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If your BlackBerry isn't working, perform a hard, soft, or factory reset using these simple steps
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- Hard Reset |
- Soft Reset |
- Factory Reset |
- Video |
- Q&A |
- Tips |
- 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.
Steps
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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] X Research source
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Reinsert the battery after a few seconds. To be on the safe side, wait for up to 30 seconds and then reinsert the battery into the back of the phone.Advertisement -
Close the battery cover. The BlackBerry should reboot and function normally. You may have to power the BlackBerry back on with the Power button.
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Press and hold the Alt key. 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. -
Press and hold the Right Shift key. Continue to hold the Alt key while you hold the Shift key. -
Press and hold the Backspace/Delete key. Make sure you are continuing to hold the Alt and Shift keys while you hold the Backspace/Delete key. -
Wait for the BlackBerry to reset. 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] X Research source
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Open the Options on your home screen. 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. -
Select Security Settings. In the Security Settings menu, select Security Wipe. -
Choose what you want erased. 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. -
Enter the code. To perform the wipe, you will need to enter the code. Type “blackberry” into the box and then select Wipe. -
Wait for the phone to complete the wipe process. Your BlackBerry will reset multiple times during the wipe process. Once the phone has rebooted, your data will be gone.
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Community Q&A
Search
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QuestionWhat is the Blackberry code I need to enter after I restore factory settings?Community AnswerIt is the password you first set up when you got the phone, or a code given by the phone provider.
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QuestionHow to change my unknown Blackberry password?Community AnswerYou can do this via email. Go into your system settings, find PIN and click change.
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QuestionHow can I reboot my BlackBerry phone?Community AnswerWhile 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.Thanks
- 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.Thanks
- 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.Thanks
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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.Thanks
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References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
1. Open the battery cover.
2. Remove and reinsert the battery.
3. Replace the battery cover.
4. Turn the Blackberry on.
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 848,599 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Removing your battery and holding it for about 10 seconds was the most helpful tip. After a couple of seconds, I switched it back on and it was on the way to working again." ..." more
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"Removing your battery and holding it for about 10 seconds was the most helpful tip. After a couple of seconds, I switched it back on and it was on the way to working again."
..."
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"Took Blackberry to factory settings. Followed the instructions to a T. Worked first time. Thank you."
