Android: Error “Can’t establish a reliable data connection to the server” When Adding Account

Some users of the Android OS are experiencing problems when they try to add accounts to their phones. They get an error:

Can’t establish a reliable data connection to the server.  This could be a temporary problem or your SIM card may not be provisioned for data services. If it continues, call Customer Care.

Here are some things you can try to get things working right.

Fix 1 – Try Another Data Connection

Attempt to connect to a different network and see if that clears up the problem. For example, if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to the mobile network instead and vice verse. Some users have reported fixing this problem by simply resetting their wireless router.

Fix 2 – Check Date & Time

The date and time must be accurate for things to work. Wait for your wireless carrier to update the time automatically, or set it manually under “Settings” > “Date & time“.

Fix 3 – Reset Google Apps

Sometimes, simply clearing Google Apps resets things just right.

1. Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Google Apps” > “Storage“, then tap the “Clear data” button.

Fix 4 – Modify Host File (Root Access Only)

This fix is for Android users with root access only.

1. Download and install Root Explorer.
2. From Root Explorer, select “mount r/w as r/o” on the top screen.
3. Open the “etc” file.
4. Open the “host” file.
5. Change 2nd IP address by adding # in front of it.

Fix 5 – Use YouTube as a Workaround

This fix works on older phones.

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Press “Menu“.
3. Tap “My account“.
4. Tap “Add account“.
5. Take the account information that you are having problems with and add it to YouTube.
6. Press “Home” to return to the main screen.
7. Press “Menu” and go to “Settings“.
8. Tap “Accounts & Sync“.
9. Select the new account and set the sync settings as desired.

Now everything should work as intended.