How To Switch To A New Blackberry Handheld

Blackberry users who want to change a new handheld are often faced with the question on how to transfer all data to the new handheld. This is because, Blackberry smartphones are very different from the usual smart phone, every Blackberry phone has its own unique number known as Blackberry PIN. This PIN is used for Blackberry Messenger ID.

The process of switching Blackberry Smartphones is actually quite straight forward and simple and anyone should be able to do it with the instructions below.

If you have bought your new Blackberry device from a shop that provides the transfer of data service, then you have nothing to worry about as they will take care of it in less than 30 minutes.

Your PIN will change but your contacts will be automatically notified by Research in Motion (RIM) with your new PIN being updated to their device without them even realizing you have switched to a new Blackberry device!

If you wish to carry out your own transfer, here's what you need to do:

1. Backup your Blackberry with the Blackberry Desktop Manager

Backup all your data with the desktop manager. If you have not previously install and use the desktop manager, you can find the software in the CD provided in the box. Find the CD and follow instructions to install the desktop manager to your PC/Mac. Or you may simply download it from blackberry website

Launch your installed desktop manager, plug in your Blackberry with the usb cable provided to your desktop. Click the backup function and follow instructions. The process should back up all your Blackberry applications, contacts and calenders.

2. Restore Your Blackberry Device

Now that you have performed your backup, unplug your device and plug in your NEW Blackberry device to your desktop and select menu Restore. All your data will be restored / transferred back to your new Blackberry device including contacts, phone book, calender and all your Blackberry Messenger (BBM) contacts.

After you have restored your device, launch your blackberry messenger in your new device and you will find that your BBM contacts lists will appear in your new BBM.

Even with your new PIN. RIM will automatically link connect and update all your BBM contacts with your new PIN in minutes. including recovering of your blackberry groups. The process is automatic, you do not need to reinvite your friends and your friends will not even know you have switched to a new device (unless you tell them)

To make sure the process went on smoothly without errors, you will want to reconnect your email accounts before opening the Blackberry Messenger. This is because if your Blackberry messenger contacts cannot be restored for whatever reason, you can then use the restore remotely feature using your email addresses that were registered. Remember to restore remotely, RIM needs to send an email to your Blackberry device to confirm ownership, if your emails are not set then you will not be able to receive this email.

To connect your email, go to email settings in your Blackberry settings folder and make sure all your emails are set correctly. You only need to log in to your previous account from the email settings to make them work in your new Blackberry.