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BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry OS Services FAQ

Updated December 22, 2021: As a reminder, the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions, will no longer be available after January 4, 2022. As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality. We thank our many loyal customers and partners over the years and invite you to learn more about how BlackBerry provides secure communications to enterprises and governments around the world.

FAQ

Originally published September 9, 2020: In 2016, our former BlackBerry Executive Chairman and CEO, John Chen, announced that the company’s transition to a software company was complete. Since then, we’ve made great strides executing on our business strategy, and today, we are focused on providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. As another milestone in the BlackBerry journey, we will be taking steps to decommission the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions, with an end of life or termination date of January 4, 2022. As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality. We have chosen to extend our service until then as an expression of thanks to our loyal partners and customers.

Why is BlackBerry deciding to end of life (EOL) these infrastructure offerings?

Today, BlackBerry is focused on providing secure communications to enterprises and governments around the world. Since pivoting to a secure communications company, we have received questions about our plans to provide ongoing support for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry 10 devices. In 2017, we committed to providing at least two more years of support for BlackBerry 10 and at least two years of BlackBerry network access for BBOS devices. 

On January 4, 2022, devices running on these service offerings through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality. We have chosen to extend our service until then as an expression of thanks to our loyal partners and customers.

The termination of these service offerings and infrastructure will also impact functionality for applications such as Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL) / Identity Based Licensing (IBL), BlackBerry hosted email addresses, BlackBerry® Link™, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, BlackBerry Blend®, CylancePROTECT® (allows consumers to lock, locate, or wipe BBOS, BlackBerry 10 devices remotely). There is no impact to CylancePROTECT which is an AI-based endpoint security solution.

What services will be terminated and what will be impacted?

At the time of termination of services, devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software, BlackBerry 10 software, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function.  These devices will lack the ability to receive over-the-air provisioning updates, and as such, this functionality will no longer be expected to reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1, functionality.​​​​ Applications (BlackBerry Link, BlackBerry Desktop Manager, and BlackBerry Blend) will also have limited functionality.

Below is a list of devices, software, applications, and service offerings that are affected:

Devices:

  1. BlackBerry 10 software:

    • BlackBerry Classic

    • BlackBerry Passport

    • BlackBerry Leap

    • BlackBerry Z10, Z30, Z3

    • BlackBerry Q10, Q5

    • Porsche Design P’9982 from BlackBerry

    • Porsche Design P’9983 from BlackBerry

  2. BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier – including but not limited to:

    • BlackBerry Bold: 9900/9930, 9790, 9650, 9788, 9700, 9000

    • BlackBerry Curve:  9380, 9370/9360/9350, 9330/9300, 9320/9315/9310/9220, 8530/8520, 9380, 8900/8980, 8300/8310/8320/8330/8350i

    • BlackBerry Torch:  9860/9850, 9810, 9800

    • BlackBerry Storm: 9500/9530, 9520/9550

    • BlackBerry Pearl:  9100, 8100/8110/8120/8130, 8220/8230

    • others:

      • BlackBerry 9720

      • BlackBerry 9620

      • Porsche Design P’9981 from BlackBerry

      • BlackBerry Tour 9630

      • BlackBerry Style 9670

      • BlackBerry 8800/8820/8830

      • BlackBerry 7130

      • BlackBerry 8700/8707

      • BlackBerry 7100

      • BlackBerry 7290

      • BlackBerry 7730

      • BlackBerry 7230

      • BlackBerry 6720

      • BlackBerry 6230

      • C++ platform based devices: 850, 857, 900, 950, 957

  3. BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier:

    • BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE / 3G+

    • BlackBerry PlayBook

Software, Applications & Services:

  • BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier software

  • BlackBerry 10 software

  • BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier software

  • BlackBerry Desktop Software

  • BlackBerry Link

  • BlackBerry Blend

  • BlackBerry World

  • CylancePROTECT® (Allows consumers to lock, locate or wipe BBOS, BlackBerry 10 devices remotely). There is no impact to the new CylancePROTECT which is an AI-based endpoint security solution.

