ARCHIVED: How do I clear all personal data from my BlackBerry?
If you need to remove all personal data (e.g., messages, address book entries, notes) from your BlackBerry device, follow the appropriate instructions below.
On this page:
- Handheld method for software version 6.0 and newer
- Handheld method for software versions 5.0 and newer
- Handheld method for software version 4.5 and newer
- BlackBerry Desktop Manager method for all software versions
- Reinstalling Blackberry device software from an external source using Desktop Manager
Handheld method for software version 6.0 and newer
- From the Home Screen, press the Blackberry Button to see all the icons.
- Select .
- Select , then .
- Check the boxes for the items you want to erase and
restore. Type
blackberry
in the field, and then click .
Handheld method for software version 5.0 and newer
- From the Home Screen, press the Blackberry Button to see all the icons.
- Select , then , then .
- Select .
- Check the boxes for the items you want to erase and
restore. Type
blackberry
in the field where indicated to confirm device wipe, and then click .
Handheld method for software version 4.5 and newer
- From the menu, select .
- Click .
- Click the BlackBerry menu button, and then click .
- Click
blackberry
. , and then type
BlackBerry Desktop Manager method for all software versions
Before cradling your device, do the following to prevent it from synchronizing after you clear it, which would reload all your personal data:
- Open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, double-click , and then click .
- Make sure the only option checked is .
- Click , and then click .
After completing the steps below, if you want to synchronize your BlackBerry again, make sure to reselect the auto-start options you deselected above, or your device will continue to only update the date and time when cradled.
To clear personal data from your BlackBerry:
- Cradle your device.
- If the BlackBerry you are clearing is not the one you are
currently using, you will see a
Redirector Settings
pop-up that says your email account is set up to use a different device and asking if you want to change it to work with this device. Click . - Double-click , and then click .
- If prompted, enter your password.
- On the Handheld Application Selection screen, click .
- You will see the message "No actions are required." Click . If you have an 850 or 950 series device, click on the Handheld Storage Allocation screen.
- On the Handheld Data Preservation screen, select . Click .
- On the Application Data Backup screen, select . Click .
- Click . Make sure you do not remove the handheld from the cradle until the clearing process is finished.
Reinstalling Blackberry device software from an external source using Desktop Manager
At times, you may need to go beyond just clearing all personal data. When a device malfunctions after following the steps above, or when you simply want to upgrade to a newer version of the handheld operating system, you will need to wipe the handheld and restore it from an operating system installer downloaded from the cellular provider.
This is document alvl in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2021-09-07 17:18:27.