t-zones (a.k.a. $5.99 Internet access) on the iPhone
UPDATE 3 (May 12, 2009): This tutorial and the two update links below it are outdated. Instead, setting up T-zones is now a super easy 30 second process.
UPDATE 2 (July 26, 2008): There is a much easier way to set up T-Zones now.
UPDATE: After going through my logs I’ve noticed that there are a lot of Windows users checking out this guide. So I’ve added a step 0 to help them out.
I received my iPhone on Friday and immediately went about actvating and unlocking it, and at the end of the tutorial, there’s a link to a forum discussion on getting t-zones working on your iPhone. After reading through it and placing a call to t-mobile’s customer support (great folks over there!) I finally got it working. Here are the steps needed in an easy to follow format.
I’m going to make a couple of assumptions in this tutorial.
- You have T-Mobile and t-zones
- You installed OpenSSH on your iPhone (part 3 of the unlocking process
- Your iPhone has Wi-Fi access.
0) Windows users install WinSCP If you’re running Windows, install a file transfer client to move the files between your computer and your iPhone. I recommend WinSCP. If the tutorial makes anymore mention about transferring files between computers, just use WinSCP and connect to the IP of your iPhone. Set the protocol to be SSH/SSH2.
1) Turn off Auto-Lock Go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘General’ -> ‘Auto-Lock’ and select ‘Never.’ You can turn it back on after you’re done with this, but for now disable it.
2) Enter APN, username and password Go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘General’ -> ‘Network’ -> ‘Edge.’ For the APN field enter wap.voicestream.com. Make sure the username and password fields are empty.
3) Create proxy.pac Thanks to kdub3000 for the file contents. Open TextEdit or your favorite text editor on Linux, and paste in the following code into a new document:
function FindProxyForURL(url, host)
{
if (isInNet(myIpAddress(), "10.0.0.0", "255.0.0.0"))
return "PROXY 216.155.165.50:8080";
else
return "DIRECT";
}
Save the file to your Desktop as proxy.pac. On OS X, make sure TextEdit doesn’t append a .txt extension to the file.
4) Find the IP address of your iPhone Go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Wi-Fi’, and click on the blue dot next to the name of the network your iPhone is currently connected to (the one with the checkbox). Look at the IP address there and remember it or write it down.
5) Upload proxy.pac to the iPhone Now we need to copy proxy.pac to our iPhone’s /private/var/root/ directory. If you know how to do this using a Cyberduck or any other file transfer program, feel free to do so. Otherwise open up a terminal (OS X, go to Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal.app) and enter the following command with the ip address of your iPhone substituted for the $IPHONE_IP:
scp ~/Desktop/proxy.pac root@$IPHONE_IP:/private/var/root/
On my Wi-Fi network, my iPhone’s IP is 192.168.1.52, so I typed this command:
scp ~/Desktop/proxy.pac root@192.168.1.52:/private/var/root/
Hit ‘Enter’ and it will prompt you for your iPhone’s root password. The default is ‘dottie’, without the quotes.
6) Update preferences.plist Now we’ll copy preferences.plist to our local system for editing. It’s located at /private/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist on your iPhone. Download it to your desktop using your favorite file transfer client, or use this command:
scp root@$IPHONE_IP:/private/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist ~/Desktop/
Open up the preferences.plist file from your Desktop in your text editor, and look for the area of the file where it has the lines:
<key>DeviceName</key>
<string>ip1<string>
Note that the text inside the string tags should be ip1 (as opposed to en0, ip2 or anything else). Now add the following chunk of xml (in red) to the file in the appropriate place (thanks to syasses):
<key>Interface</key>
<dict>
<key>DeviceName</key>
<string>ip1</string>
<key>Hardware</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
<key>Type</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
</dict>
<dict>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigEnable</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigURLString</key>
<string>file:///private/var/root/proxy.pac</string>
</dict>
<key>com.apple.CommCenter</key>
<dict>
<key>AllowNetworkAccess</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>Available</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>Setup</key>
By adding this code to the file, you’re instructing your iPhone to use a proxy (T-Mobile’s t-zones server) for your communications over GPRS. Save the file.
Now upload the file back to your iPhone with the command:
scp ~/Desktop/preferences.plist root@$IPHONE_IP:/private/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/
7) Restart the iPhone Hold down the sleep button for 3 seconds on your iPhone, and then turn it off. Turn it back on, and you should be able to access the Internet through t-zones for just $6!
I tested my GPRS speed at iphonenetworktest.com and I got 154.2 kbps.
Comments
This worked GREAT for me. Actually the proxied experience seems a bit faster than AT&T’s experience.
