Solving Opera Mini and UC Browser Connection Problems

Posted on January 3, 2008 by Dennis Bournique

Configuring GSM phones so that data aware Java applications like gMail, UC Browser and Opera Mini can connect to the Internet is a total disaster. Opera Mini is an amazing mobile browser that gives almost any phone iPhone like Internet capabilities. But many people have trouble getting it to work. They download it from mini.opera.com, it installs without error but when they try to run it they get the error “Failed to connect to the internet“. The same thing often happens with the UC browser, gMail, Picomail, Google Maps, eBuddy Nimbuzz and other mobile Java applications. Because the user can surf the web with the phone’s built in browser, they clearly have a connection to the web. So why doesn’t the app work? Although it’s natural to blame the app, in almost all cases, it’s a setup issue caused by brain dead GPRS data configuration model.

Many mobile operators who are more than happy to sell you an “unlimited” data plan deliberately put roadblocks in the way of using 3rd party data aware applications to reduce data traffic on their networks. Even setting up unbranded, unlocked phones is a hassle. Phone manufacturers do a terrible job of documenting how to configure handsets so that Java applications can connect to the network. The terminology and menu options vary from one phone to the next even from the same manufacturer.

This post is an attempt to demystify the process by explaining the concepts and providing links to sources of operator and phone specific setup information. You won’t find instructions on how to set up your phone here but I’ll try to point out the best resources for finding the right settings for your phone and operator.

First of all you need a phone that can run Java, meaning that it has a Java runtime (JVM) installed in firmware. Most recent GSM phones have Java, but many CDMA carriers including Verizon, MetroPCS, Cricket and US Cellular in the US use Qualcomm’s BREW application platform rather than Java. There’s nothing technically wrong with BREW but its security model is completely hopeless when it comes to installing 3rd party applications. The only way to get BREW applications is to buy them from your carrier, there are no free BREW applications. My advice, if you want to be able to run free, state of the mobile applications like gMail and Opera Mini, is to avoid the BREW carriers. GSM phones from most operators, CDMA phones from Sprint and iDEN phones from Sprint/Nextel and Boost Mobile all support Java.

Unlike GSM phones Sprint and Boost Mobile CDMA and iDEN handsets don’t require or allow any sort of user data configuration. Java applications usually just work on these phones. When Opera Mini or another Java app installs but won’t connect on a CDMA or iDEN phone, it means that packet data is not provisioned on the carrier side. There’s nothing the user can do except call and try to convince customer support to escalate the issue to a data specialist who can actually fix the problem.

GSM phones, in addition to requiring provisioning by the carrier to turn on data, have many data configuration settings that all have to be correct for data aware applications to work. Having a working browser is not an indication that data is set up correctly. Many built in mobile browsers connect to a WAP/GPRS access point or gateway that doesn’t provide the direct socket or http connectivity that applications need.

Just about all GSM phones support multiple data profiles, each of which is a collection of settings which can be assigned to the built in browser, MMS or applications. Different phone manufacturers call these profiles by different names. Common ones are:
Nokia: Access Points
Samsung: Browser Profiles
Motorola: Data Sessions
LG and Sony Ericsson: Internet Profiles
Blackberry: TCP Settings

A data profile contains dozens of settings, most of them optional. The ones we need to be concerned with are:
Profile Name: A user selected unique name for the access point.
APN or Access Point Name: the hostname or IP address of a switch or server within the carrier’s network which routes data between the mobile network and the Internet.
Bearer: The type of connection like CSD or GPRS.
Username: often but not always blank.
Password: blank if the username is blank.

WAP Gateway IP address and port: Required with some low end and older phones.

Some carriers also require data traffic to pass though a proxy server which has an address and a port.
Proxy Address: The IP address of a proxy server.
Proxy Port: The HTTP port used by the proxy server.

There must be a data profile assigned to your applications. How this is configured varies from phone to phone. There might be a menu option within the data profile setup called Packet Data Access Point or Default Access Point or the profile might need to be set in an Application Manager’s context menu or in an Options menu at the individual application level. Motorola’s are unusual, Java applications will look for and use a data session named Java Session.

