BlackBerry® Hard Reset

The BlackBerry® is one of the top-selling smartphones. It allows you to do everything from talking to texting to taking pictures. The phone also features web-browsing capabilities that allow you to check the latest news or sports while on the go. Sometimes, the smartphone or some of its features may malfunction because of wireless or technical problems. If troubleshooting the problem does not work, then you may need to reset a BlackBerry®. The smartphone may require either a soft or a hard reset, depending on the issue.

BlackBerry® Hard Reset

Keep your BlackBerry® powered on.
Open the battery cover on the back of the BlackBerry®. You need to remove the battery.
Wait for up to 30 seconds and then reinsert the battery into the back of the phone.
Close the battery cover. The BlackBerry® should reboot and function normally.

BlackBerry® Soft Reset

Restart the BlackBerry® by trying the soft reset method. You need to leave the phone turned on for this reset method. This technique requires you to use keys on the phone rather than remove the battery.
Hold down the "Alt" key and then press and hold the right "Shift" key. You need to press both buttons at the same time.
Press the "Backspace/Delete" key while continuing to press down the "Alt" and right "Shift" keys.
Wait for the BlackBerry® to reset. When this happens, you will see the screen turn off. It may take a few minutes or more for the smartphone to return to its normal settings.
Release the keys when the display on the BlackBerry® screen turns off.

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.
* 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.
* 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.

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.