Top 5 BlackBerry Problems & Solutions

BlackBerry devices, just like any other phone, has its share of problems. Just like Apple points out PC’s issues in their popular commercials, ex-BlackBerry users and iPhone customers like to harp on the flaws that RIM handsets have. From my experience over the past seven years using BlackBerrys, most of these BlackBerry problems can be resolved relatively easily. So, if you are a new BlackBerry owner, this list will help you prepare for potential issues and possibly proactively prevent them. (How’s that for some alliteration!?). For more experienced users, this list is probably too familiar, but hopefully you have learned to resolve and deal with them as I have.

1. Trackball/Trackpad won’t scroll up, down, left, right, or any other way. Another common problem is the trackball/trackpad won’t respond when pressing it in. This trackball issue is usually caused by dust or other particles getting behind it.

SOLUTION: There are a few ways to clean and/or replace a trackball. View the article “How to Fix BlackBerry Trackball Scrolling Issues” to see step by step directions. Trackpad issues are usually a bit more difficult to repair.

2. Minor bugs are affecting your internet, email, or other functions. At rand0m times, your BlackBerry will not process data or your requests as its supposed to. For example, you are having problems connecting to the internet even though your phone shows a signal. Or perhaps your email stops receiving.

SOLUTION: Battery pull. This is a common recommendation, even from BlackBerry technical support staff as well. Remove your battery for 30 seconds and reboot your device. Obviously this doesn’t always work! You may need to restore your device.

3. You have a memory leak and lose your call logs and messages. This used to happen to me often with a Pearl 8100 I used. Since that handset, I haven’t experience it but have heard others still do. All of a sudden, you will see that your call log and messages are gone!

SOLUTION: First do a battery pull. Next, check your “File Free” to see how much free memory you have. This is usually found under Options/Settings – Status. If it shows under 10mb (or 10,000,000 bytes), you should delete some apps, videos, or pictures to free up more space. You can also clear your cache and message history.

4. Your phone displays a “Reload Software” message. This can strike at any moment, similar to the blue screen of death on PC’s. You can not do anything on your handset and this is usually followed by panicking.

SOLUTION: Reload your correct software. View this article to see step by step directions, this problem requires some time!

5. You become an addict. Many people would label the addiction BlackBerry users experience to their device as a problem. Addicts often begin to call their phone a “CrackBerry” and can not function without it. You can usually spot addicts with their heads down, scrolling through their Facebook wall, checking their emails, listening to music, browsing the internet, and playing games- almost simultaneously.

SOLUTION: Doctors worldwide have attempted to cure this addiction but have yet to do so.

Although each Blackberry phone has slight differences, these tips and tricks should work for most. For tips on specific models (such as the touch screen Storm), see the section below this. Here are the top 10 basic Blackberry tips and tricks (in no particular order)!

1. Switch between programs: Hold down the “alt” key and the escape button at the same time. Continue holding down the “alt” key and use the trackball to scroll to the program that you are switching to. Release the “alt” key to make the switch.

2. Delete multiple messages/emails: To quickly delete messages and/or emails for a specific day or days, scroll to the date in your messages. Press the menu button and select “Delete Prior.”

3. Select text: To select a word or line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball or trackwheel. You can then use the menu to copy or cut the selected text.

4. Exit a screen: Press the escape button to exit the program or screen you are on.

5. Change options: Whenever you have an option to select (such as “time zone”), just hold the “alt” key and make your selection.

6. Select text: An easy way to select text is to press the shift key and then roll the trackball over the desired text.

7. Move up/down a screen: You can quickly move up or down a screen for quicker viewing. To move down, simply press the space key. To move down, press the shift + space key together.

8. Insert a period: This saves a ton of time with texts or emails. Just press the space key twice at the end of your sentence and a period will be inserted automatically.

9. Insert @ or . in email: To insert @ or a period in an email address, simply press the space bar. The Blackberry will recognize when to insert the respective character.

10. Capitalize a letter: To do this, when typing hold down the letter for an extra second and it will capitalize.