Your carrier or phone manufacturer may be able to push all the required settings to your phone. This is the easiest and usually the best way to configure your phone, if it’s available. I recommend trying the carrier first as they should always have the most up to data settings. Check the support section of the carrier’s web site, looking for “send settings to your phone” or something similar. The carrier may offer a choice of several different types of settings like WAP, MMS, Internet or GPRS Data. For applications you generally want Internet or GPRS Data if they are available and WAP as a last resort. When in doubt have all the settings sent.

A few phone manufacturers including Sony Ericsson and Motorola can also send settings for many different carriers.

Recent Nokia phones have a built in Settings Wizard containing settings for most operators. Instructions on using the settings wizard are at here.

Many times having the settings sent to your phone is all you need to get Opera Mini working. If it doesn’t work with your carrier’s settings try the manufacturer settings and vice versa. If Opera still can’t connect don’t give up. It’s possible to enter the settings manually. here’s how:

1) First you will need to find the right settings for your carrier and data plan. Usually they can be found on the carrier web site or by calling customer support. Many third party application vendors sites provide lists of settings for operators around the world. Some good ones include: Opera, eBuddy and Nav4All. It doesn’t matter whether you are using the vendor’s app or not, the settings are the same for any Java or native application. If you can’t find your operator’s settings anywhere else, try doing a Google search for “<Operator Country> GPRS Settings“, i.e. MTN South Africa GPRS Settings.

For US users here are the current settings for the national GSM operators AT&T and T-Mobile:

AT&T:

APN or Access Point Name: wap.cingular
Bearer: GPRS.
Username: <leave blank>
Password: <leave blank>

WAP Gateway IP address: 66.209.11.61

Proxy Address: <not required>
Proxy Port: <not required>

T-Mobile USA:

APN or Access Point Name: wap.voicestream.com or epc.tmobile.com
Bearer: GPRS.
Username: <leave blank>
Password: <leave blank>

WAP Gateway IP address: 216.155.165.050

Proxy Address: <not required>
Proxy Port: <not required>

2) Once you have the settings, enter them on your phone manually. The process varies from phone model to phone model. The phone manual should have this information, but often it doesn’t. eBuddy has step by step guides for setting up popular phone models.

Some mobile operator’s sites including, AT&T, O2 and Sun Cellular also have good instructions for setting up many phones. These operator guides are helpful for figuring out the often arcane setup menus. Of course, if you are using instructions from an operator other than your own you need to substitute the actual setting values specific to your operator that you found in step 1 for the ones provided.

If you can’t find setup instructions for your specific model try looking through the instructions for similar models from the same manufacturer to find one that has the same menu structure. For example all Nokia s40 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th edition phones have the same setup menus and are set up the same way. For obscure phone models you might have to resort to a Google search for “<phone make phone model> GPRS setup”.

Note: If you have a Nokia S40 phone and your operator’s settings specify a proxy IP and/or proxy port, manual set up may not work because Nokia stupidly does not provide any way to enter the proxy settings. If this applies to you try doing the setup without the proxy settings, as in some cases including AT&T and T-Mobile USA, the proxy isn’t actually necessary.

If the proxy really is required, you must use the Nokia setup wizard, if it exists on your phone. or have the settings sent to the phone by your operator or phone manufacturer.

It is also possible to send the proxy settings to your phone yourself using Bluetooth. It’s a somewhat complicated process and requires that your phone support Bluetooth and that you have a Bluetooth equipped computer or computer plus a second Bluetooth phone. The procedure is documented on the web at: Howard Forums, NXG and Mobilomania. I’ve never actually had to do this myself so you are on your own if you try this.

If you have tried everything and you still can’t get it to work I recommend asking for help on one of the many mobile users forums like The Opera Mini Forum, Howard Forums, Mobiledia, Esato or country specific forums like Nairaland for Nigeria or Talk.ph in the Philippines. When using forums it’s important to follow forum etiquette to avoid being “flamed”. Before posting a help request, use the forum’s search function to be sure your question hasn’t already been answered. If you do post asking for help on a forum be sure to give as much information as possible including, make and model of phone, carrier, country, the name and price of your data plan and the exact text of any error messages.

You can also leave a comments on this post if you get stuck. I try to answer as many questions as possible. I’m not able to answer questions about settings for specific operators or phones as I do not have them. Comments asking for operator or phone settings will be ignored. You need to do your own research using the resources in this post.

