackBerry.
Try deleting all your saved Wi-Fi profiles from the BlackBerry and try setting it up again with your home Wi-Fi router and see if it helps.
If the problem persist, please go through the previous comments, I have the troubleshooting steps for the grayed icon mentioned couple of times in the previous comments.
This was really helpful! But i just have one question, when you said to turn off mobile networks and test- if the wifi works with the network turned off is it OK to turn it back on ?
When you turn OFF Mobile Network then you’re disconnected from your service provider and you’ll not be able to make/receive calls/sms or any data plan from the carrier. So this is a way to make sure what ever browsing you do on Wi-Fi is actually coming from your Wi-Fi router not from your data plan.
You need to have the Mobile Network turned ON to make and receive phone calls.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
It seemed like my BB 8520 Curve doesn’t work. My BB used to work perfectly, but it’s no longer accessing Internet with my home wifi router since last night. T-Mobile refused to assist me because I don’t use their data plan / service. Very freaky T-Mobile.
Thank you for taking time to do this beautiful job though.
Daisy.
i manage to get my wifi up after so many attempts..tq so much on the info i got from here.
however i still cant access FB after i have downloaded for BB setting..if i still insist i need to use browser to log in to FB..and when i send msg it appears sent msg using mobile web instead of using blackberry.
why this happened..or i need to subscribe for BB services first?..i’m using bold 9700..
anyone pls??..
I think, it’ll show “Sent from BlackBerry” only when you have a BlackBerry Data plan and you use the “Facebook App” instead of browser.
And I believe, the “Facebook App” will not work without data plan.
meaning that i have to subscribe bb data plan first then only i can use the fb app?.. no wonder ive tried so many times it doesnt work..i have installed the fb app before..anyway thanks for your info..appreciate
Hi, I have just ordered a BB 8520 with free mobile internet but not BB messenger. I am wanting to know what I can use without getting charged. I know I cannot use the e-mail messenger and instant messenger (chat) but what else is there that cannot be used without getting charged? All I want to do is make calls, texts and browse the internet, physically check e-mails and maybe have a look on FB. Am I able to do this without being charged? By the above comments I have to look for the wifi sign on the phone to do this. I should ask my kids to have it instead. Sorry for the length of this x
You can browse the Internet (through browser icon) for free on Wi-Fi. To check email and facebook you’ll have to use the browser. No other apps will work.
I have read through most of these posts and while this question may have been answered I don’t see it. Here is the question. How do I access the internet on an AT&T blackberry 8520 using wifi only without having a data plan. I have a valid wifi connection and have followed the steps contained in the original post. Please advise if this is possible…AT&T states you must have a data plan.
Thanks for keeping hope alive!
Go through the steps mentioned in this post and give it a try again. If it doesn’t work, let me know the exact error you’re getting.
Hi, Thanks for that. I will probably be on again when I receive it. Thanks again
I just have one question. I am not on any data plan, and i used wifi to download app world. Now app world opens without wifi, does that mean they are charging me extra ? Because i don’t know. Answer PLZ
Hi! Very detailed instructions. GREAT!
I was able to setup my Wi-Fi configurations and now I am already connected.
However, I get “UNABLE TO FIND REQUESTED SERVER” when trying to open ANY websites.
What are your insights about this? Thanks.
It seems like your Wi-Fi router is blocking it. Can you try it on different Wi-Fi router and test?
Thank you for replying. Yes, I am unable to browse using other Wi-Fi router. It is just my personal router that’s giving me this error. Are there any settings on my BB or router that need configuration?
Hey i got one problem .
I can surf the internet using the hotspot like you said .
But i cant log in to my msn using Bb application with wifi .
It said connection error problem receiving data from server .
Can you help me with this ? A.s.a.p
this site is amazing….thanks a bunch.genious
wifi is turned on to my 8900 curve but could not pick-up signal and connect to router. Message w010: wifi connection failed.
wifi icon is on and its grey and could not pick-up any wifi signals. i tried other routers and also wont connect.
looks like my problem is termittent wifi connection. I am using my home router where 2 laptops are connected and another blackberry device also can connect. My 8900 does not connect continuously and is intermittent with the wifi connection. How can I resolve this and have continuous connection. thanks
hi,
I need help. I have open wifi connection at wifi hotspot and i have the user name and password… i already set up the wifi connection and i chose wifi hotspot login to put user name and password. but when i klik wifi hotspot login, the result is “your blackberry device is now connected to the internet” again and again but the wifi does not work because i have no put user name and password for the hot spot.
how to stop “your blackberry device is now connected to the internet” and because i need to put user name and password to get wifi connection.
many thanks…
Sorry, I am not able to understand the problem you are facing.