  • BlackBerry Password Keeper for BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier. BlackBerry Password Keeper for BlackBerry Android devices will not be impacted.

  • BlackBerry ID* for BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, and BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1 OS and earlier

  • BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) – Consumer*

  • PIN to PIN device messaging

  • BlackBerry hosted email addresses – This includes the redirection of email sent to BlackBerry hosted email addresses to other email addresses used on other platforms, including Android and iOS. This includes @myblackberry.com or @service_provider_name.blackberry.com email addresses.

  • Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL), Identity Based Licensing (IBL)

  • BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 – this product has already reached End of Support, and the software may no longer reliably function after the termination of services.

Who will be impacted by EOL of the services?

  • All customers who are using legacy devices running BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, and BlackBerry PlayBook 2.1 OS and earlier software, and related services.

  • Customers with BlackBerry hosted email addresses, or receiving redirected mail sent to a BlackBerry hosted email address on other platforms, including iOS, Android and BlackBerry Android.

  • Enterprise customers assigned an Enhanced Sim Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL) on any iOS or Android devices, including BlackBerry Android devices.

When are the services ending?

The legacy services will be terminated effectively January 4, 2022.

What happens to my data stored with BlackBerry?

BlackBerry retains personal information as long as necessary for the fulfilment of identified purposes or as otherwise necessary to comply with applicable laws. When personal information is no longer necessary or relevant, BlackBerry will delete, destroy, erase, or anonymize your data. Immediate requests to remove your data may be made by emailing privacyoffice@blackberry.com.

Consistent with good business practice, BlackBerry continues to evolve our controls, schedules, and practices for information and records retention and destruction which apply to your personal information. For more information, please see the BlackBerry Privacy Notice.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Consumers should contact their carrier / service provider.
BlackBerry Enterprise customers can reach out to their Account Manager or Premium Support Manager.

Will BlackBerry Android devices still work after the EOL date?

BlackBerry Android devices will not be impacted by the EOL of infrastructure services unless they are receiving redirected email sent to a BlackBerry hosted email address, or assigned an Enhanced Sim Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL). Prior to the EOL date, users of BlackBerry hosted email addresses or using email redirection for these addresses, will need to move to a new email address.  If any iOS or Android device, including BlackBerry Android devices, have an ESBL or IBL license assigned, the customer will need to obtain a standard license to cover their use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

Will I still be able to use BBM Enterprise (BBMe)?

BBM Enterprise and BBM Enterprise for Individual Use (BBMe) will continue to be available on other platforms.

What are the migration options to move off these services prior to the EOL date?

Customers will need to move to new devices. Please contact your carrier of choice for more information about what devices and plans are available.

Customers with BlackBerry hosted email addresses, or receiving redirected mail sent to a BlackBerry hosted email will need to move to a new email address.

Enterprise customers on BES5 should also move to the new BlackBerry UEM product (available in both on-prem and cloud deployments) and new BlackBerry Suites. The BlackBerry sales team is eager to assist enterprise customers and will work to provide them with attractive pricing on the software.

Customers assigned an Enhanced Sim Based License (ESBL) or Identity Based License (IBL) on any iOS, Android or BlackBerry Android device, will need to obtain a standard license to cover their use of BlackBerry Enterprise services with that device.

How do I switch to a new device?

Please contact your carrier for more information about switching to a new device.

How do I move my BlackBerry Password Keeper data?

BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier: The service changes will not impact your ability to access your Password Keeper data, as it is stored locally. If you are looking to move to another Password Management Application or BlackBerry Password Keeper for Android, you’ll need to manually create new entries on your new Smartphone. 

Note: You will need to manually move any password, if you are moving to a smartphone that doesn’t support password keeper or you are using an alternative application. 

Will I still be able to download software for my smartphone