Please don’t ask me for “cheat” codes or other ways to enable free browsing. Comments asking how to browse for free will be deleted.

Last Updated: 15-Mar-2012 – fixed some link rot.

1,271 thoughts on “Solving Opera Mini and UC Browser Connection Problems”

Dennis Bournique on May 1, 2009 at 6:43 am said:

dhruvin,

I don’t know about free but if you’re SURE the settings are correct and it still doesn’t work the problem may be on the network end. Call BPL and ask them to check if packet data is enabled on your account.
dhruvin on May 1, 2009 at 6:22 am said:

i got nokia 6300 n i have loop(bpl) mobile prepaid n i can surf the web for free.
but the problem is when i try to access web thru applications n mobile browsers the symbol ‘E’ which comes to the up-left corner goes into box but the application fails to connect to internet.
this means that my cellphone is sending data but not able to receive it.
i have put all the correct settings plz help
Jaihr on May 1, 2009 at 5:29 am said:

I want to unlock a blackberry 8300 from verizon and use it with my tmobile sim card any clues?
Dennis Bournique on April 30, 2009 at 12:03 pm said:

naved,

Try the following:
1. Go to Menu > Settings > Configuration
2. Choose Personal configuration settings
3. Press Options
4. Select Add new and Access point
5. Fill in any Account name
6. Select Access point settings
7. Set Data bearer to GPRS
8. Select Bearer settings
9. Enter GPRS access point (APN): bplgprs.com
10. Set Authentication type to Normal
11. Enter User name as: bplmobile, leave password blank
12. Press Back 3 times
13. Choose Options and Activate
14. Go Back
15. Set Preferred access point to the access point you just made.
16. Set Default configuration settings to Personal config.
17. Select Activate default in all applications and Yes

If those settings don’t work try these sites to see if they have any updates for BPL:
http://www.opera.com/mini/help/connect/
http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html
http://mannuforall.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-gprs-settings-for-any-operator.html
http://www.unlocks.co.uk/gprs_settings.php
naved on April 30, 2009 at 8:16 am said:

hi sir im using BPL WAP service on my nokia 6500 slide but im unable to surf using opera mini browser which is inbuilt in my phone The error message is ” failed to connect internet” so plz. do something helpful. THANKS
henry on April 30, 2009 at 5:07 am said:

Yes it work, even when my members try to use it and they all see that it working cool with been pay to any network provider.
Sweeta on April 29, 2009 at 11:00 pm said:

Hi…
M getting an error message “Failed to Connect to the Internet.
Can you please give the access point settings as preffered access point is showing empty.I got Vodafone settings directly.

Thanx
Dennis Bournique on April 29, 2009 at 9:00 pm said:

Sweeta,

Can you choose “Ask Once” or “Ask Always”? Opera Mini will work with those settings, you will just get prompts asking you to allow it to connect, write, read etc..

To enable “Always Allowed” you need to use a signed version of Opera Mini
Sweeta on April 28, 2009 at 10:44 pm said:

Hi, I have Nokia 5300 handset with Vodafone Sim.I want to use Opera Mini.It is suceessfully installed on my cell,bt I cant access it,it gives error 3.-1.4,Application Data Access for Read User Data & Add and edit data,always allowed cannot be selected.Also i restarted my cell & checked problem not yet solved.Please help me….
goodnews on April 24, 2009 at 4:56 am said:

i have downloaded thwe operamini inmy phone,nokia 3110c,but it can not instal.plz help me.i need it fast plz.plz hlp me on how to
Malay on April 23, 2009 at 10:11 pm said:

I m having nokia 5300 & simcard is bpl.
But i m unable to start operamini in it. Always failed to connect message comes.so can u give some suggestion. Thanks
Yusuf A on April 21, 2009 at 2:51 pm said:

I have a nokia6300 and i cant use the opera mini. I am on the mtn network in nigeria. Please i would really appreciate it if you send me the settings. I will be grateful if it is also sent to my mail address. Thanks 4 being there.
Samilink on April 20, 2009 at 5:41 am said:

I am using nokia 3230 and i install opera 4.1 but i dont know the proxy server settings for the network protocol if to set it on socket or http,so send the proxy for free browsing to my mail:[email removed].Thanks
Mark on April 18, 2009 at 2:09 pm said:

H! I using opera mini4.2ubt but shows subscribe to packet data first my phone is nokia 2600-c2 i hope to help my little prob. Thanks the setting ha …
sri on April 18, 2009 at 5:19 am said:

hello.. im sri from india..
i recently got a nokia supernova 7310..im currently a subscriber of spice.. i got the config settings manually installed by a spice dealer..the default browser is working fine.. but opera mini is not.. pls suggest a remedy..
gaxe on April 9, 2009 at 7:18 am said:

hi again..how could i know if it is the right version of opera mini that im going to use..i have done the procedure that you’ve given but it only work with nokia n70 series,im just wondering what version of opera mini is suitable for my nokia 6101..im grateful if you could help me..by the way im from the philippines and using globe handset..thaks and good day!
Paolo Amoroso on April 8, 2009 at 6:43 am said:

Thanks to this post I was able to make Opera Mini work on my Nokia 6151 and Vodafone Italy. I explained the procedure here: http://my.opera.com/community/forums/topic.dml?id=270262&t=1239201768&page=1#comment2952784
gaxe on April 8, 2009 at 4:39 am said:

hi..im from philippines im having a hard time using opera mini 4 on my phone nokia 6101,when in trying to connect it “failure to connect in internet” always pops out..could you help me to resolve this problem by the way i have tried some of the blog here but still it doesn’t work..hope you could help me..thanks in advance..
predy on April 8, 2009 at 4:21 am said:

hi sir im using BPL WAP service on my nokia 5220 xpress music but im unable to surf using opera mini browser which is inbuilt in my phone The error message is ” failed to connect internet” so plz. do something helpful. THANKS
joshua villarosa on April 7, 2009 at 6:17 pm said:

how i can know my aces points in my nokia 6670 please help me i can receive any pictures from my friends thanks
jean on April 6, 2009 at 9:49 pm said:

hi, im using nokia n95.. i already installed opera mini 4.2 .. i somehow start using it but it used my load.. im from philippines and using smart.. can i browse using opera mini for free??
shiv on April 4, 2009 at 12:27 pm said:

hi.i m shiv……….i m using nokia6233 gprs activated.but i m unable to connect to gprs with opera mini 3…it shows an error message that it has failed to connect to internet.can any one please help me..plz
- Pranav Vaghela on September 15, 2010 at 12:54 am said:
  
  hi.i m Pranav……….i m using nokia6233 gprs activated.but i m unable to connect to gprs with opera mini 5…it shows an error message that it has failed to connect to internet.can any one please help me..plz
Dennis Bournique on April 1, 2009 at 2:02 pm said:

Jaihr,
Are you trying to install Opera Mini or a Blackberry device OS update? The latest Opera Mini is 4.2 there is no 4.5.

For device updates, it’s safest to wait until your opperator releases the update which may be customized for their hardware. If you feel like living dangerously, OS 4.5 for the 8100 is here:
http://www.geardiary.com/2008/06/12/blackberry-8100-os-upgrade-to-version-45-now-available/
Be sure to read the comments on that post before installing, some people say it works fine but there’s one that says installing 4.5 on T-Mobile USA Pearls makes the camera stop working.
Jaihr on April 1, 2009 at 1:10 pm said:

blackberry pearl 8100 tmobile, I want to download the latest update for my BB but whenever I use the appication loader to update it says my BB doesnt need any updates at the time. Even when I went to the Tmobile site, it only shows the v4.2, and I know the v4.5 just came…… any clues?
vidyasagar on April 1, 2009 at 12:44 pm said:

i have nokia 5310 xpress music i cant able to run opera mini i am using bpl please help me
Devesh Sawant on March 31, 2009 at 12:04 pm said:

I m having nokia 6233 and opera mini is not working on it.

