How Do I Delete My BlackBerry Data? 5 Ways to Wipe Out Your Data and Applications

Written by:  • Edited by: Wendy Finn
Updated Jun 20, 2011
• Related Guides: Blackberry Devices | Blackberry | Blackberry Desktop Manager

BlackBerry devices are capable of handling intensive tasks, and for that reason many enterprise customers store secure documents on their phones. In this article I'll explain how you can wipe out that data using 5 completely different data delete methods.

BlackBerry Bold 9900
click to enlarge
Anyone who uses their phone a lot, or likes to keep up with the latest tech trends, will probably want to change their smartphone well before the end of their device's life cycle. In those cases, rather than scrap your phone, you might want to sell the device on eBay, or to friends. Of course due to the personal nature of your enterprise work, you can't simply hand the device over to a new user. Instead you must delete the information on your BlackBerry before passing it on, thus ensuring complete privacy for your personal information.

In this article I'll show you 5 ways in which you can wipe out your BlackBerry's data and applications with some simple, easy steps.

1. The Wipeout Handheld Option

Step 1: On your BlackBerry Home Screen click the "Options" choice.

Step 2: Next you'll need to click on the "Security Options" followed by "General Settings" If you're using a version of BlackBerry software lower than 4.1 you can simply click "Security" and avoid the Security Options choice altogether without having to update the system.

Step 3: Open the General Settings Menu and click on "Wipe Handheld" next click "Continue".

Step 4: When prompted for a word type "blackberry" and hit the Enter key.

It's really that simple, you've now deleted the data from your BlackBerry cell phone.

2. The Incorrect Password Method

I'll start this tutorial by mentioning that in order for this process to work your device must already be protected with a password. This is the most basic way to delete the content on your smartphone.

BlackBerry devices will reset themselves after a user has mistyped their password 10 times. Simply lock your BlackBerry and type an incorrect password 10 times. During the incorrect attempts your device may ask you to type the word "blackberry", make sure you type the word into the box. This assures your device that the unit isn't on in your pocket. Think of it as a failsafe for accidental password attempts. Continue to type wrong passwords, typing "blackberry" when prompted. After 10 failed attempts your device will wipe itself.

3. Delete Data Using the BlackBerry Application Loader Tool

  1. First you'll need to connect your BlackBerry to your device via the USB data sync cable.
  2. Second, you'll open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager on your computer's desktop and type your BlackBerry password (if asked to do so, sometimes a password option will not be displayed).
  3. Third, you'll need to Double Click on the Application Loader file and hit "Next".
  4. Next you'll encounter the Device Password option, type in your device password and hit "Next".
  5. After clicking "Next" you'll see the Device Application Selection screen simply click Next again.
  6. The next screen is the "Completing the Application Loader Wizard" on that screen choose the "Advanced" option.
  7. To delete the applications for your BlackBerry you can simply choose the "Erase All Application Data" checkbox and then click "Next".
  8. Finally you'll need to click the "Do Not Automatically Back Up And Restore The Device Application Data During The Loading Process" and select "Next" then click "Finish".

After clicking Finish your BlackBerry device will restart and your data will be once again be deleted.

4. Delete BlackBerry Applications Using the Backup and Restore Tool

  1. For this process you'll need to attach your BlackBerry smartphone to your computer and launch the BlackBerry Desktop Manager Application on your desktop.
  2. This time you'll Double Click the "Backup And Restore" option and then "Advanced".
  3. Now you'll need to hold down the "Shift" key. While holding the "Shift" key select the databases in the Handheld Databases list box.
  4. Next simply click "Clear".
  5. Finally click "OK".

Your applications are all now deleted. Another simple and quick BlackBerry data wipe process is complete.

5. Application Loader Incorrect Password Method

This option will delete all of the data from your BlackBerry smartphone. But please note that you'll also need to have your BlackBerry OS software reinstalled after using this method, which is why I've saved it for last.

  1. You'll need to connect your BlackBerry via your USB cable to your computer once again and open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager double click on the Application Loader and then in the Application Loader Wizard click "Next."
  3. When prompted for your Device Security Password type in the wrong password and choose the "Next" option. Continue this incorrect password step 10 times.
  4. Finally click the "Close" option and the device error 507 should appear.
  5. Reinstall your BlackBerry device software and you're ready to once again start using your device with a fresh data free setup.

Delete Data, Applications or Both?

The above methods will allow you to delete your data, your applications or both at the same time. While some methods are easier than others, such as the 10 incorrect password attempts, it's ultimately up to you, the user, to choose whether or not you need to delete just your data, just your applications, or both.

