How to Reset a BlackBerry

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If your BlackBerry isn't working, perform a hard, soft, or factory reset using these simple steps

Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

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Hard Reset

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Soft Reset

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Factory Reset

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Smartphones are great, at least when they work. When they don’t, they’re nothing more than expensive paperweights. If your BlackBerry is frozen or unresponsive, a quick reset may be just the ticket to get it up and running again. Follow this guide to restore your BlackBerry to its former glory.

Things You Should Know

To perform a hard reset, remove the battery for a few seconds and then reinsert.
For a soft reset, press and hold the Alt, Right-Shift, and Backspace/Delete keys.
To restore your Blackberry to its original factory settings, go to Options > Security Settings > Security Wipe.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Hard Reset

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1
Open the battery cover on the back of the BlackBerry. Remove the battery from the phone.
- You can perform a hard reset on the BlackBerry Z10 by pressing and holding the Power button on the top of the phone for about 10 seconds.^{[1]
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To be on the safe side, wait for up to 30 seconds and then reinsert the battery into the back of the phone.

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The BlackBerry should reboot and function normally. You may have to power the BlackBerry back on with the Power button.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Soft Reset

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This method will reset your BlackBerry without having to remove the battery. You cannot perform this method if your BlackBerry does not have a keyboard.
Continue to hold the Alt key while you hold the Shift key.
Make sure you are continuing to hold the Alt and Shift keys while you hold the Backspace/Delete key.
When this happens, you will see the screen turn off. You can now release the keys. It may take a few minutes or more for the smartphone to return to its normal settings.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Factory Reset

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Performing a factory reset, or security wipe, will remove all of your personal information and reset the phone to the state it was in when it came out of the box.
In the Security Settings menu, select Security Wipe.
Check the boxes for each of the items that you want wiped from the phone. If you want to completely erase your information, ensure that all of the boxes are checked.
To perform the wipe, you will need to enter the code. Type “blackberry” into the box and then select Wipe.
Your BlackBerry will reset multiple times during the wipe process. Once the phone has rebooted, your data will be gone.

Community Q&A

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Question

What is the Blackberry code I need to enter after I restore factory settings?

Community Answer

It is the password you first set up when you got the phone, or a code given by the phone provider.

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Question

How to change my unknown Blackberry password?

Community Answer

You can do this via email. Go into your system settings, find PIN and click change.

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Question

How can I reboot my BlackBerry phone?

Community Answer

While holding down the Alt key and the Right Shift key, press the Backspace/Delete key until the screen turns off. This should restart your BlackBerry.

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Tips

Some reset instructions may only apply to specific BlackBerry smartphone models, so it is always best to check the user manual. You can also check with your service provider to learn how to troubleshoot any phone issues. In addition, some manufacturers and wireless service providers may perform a master reset, master clear or a factory reset. This process erases non-BlackBerry-related data and settings and restores the phone to its original factory settings.

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Not all BlackBerry smartphones display the "Alt," right "Shift" and "Backspace/Delete" keys in the same way on the QWERTY keyboard. However, the location of the keys is the same. Refer to your phone's user manual to verify the keys.

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Performing a BlackBerry hard or soft reset does not delete any of your saved data or settings. Only a master reset wipes away everything from the phone's memory, except for the factory settings.

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Warnings

Do not attempt the soft reset method if you have a model such as the BlackBerry Pearl or the BlackBerry Storm. These phones do not feature a QWERTY keyboard, but they include SureType technology or a SurePress touch screen. Follow the appropriate guidelines for setting these phones by consulting the user manual or by contacting your service provider.

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