Oh, BTW this _works_ with 1.1.1. My unlocked 1.1.1 phone (using TIFF sploit to jailbreak, anySIM 1.1 to unlock, iNdependence for activation/everything else) uses this “hack” fine. I don’t think T-Mobile has a problem with this – the Proxy method is necessary because otherwise you could access the web w/o paying, the proxy authenticates and restricts you.
One issue I’ve had is the speed of the EDGE data upload here in Seattle on T-Mobile. It seems to clock a slow 1kB/sec or lower. Taking 30 seconds for a simple email (1 liners) and 3-5 minutes for the pictures (which range from 64-120 kB).
Anyone else have this problem?
I also chronicled my experience here:
http://ryan-in-seattle.blogspot.com/2007/10/unlocking-iphone.html
One other thing, the APN name doesn’t stick between reboots. WHY?!
I have tried this on my 1.1.1 unlocked and jailbroken phone and it does not work for me yet.
Are there any others with 1.1.1 who have this same issue?
I had to switch to the $19.99 total internet plan for now.
Hi Harash,
It’s possible make a proxy with a username and password?
I must edit the proxy.pac file ?
Works with unlocked 1.1.1.
Really?, In my case only the mail works. Safari and the other applications i don’t know why, but when i launch its, it close.
Randalynn,
I have the same problem every now and then. After receiving the server error mesage I just press refresh and the page loads fine. I suspect it’s t-mobile and not the iPhone because of its intermittent nature.
Mcgnai,
I’m not very familiar with proxy.pac files so I don’t know how to confidently edit them. You shouldn’t need to de authentication to the proxy file though if you use t-zones though.
Best,
Arash
I’ve had the same ‘safari quitting’ problem. it’s also true for maps and youtube too. I’ve tried restarting a few times but couldn’t get it working.
still black screen and quits.
any suggestions?
solution to the “safari quit” problem:
you have to use TextWrangler instead of Textedit because appearently, text edit puts in some hidden lines that messes up the safari.
So if you download textwrangler and follow the steps, it should start working. except youtube though
I did the process and feel pretty confident that I did it as planned.
Mail – Works
Safari – No
Stocks – No
You Tube- No
Weather – No
The “E” is activated , the data just never loads. Any suggestions for now?
Sadly, I have the “Error 502 – Bad Request” problem all the time. No amount of retries gets me past that awful message. *sigh* I was so hoping that someone would know exactly what was wrong and how to fix it. I work at a new job with no wireless access, and my computer use is strictly monitored so i can’t even read comics online without it being noted and logged. I just want to be able to take a break once in a while without it going in my permanent employment history.
Can anyone help?
Randa
Any idea of why this method works in some iphone 1.1.1 and not in others??
In my case, I have a new iphone (1.1.1 from case). I unlocked it and this method doesn’t work for me.
(it’s not in US, it’s another country but it’s only a diff of proxy and apn name)
Thanks!
Hey guys, I am using T-Mobile in Chicago with the T-Zones $5.99 plan. I am the one who confirmed that this works with 1.1.1. It definitely does – I get anywhere from 60kbps-110kbps in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago.
Mail – works
Safari – yes
Stocks – Yes
YouTube – Yes (need to activate)
Weather – Yes
** IF YOU’RE EDGE SETTINGS ARE RESETTING EVERY TIME YOU RESTART YOUR PHONE:
Installer > Sources > Add source: http://i.unlock.no
Let it refresh and then go to “Unlocking Tools” of Install, and install the “EDGE Settings Fix” – works like charm.
If your YouTube doesn’t work, add i.unlock.no to your sources and install the YouTube fix under Unlocking Tools.
If you used the jailbreakme.com method to unlock your phone, youtube should work.. however follow those steps if it doesn’t.
Hit me up on the irc channel .. KoSoVaR on irc.osx86.hu #iphone. I’d be glad to help anybody in need.
for people who haven’t gotten youtube to work have you ever been able to get youtube to work over edge? I unlocked a couple of phones and there is a step to activate youtube seperate from activating the rest of the phone.
Using Transmit or Cyberduck is not allowing me connection. I’m using the IP address of my iphone connection and tried it in two different places – same result. I don’t know if I ever installed OpenSSH, I used unlock.no’s system for unlocking and don’t know if that was included. I can use Terminal on my Mac though. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
thanks to this wonderful guide,i am now able to surf the web, watch youtube, keep up with the stock market, and access maps for a mere $5.99/month! woohoo!
it took me about an hour to configure everything correctly. the whole procedure is pretty simple once you figure out all the necessary steps and do them in the correct order.
i am on fw 1.1.1 and here’s what i did: first, make sure you follow vegim’s advice by installing the EDGE and youtube fixes BEFORE proceeding. this will activate youtube and prevent your APN settings from resetting.
then, go ahead and set up the APN. be sure to do this before adding the proxy.pac to private/var/root. since i’m using winscp, all i did was simply logon to the winscp client, drag-and-drop the proxy.pac to its target destination (private/var/root), edit the preference.plist using superEdi (be sure to replace EVERY thing that has DeviceName
ip2 *or* en0 with ip1), add the block written in red (Proxies
ProxyAutoConfigEnable
1
ProxyAutoConfigURLString
file:///private/var/root/proxy.pac
) to its proper place,save the file, turn off your iphone and voila! $5.99 internet access via EDGE courtesy of t-mobile!
