Email account issues

[stefano60]

I just got the xperia z tablet, overall i really like it; however, i have a MAJOR issue and cannot figure out how to solve it.

i am UNABLE to set up my email accounts; i am using the SAME settings that i use on my xperia z ultra and ALL my other devices, they all work except for this tablet.

i am completely stumped, having tried all options i know!

apparently the tablet does not recognize the certificate that my host  (fatcow.com) uses, and i have no idea how to 'add it'.

the only difference i can see  between the ultra and the tablet is the android version, the ultra has 4.4, is it possible the issue will be solved when they update the OS?

i read on other forums that it is a fairly common issue but i cannot find traces of it here....

[Sam]

Hi and welcome to the community! Since you're new please be sure that you have checked out our Discussion guidelines.

This is the best information I can find on this subject, I hope it is of some help:

Typically, a CA certificate included with a client certificate is installed at the same time. You can also install separate CA certificates using the same instruction steps.

To install certificate files on your Xperia™ device

1. Connect your Xperia™ device to a computer using a USB cable.
2. Computer: Using a file explorer, copy the certificate files to the Xperia™ device's root folder (not to a subfolder) of the internal storage, or the root folder of the memory card if no internal storage is available.
3. Xperia™ device: From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
4. Find and tap Settings > Security > Install from storage or Install from SD card (depending on where you copied the files).
5. In the list of available certificates, tap the applicable files to install them. Only certificates that you haven't already installed are displayed.
6. If asked, enter the key store password > OK.
7. Enter a name for the certificate.
8. Tap either VPN and apps or Wi-Fi in the credential use menu > OK.

If you have not already set a pattern, PIN, or password for your device, you’re prompted to set one up. The type of lock that's acceptable may be predetermined by your system administrator.

After a certificate is installed successfully, the copy in storage is deleted.

Note!  Apps such as email and browser that support certificates allow you to install certificates directly from within the app.

Working with CA certificates

To work with CA certificates

1. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
2. Find and tap Settings > Security > Trusted credentials.

• The System tab displays certificate authority (CA) certificates that are permanently installed in the ROM of your phone.
• The User tab displays any CA certificates that you have installed yourself, for example, when you were installing a client certificate.

3. To examine the details of CA certificate, tap its name. A scrolling screen displays the details.
4. To remove or disable a CA certificate, scroll down to the bottom of the details screen and tap either Disable for system certificates or Remove for user certificates. When you disable a system CA certificate, the button at the bottom of its details screen changes to Enable, so you can enable the certificate again if necessary. When you remove a user-installed CA certificate, it is gone permanently and must be re-installed if you want it back.
5. Tap OK. 

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[Rickard]

I also recommend that you check that your tablet has the correct date/year set under Settings -> Date & time.

If the date is correct, also try setting the email client to accept all certificates. After entering email address and password, tap "Manual setup" instead of "Next", select account type and then for security, select the option that has "Accept all certificates".

[stefano60]

thanks, I had done all that, no luck. 

i use EXACTLY the same settings that work flawlessly on my Xperia Z Ultra, but they do not appear to work at all on the tablet. 

I finally managed to find a workaround and I can now access my email, BUT i had to use an alternative email application (K9); the built in Email application - which i would much prefer to use - is still unaccessible.

very frustrating, i hope with the soon to come android update things will get better and I will finally be able to use it properly!

[stefano60]

thanks for the explanation, however I am having difficulties getting correct and detailed onformatin from my provider and therefore I am not sure which certificate is the possible culprit.

[Rickard]

Glad to hear that you found a workaround.

In case the issue remains after the update to Android 4.4 we may need a test account to investigate this further. But are you sure it has to do with the certificate? What happens when you try to setup the account? What type of account is it?