When i start it shows failed to connect to the internet.

please guide and also inform that how to format the nokia 6233 phone.
abdo on March 31, 2009 at 9:08 am said:

Hey, i was usieng vodafone eg. For free by proxy, but now it doesn’t work, do u have any proxy which i can use net for free?
Karan on March 26, 2009 at 11:47 pm said:

Hey dennis thanx 4 the info
but it shows subscribe to packet data first and it my nokia 5200 even shows access point setting: personal config.
I am damn tired of surfing frm my default phone browser.
As u kno i m using bpl india sim and nokia 5200.
Plz give some solution.
I hav also checked nokia.com.
Thanx dude.
Dennis Bournique on March 25, 2009 at 2:33 pm said:

Bob,

I don’t have the Zain settings. Try one of these sites:

http://www.opera.com/mini/help/connect/
http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html
http://mannuforall.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-gprs-settings-for-any-operator.html
http://www.unlocks.co.uk/gprs_settings.php

Or Google for “Zain Nigeria GPRS settings”
bob merry on March 25, 2009 at 1:23 pm said:

i have a problem connecting my 02 pocket pc, model:WIZA200 to the internet. i am using zain nigeria network. pls can you send me the settings for it?
Anurag Asthana on March 23, 2009 at 12:18 am said:

I have a big problem with my ‘Nokia 5310 XpressMusic’, as i cannot how to use the settings to connect to the internet as when i try to connect to the internet in my laptop, it says ‘Subscribe to Packet Data First’, i don’t know how to “subscribe” to connect to the internet…

Does anyone know how to? please send us packet data subscribe settings with full access details.

Anurag
Dennis Bournique on March 14, 2009 at 2:26 pm said:

Sulav patel,

The session needs to be named Java Session (not java sessions) If it doesn’t work with the correct name which I believe is case sensitive then either:

1)The settings in the Java Session are wrong for your opperator or plan

2)Your opperator hasn’t enabled packet data on your account. I don’t known anything about Vodafone/Hutch but many opperators only enable data upon customer request.

I don’t have the settings for Vodafone, Hutch or any other network. Try these sites, they have settings for many operators:

http://www.opera.com/mini/help/connect/
http://www.taniwha.org.uk/gprs.html
http://mannuforall.blogspot.com/2008/04/free-gprs-settings-for-any-operator.html
http://www.unlocks.co.uk/gprs_settings.php

Or Google “Hutch (your country) GPRS settings”
Sulav patel on March 14, 2009 at 3:21 am said:

i m using a vodafone live network which by default uses hutch gprs web session , as u said for motorola cellphones java sessions are used i have made the new session as per ur specifications , but its still not working on motorola l2 , can u plz suggest something to me.
Sulav patel on March 14, 2009 at 3:18 am said:

hello, i tried ur way as u said for motorola cellphones , but still its not working , can u plz send me the extra specifications or changes thats needed for motorola L2, thanks , waiting for a reply.
rahul on March 9, 2009 at 9:44 am said:

i have a problem using opera mini in my opera mini.i am from India and i am using Nokia 5610 with airtel.
can u tell me the right setting.
thanks
Chybyke on March 8, 2009 at 10:47 pm said:

I have problem using opera mini v4.2 without being charged.I am from Nigeria,my service provider is MTN and my phone model is Nokia 5320xpressmusic.Please i need the correct settings.I will owe a great dept of gratitude for anyone that renders me the help.
Chybyke on March 7, 2009 at 6:56 am said:

I have opera mini v4.2. But each time i want to browse with it, it shows error and directs me to the host’s site or my service provider for help. Please i will appreciate any help rendered to me. Thanks
avada on March 7, 2009 at 2:27 am said:

Actually you need special seetings to run Opera mini with a BPL Wap connection.I found one at dotsis.com. it has a ext .prov which is to be ‘sent’ to phone via bluetooth or infrared.Then save it and it is done!
josephine on March 5, 2009 at 11:36 pm said:

i have network failure on my phone since wedneday night. so on thurday i show it to a friend of mine who said i should switch it off and on it back which i did but when i on it my phone back it telling me my SIM CARD REJECTED. So what is appening to my phone pls send to me on Email so that i can know that to do i have been not be able to recieve call or call out pls help me all the information about my document are in my phone NOKIA 2600
rian suarez on March 4, 2009 at 11:08 pm said:

please send me the compatible and correct MMS/GPRS settings and configurations of my N2630 globe mobile..
1.)how to activate operamini browser
2.)how to retrieve MMS on my phone
3.)how to activate synchronization on contacts and other databases
4.)settings of SMTP,ingoing and outgoing addresses and ports
5.)how to connect directly to email and get IM messages on MESSAGING options

cn i get a copy of these configurations…TNX..GODSPEED!
Dennis Bournique on March 3, 2009 at 10:25 am said:

Jomel David Beceño,

Go to http://www.nokia.co.uk/get-support-and-software/learn-how/get-settings and have the settings sent to your phone.
Jomel David Beceño on March 3, 2009 at 12:36 am said:

Can u help me out with my Cellphone settings?? my phone Model is 1680c and the application is compatible but showing same problem..Please email me for ur answer at [email removed]@yahoo.com.ph..dont forget the ph because i cannot receive ur email…I’m waiting for the people that will reply…thanks!! :D
Neko-neko on March 2, 2009 at 6:58 pm said:

In order to use your opera mini skype or any other software on your mobile phone you need to make access point
Go to Settings > Configuration Settings > Personal Configuration Settings > Add new > Access point
Type the name on you access point (eg. your name or nick name )
Then on Access Point Settings > Bearer settings
packed data acc. pt. – your mobile operator packet data name
(eg my mobile provider is globul and it’s packet data name is globul – check your operator site for the nema)
rest settings are unchanged
then pres back > back > back and option then Activate

Make sure you have your gprs settings

that’s it
alvin on February 28, 2009 at 11:44 pm said:

hey, can you help me. my phone model is sony ericsson k750i. i dont know what is the coorect apn settings on my phone. i cant connect to the internet. can you help me??
Dennis Bournique on February 23, 2009 at 8:22 am said:

@snoop

It turns out that there is free browsing on Zain Nogeria until 15-Mar-2009.

See: http://mobilitynigeria.com/2009/02/19/zain-offers-free-internet-till-march-15th/

“Zain Nigeria is in the news a lot these days. The mobile operator is offering Nigerians free, unlimited browsing via packet data (GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSDPA) on its network.
…
Grab a Zain SIM, send SMS in the format, “internet sonyericsson P910i”, to 232, save the settings sent to you by SMS, and start browsing.
Dennis Bournique on February 22, 2009 at 10:10 am said:

@snoop, @lawrence w. oguama, @sola akintunde

I have no way to sending settings to your phones. That requires specialized hardware and software. The easiest way to get the settings is to have Nokia or Sony Ericsson send them. Use these links:

Sony Ericsson: http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/support/phones/detailed/phonesetupwap?lc=en

Nokia: http://www.nokia.co.uk/get-support-and-software/learn-how/get-settings

I don’t know if browsing will be free or not. That’s up to your network opperator.
sola akintunde on February 22, 2009 at 4:07 am said:

pls send me the configuration settings of nokia 3110c within a shortest time .
lawrence w. oguama on February 18, 2009 at 7:31 am said:

please i need gprs settings that will allow me browse the internet free off charge.am using nokia 2626,with an etisalat line
thanks.
snoop on February 18, 2009 at 5:46 am said:

Hello,
2 things i mainly came on this site for are:

1,i need the mtn Nigeria browser settings sent back to my phone pls,my kid delected it lastr 2 weeks and ever since been trying to reach there customer care but no avail.my contact number is [number removed]

2,i need the zain Nigeria free browser settings sent back to my phone,i just bought a zain line.i heard the browser is free.I have been trying to reach there customer care but no avail.my zain contact number is [number removed] i use a sonyericsson p910a phone.

Pls Prince,send it now.I would appreciate it immensely if you do.
Dennis Bournique on February 14, 2009 at 8:49 am said:

@Karan,

Subscribe to packet data first means the your settings are wrong. Try the following for BPL India:

1. Go to Menu > Settings > Configuration
2. Choose Personal configuration settings
3. Press Options
4. Select Add new and Access point
5. Fill in any Account name
6. Select Access point settings
7. Set Data bearer to GPRS
8. Select Bearer settings
9. Enter GPRS access point (APN): bplgprs.com
10. Set Authentication type to Normal
11. Enter User name as: bplmobile, leave password blank
12. Press Back 3 times
13. Choose Options and Activate
14. Go Back
15. Set Preferred access point to the access point you just made.
16. Set Default configuration settings to Personal config.
17. Select Activate default in all applications and Yes

Comments are closed.