Hey everyone i was just like you i have a 1.1.1 and i just recently meaning 2 minutes ago unlocked the edge feature with this hack and it does indeed work but what most people dont put in their comments is that you cannot keep the same apn underneath proxy settings you need to change them to wap.voicestream.com and the username and password are both guest i also have the edge settings fix and the youtube fix on my iphone also so those do help i guess if you have any questions gimme a holler at my email because i know how frustrated some of you must be
I just bought a new iphone and am trying to do this…I am trying to load the pac file on to the phone through winscp, but the password ‘dottie’ does not work. I am not using the quotes either….is it possible this changed for new phones? I still have 1.1.1
figured it out, new password for 1.1.1 phones is ‘alpine’ with no quotes
Hello. I need help with the proxy.pac file. The thing is i installed the Apache Web Server in my iPhone and when i want to access it when i’m only connected with my edge network, i get a 502 http error (Bad gateway – Connection with server refused). I think it happen because the proxy.pac config, any idea? Thanks in advance.
Can someone post their new 1.1.1 preference.plist working file? Also, are password and username of guest really required on the APN?
hey, has anyone gotton an IM client to work yet? Apollo and mobile chat both dont get proxied through. (also you cant use search from Youtube cause its also not proxied through port 8080.) is there a way to open more than 1 port or something? maybe a separate proxy for it?
the method provided here only worked for about a week, then suddenly i can no longer access the web or any of the services via EDGE. not sure why, but it just stopped working. however,here’s a new and better way to make this thing work:
http://modmyifone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5659
follow the link and enjoy!
I fallowd all the instructions, used iBrickr and it does not let me access internet. I’ve verified all the setting and everything looks good. Installed WAP patch and still nothing. The firmware is 1.1.1. and I do have T-zones plan enabled. Should some kind of icon show on top indicating that the T-zones is enabled? Can enyone please help?
You need to use the youtube fix in order for it to work you can find it here go to jailbreakme.com and download apptap at the bottom on your iphone than go to unlocking tools than click on youtube activation. good luck hope this helps.
Hi, i just brought a Unlocked Iphone and the network service is T-Mobile.
i have wifi at my home and my iphone did pick up the wifi signal and i was able to access to the internet.
but today when i launch safari, i am getting a
Error 502 Bad request could not resolve your request for uri: message.
how do i fix that. i only want to able to access internet at wifi hotspot. i dont’ need Edge.
thanks.
Hi,
I finally got this working – the problem I had was that the file ‘proxy.pac’ doesn’t have the ‘x’ attribute! I’m a Unix/Networking professional but still made a stupid mistake like this :)
So after scp the files into iphone, please do a ‘chmod +x proxy.pac’ on your iphone terminal or ssh session. You can also do this in WinSCP. Hope this helps for some people!
hello,
my carrier ist o2 – Germany. Proxy listens on ip 195.182.114.52:8080
I’ve installed proxy.pac with this IP and the preferences.plist but it’s only possible to open https pages….
Could anybody help me please ?
you guys should give the method in my previous post a chance. it works like a charm and best of all, you get to keep wi-fi!
hey.. just wanna say thank you
NOTE:
- you should *not* replace every device name (e.g., ip2, en0) with ip1.
- you should *not* use someone else’s preferences.plist file because it will contains certain keys that are specific to your phone, and you may over write your own wifi settings.
- you should *not* use the tzone app availabe through the installer because it over writes your preferences.plist file instead of patching it with the appropriate code.
- once you sign up for the plan with tmo, and you follow the instructions at the top of the page, *wait* 3-5 days before trying anything else. just be patient.
When I try to load the proxy.pac via terminal, I get the response “ssh: connect to host 10.0.0.16 port 22: Connection refused
lost connection”. Any ideas? THX
Yes, true on above post. I did the update via installer and lost my wifi! Do not use the installer to do this hack!!
Worked perfectly for me too…this is awesome! Thank you guys. An odd thing. If you just jailbreaked a virgin or newly updated iphone, do the T-Zone hack, then synch and restore your backed up settings–you’ll loose the prefs patch. You will have to do the prefs patch again. Besides that, it works like a charm, about 210kps on E!
i type in password dottie …but access denied….