If it’s your own Wi-Fi router which is open (without any security or username/ password) then it should connect directly and should let you browse.
If you are trying to connect to secure Wi-Fi zone, which needs username/password then it all depends on that Wi-Fi zone how they have set it up and you should check with them first if the BlackBerry is supported or not?
Do you see any other BlackBerry devices connected to same Wi-Fi Zone or where you able to browse before at the same location? Let me also know the BlackBerry model/ OS you’re running. Also make sure, the browser is set to Hotspot browser as mentioned in the above steps.
thanks Munish, i’m using Javelin 8900 type.
it’s a wifi at the hotel that i have to put user name and password. I have the user name and password.
I have successfull connect yesterday, first scan the available wifi, then connect…then the the devices said wifi success and they offer prioritize wifi profile and wifi spot login (require regristratrion). I have to choose regristation and it will come out on the screen like hotel web site and i need to put in the user name and password that I got from the hotel.
but today that regristation web not come up anymore because the massage is“your blackberry device is now connected to the internet”. before I put my password, yes wifi is connected but its doest work.
Oh OK, I understand it now.
What you may want to do is
1) Delete all saved Wi-Fi Profiles
2) Go to browser options and make sure “Support Java Script” is enabled
3) Delete all History, Cache, Cookie from the browser
4) Try again
Other then above, I don’t think there is much control you have over BlackBerry.
thanks a lot… its work…. great!!!
Still not working i need help!
Do you have the grey Wi-Fi icon or it’s intermittent connection problem? Was it working OK before any time?
The first time i tried this i had no luck and simply got a could not find server message but i tried deleting my wifi profile and starting over and when i did this it worked like a charm. thank you.
does it mean, that i can go on internet with my blackberry abroad free of charge?
I am soooo digested with T-mobile!! Why in the heck did I have to come to his page in order to figure out what to do to connect to the Internet. The problem was that I cancelled my Internet service because I have wifi at home-but when I tried to connect via wifi it kept saying unable to connect contact your service provider, etc. So I called and had to wait on hold for a half an hour & when they finally answered all they could tell me was that since I cancelled my Internet service it would no longer give me the capability to connect via wifi!!! What a freakn lie! They said the never heard of this before, but would contact RIM. All they had to do was tell me to go and change my default browser!!! I am so disappointed that they couldn’t give me this simple damn answer! Dumb assholes!!! I’m over them and will be switching service providers very soon!!!
I was having issues like many here. I could set up a WiFi connection but couldn’t get anywhere, was getting Unable to connect and other errors.
What seemed to be key for me at least was Mobile Network Options > Data Services = On, While Roaming = Off.
Then it seemed to work.
For clarification. I have no SIM in this phone at all with any carrier. Just trying to use WiFi.
Hi, I have blackberry bold which had suddenly stopped connecting to the wifi.
I managed to get it re-connect with the wifi by making sure that:
1. browser option = hotspot browser
2. On “Manage Connections”, go to wifi options, highlight “automatically obtain IP address and DNS, and all the values were 0.0.0.0
then I checked the box of “automatically obtain IP address and DNS”
and “allow inter-access point handover” and also “SSID broadcasted”
It seems to work fine now.
Hope this helps!
cheers.
Hi There,
First of all just want to say well done to all helping out here. This is definetly one of the most helpful sites on blackberries.
Im intrested in getting a 9000, but at least i just want to be sure that browsing with WIFI (without a data plan) shall not be a problem. I mean if you cant even use the WIFI it wouldnt be much worth it to go for a 9000.
Furthermore, is it fair to say that:
BB Messenger
MSN Messenger
Email
all the above shall not be accessible without a bb dataplan?
Regarding the email, it is not possible to connect to a wifi and than send/receive emails (not through browsing) ? (might be a stupid question)
Thanks for your help
TO Kurt
The internet is available through your carrier with a data plan or it is available when broadcast through a router with WiFi. When broadcast through a router, the signal can be encrypted requiring a password or key or it can be freely available. The BlackBerries with a WiFi radio can access either the carrier’s data stream or the broadcasted stream from routers. However, in order to access the broadcasted streams, access to the carrier needs to be turned off in the BlackBerry because the unit defaults to use the carrier stream first. Once access to the mobile network is turned off, the unit uses the built in unit to access internet “hotspots”. That is why the “hotspot browser” is an option and needs to be selected to access the WiFi broadcast. BBmessenger and MSN messenger depend on the carrier’s network and so do not function. However, you can use the “hotspot browser”, or download Opera mini, or several other mobile phone based browsers to access the internet via WiFi without the carrier network. If you have an internet based email account like gmail, you can access that account and read and write emails as you normally would on a computer. You can also visit any website. Some websites have their content specially formatted to fit the smaller mobile phone screen and will automatically present that format if the browser you are using signals the website that you are using a mobile phone. In Hotspot Browser options you can select that the identity that is presented as BlackBerry and you will get the mobile format if it is available.