I’ve heard that the password on some of the newer phones is ‘alpine’ (without the quotes) instead of ‘dottie’.
what is ur apn set to? mine still kicks me out of safari with a wap.voicestream.com and with the cingular one it says not activated to edge
Just want to say thank you! I did the hack today for the first time and it worked perfectly. I have t-zones working on my phone with no problems. The only thing that does not work with edge is Youtube. But that’s OK because it works with WiFi; besides, taking advantage of safari is good enough. Thanks a lot guys, You really made my day.
Great Tip!!!
Worked for me: T-mobile (US) with T-zones default enabled (NOT even the T-mobileWeb selling for 5.99).
Used guest:guest for user:pass in the APN screen.
iPhone: 1.1.2 OOTB, activated, jailbroken, unlocked (i3gsim)
Hey Guys, I have uploaded the files to iphone but when try to change the EDGE APN to wap.voicestream.com, it takes me back to home screen and does not add the APN to EDGE. Any suggestions ohow to fix this problem? I am running iphone 1.1.3 on tmobile
these instructions worked for me fairly easily. although at first the terminal would not accept dottie as a password. if this seems to be happening to you, go to http://philnelson.name/2007/09/03/how-to-change-your-iphones-root-password/ for instructions on changing your root password.
the internet doesn’t seem to be as fast as the EDGE on AT&T, but for $6 who can complain. thanks for the easy instructions.
I tried the hack with vodafone germany but it wont work. i think it ignores the proxy settings. i think its the same problem like cingular.
ok well i did everything here and i guess it worked out becuz now it doesnt say COMVERSE at the top..but now it tells me that im not an edge subscriber??when i just put T-Zones onto my plan today?? they said it takes effect immediatley, or were they wrong?
Got it working! My scenario:
-Fully Jailbreaked 1.1.3 with TZONES $5.99 plan-
Alright guys, couldn’t get this working for about 10 hours, then noticed something which I haven’t really seen mentioned here. I logged in (ssh) directly into the phone, then vi the .pac and the .plist files I uploaded, and noticed there were ^M carriage returns at the end of each line – I remember having these issues when saving in ASCII versus plain text format back in college, then uploading into a LINUX enviornment. These issues are almost always caused by using a non-native text editor.
Go in an erase these ^M characters, and it should work fine!
For those of you who have 1.1.3, you can follow these directions, courtesty of JD914:
1-on installer app go to “sources”
2-click on “edit” the click “add”
3-type in iphone.surrealnetworks.com/repo
4-hit ok
5-hit refresh
6-go to install section find “surreal networks”
7-install T-Mobile T-Zones Proxy
8-re-boot your phone
This will load the .pac and .plist files (sans ^M) into the phone.
Worked for me! Good luck.
-Papi
I have a problem. I did what Papi said, but is not working still, it keeps like trying to connect but nothing happens. Also I tried doing what the first post says, but when i try to download/upload the preferences.plist it says “No such directory or file” any idea?. Im runnin 1.1.3 OTB. If any advice please let me know (jp.delgado83@gmail.com) thanks!!!
Hey guys..i got the hack to work but the youtube still doesnt working after i did the installer fix…also my wifi isnt working anymore after the hack…i was wondering if i could just go to settings and reset the network to fix the wifi??? any help at all from anyone??? PLEASE???? thanks guys…
Hey Papi or anybody else that knows, how you supposed to erase the ^M characters? Where do you go? I don’t know anything about .pac or .plist files. How you supposed to find it?
First of all thanks. I had the same loss of WiFi problem, went to bed upset and then in the morning it was working again, no clue as to why. Per a previous post if the password “dottie” doesn’t work the new default it “alpine”. From what I have read if you have 1.1.3 you don’t want to change the password.
hi papi,
i followed your feb 13th instructions and download the surrealnetworks through installer and restart it but nothing happen. i’m running 1.1.3 fully jailbroken phone.
now do i have to have the .pac file already on my phone or do i just have to download it and it should work. i also put the apn on edge to wap.voicestream.com and left the user name and password empty but edge still doesnt work.????
any help will be highly appreciated.
thanx
Ok this is my problem.
I have an 1.1.2 oob IPhone that i have 1.1.3 jailbroken, unlocked, through ZiPhone. Im using T mobile for it now and currently live in south FL. I have a sidekick data plan running. ive tried every single t zone hack out there and did what ever i can to make it work… nothing. i keep getting the ” COMVERSE: Internal error You do no have acces to the site ‘whatever.com’” I need some to please help me. Ive tried getting it through installer nd manually. Ive looked at atlease 50 sites for a soltion.. and nothing. Having internet where i go is definatly an essential part of my life. If someone can please help me out itll be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Pat.
So, does this hose up using wifi? I connect with networks that use 10.x.x.x addressing, and it *looks* like the pac file is going to force the proxy. Or does it only come into play when connecting via Edge?