Though some folks have reported being able to receive calls while using a non carrier source for the internet, it may be because their data plan carrier is not available and the call is being routed through another provider. Electronics are quirky and they just may be lucky and have the right but unusual combination of settings on their phones that allow this to happen. For the most part however, it is not possible to send/receive emails through the carrier’s data stream while accessing the internet from a WiFi source because the units I know of cannot handle both streams at once.
In my experience with this process, I needed to reset my home WiFi by unplugging it for 30 seconds. I don’t understand why but it made the difference. Before I got to that I installed several versions of the OS, reinstalled the latest one that was reported to be the most free of quirks, learned more about the settings than I ever thought I wanted to know, and deleted and reinstalled the WiFi profiles many times. Thank you Munish and all the contributors to this blog.
Thank you JG for answering Kurt’s question in detail. It’s very informative and helpful.
Hi,
I deleted all the WAP things from service book. I have set my browser at Hotspot browsing. Is that enough???. I hope my network does not charge me for browsing even though i am using Wifi!!!!
Faraz
The service book can sometimes contain WAP protocols that are needed for basic operation of the BB. The safest ones to delete are those that have to do with online games, music, financial products, etc. Perhaps you will be lucky and did not delete something necessary. One time when I deleted all the service protocols, the option to select the Hotspot browser disappeared and I needed to reload the OS to restore it.
Besides using the Hotspot browser, you need to turn off the mobile network from “manage settings” (see instructions at the top of this blog). You may also need to turn off the data plan while roaming, or prioritize your WiFi profiles so that the free internet source is the first on your list to use.
With the mobile network turned off, you will not be charged for browsing because their network that provides data to your device cannot function without being connected to the mobile network.
hi.i am using bb curve 9300..my problem is that everytime i try to connect to a secured wifi,it always asking me to connect using a pin(which bb will generate).but what should i do if i don’t have an access to the wifi router or simply can’t put the pin into the router.
i know the password for the wifi but it isnt asking me for the password..help anyone??thanks..
Hi, ive read all the post re wifi problems. I have a BB 9700 and previously i can connect to my wifi but now i wonder why i cant connect anymore. i can see my wifi but i tried everything in this post but its strange i still cannot connect and it says to contact service provider.and it says failed to authenticate against the network.will appreciate your help.thanks!
moreover the error that appears is connection failed due to incorrect network credentials please verify this profile’s security settings. thank you again.
Thank you for your suggestion. Finally, BB 9700 worked for me..
hi..i had used internet without even blackberry plan with help of a bsnl sim.. but suddenly 1 day it has stopped working and displaying “unable to connect to internet please try again later if the problem persists please contact your service provider” somebody please help me.. without bb plan shall i again browse internet? please do reply step by step
I am having the same problem with the 9105, it is connected to the wifi, i can still download apps from the store it just won’t connect with the browser and keeps saying “unable to connect to internet please try again later if the problem persists please contact your service provider”, it just stopped working on me 4th January, anyone have any ideas?
well is it true that if your wifi is on the phone wont let you on internet cause thats what mine is doing
If i Buy an UNLOCKED BB… Will the Wifi Work With it While on t-MOb? & will Everything Else Work?
Hi all I have a Blackberry Bold 9000. I too am haveing wifi problems. I have my wifi turned on the on is green but instead of a green check I have a white dash. When I go to set up my wifi it asks me to scan for networks. but all I get is No network found. So now i go into wifi tool,wifi Diagnostics and scroll down to Blackberry infrastructure Connecting I find a red X How do I fix this problem????? Please Help. Oh by the way I am on Rogers here in Ontario Canada.
This was exactly what i was looking for
thanks
Hi Mike,
I did all the steps u asked for. Mine is Blackberry Curve 8520. I get Wifi as Connected – I see the icon on top-right dimmed and the name of my wi-fi network on top. Still can’t browse.
Error msg: Unable to connect to the internet, please try again later. If the problem persists please contact your service provider.
Any suggestions?
Hi Guys,
My problem is solved.
I turned the option for data transfer on under manage connections>mobile network options. I didn’t want to use the GPRS or BIP – so I had turned it off. But it seems that though this option is under mobile network options it also regulates data transfer on wifi – to be sure that BB was using wifi and not gprs – i tried surfing without the sim and also with wifi off. It works! finally
Also other guys like me continously on wifi (and hence not in need of GPRS) please also look into a software called logicmail – which acts like ‘outlook express’ for your BB. You can use this on wifi and hence no need for Blackberry Internet Plan