References


Comments

Showing all 21 comments
 
Philip Mathai Apr 22, 2011 12:35 AM
Thank you for Help
My problem is with the service provider. Thank you.
Sheila Apr 19, 2011 11:06 AM
Unable to wipe out Tour
HI,
I can wipe out my Tour. No Wipe Handheld option under General Settings in the Options menu. I went to options>Security>General Settings, pressed the menue button and only got the choice of close or switch applications.
Philip Mathai Apr 10, 2011 12:24 AM
Device locked
I am getting a message that the device is locked. When I click unlock, a message comes " Enter password 6/10. I am new to this new phone, Blackberry storm 9530. I was told that if incorrect password is entered 10 times the data will be wiped. In that case how new software to be installed and how to obtain t hem?
Torino Jan 24, 2011 1:16 AM
stolen blackberry torch-how can i remotely delet my data on an unsecured phone
Hey my Torch was stolen recently and I wanted to delete the exiting downloaded data like contacts, photos and emails from my phone, however I am actually not a tech-friendly person and I did not have a lock on my phone, neither had a computer back up of stuff, and the phone was bought in the US and lost in india.
Does anybody know how i can purge data on my phone. I have my IMEI no and pin no with the local vodafone service provider.

Any help will be much appreciated
Pankaj Akolkar Dec 21, 2010 9:10 AM
Information Deletion
Please send me information on how to delete data from my existing Blackberry
Robert Ahern Nov 12, 2010 2:16 PM
Wiping the Blackberry
I simply couldn't get this to work until I found another article about it. After entering options, then security options, then general settings it is necessary to push the menu button to the left of the roller ball for the "wipe Blackberry" function to appear.
Anonymous Nov 11, 2010 5:49 AM
RE: How Do I Delete My BlackBerry Data? 5 Ways to Wipe Out Your Data and Applications
Thanks for this it helped a lot
mujeeb Nov 2, 2010 9:25 AM
RE: How Do I Delete My BlackBerry Data? 5 Ways to Wipe Out Your Data and Applications
thank you my friend.
JIG Oct 6, 2010 8:11 AM
BB Wipe Out
Thank you. Very useful.
Is there a way to have an icon on the home screen to wipe the BB out? Or any application for that matter that will wipe it out using a predetermined wrong password?
Gloria Jul 13, 2010 3:13 PM
Great Help!!
That helped me a lot and easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing!
Susan Jun 19, 2010 5:38 PM
bb reset homepage
Idk what I did but go to a few web sites,now one of them is set as my homepage and I can't get it off.I delete it but it's not gone.I don't want to lose anything on here,just got it for mothers day.bb curve 8500 .
What do I do?and thank you
Jeffrey Davis Jun 10, 2010 6:27 AM
Another good method to use
I'm including this suggestion for those wh fear losing their BlackBerry for good, and to have an option to wipe data in a worst-case scenario -- though it does need a bit of work to use. It also provides a contacts backup and a way to keep malware from your sync machine from being a problem plus allows you locate the damn thing using a siren and/or map locator before you do the data wipe, and it does all this remotely from any computer you can find.

You'll find instructions on setting up, using the service and sending the install link for the necessary app at http:///www.mylookout.com/ -- or you can do it all directly on your BlackBerry by going through AppWorld and installing the Lookout Mobile Security tool via that method and signing up that way as well, after which you are free to do the rest on the web in the event you (God forbid) actually need to. And for the record, this is a good, free option that may be aceptable for corporate/organizational use as well in the event that selecting this kind of protection service comes down to a matter of cost. For any BlackBerry user whose prone to accidental misplacement of... uh, practically anything, this is a definite must-have (especially for those who commonly have extremely sensitive information that for whatever reason cannot be let out to the public, like corporate trade materials, medical communications, etc. among other things). Additionally, the software isn't just limited to BlackBerry: Windows Moble smartphones can have a version of the app as well.

The only catch: you need an account with a national and/or global carrier (Verizon Wireless, in my personal case) in order for the texting-based connections to work properly. Having a regional carrier provide your cellular service most likely WILL NOT WORK. Also, you may be subject to standard texting rates, but then again having to actually send the connect and wipe is a very last resort, and you probably (hopefully) don't need to page your phone a whole lot.
Angela Jun 5, 2010 10:26 PM
Thank you!
This was incredibly helpful--thank you!
Tina Apr 28, 2010 10:14 PM
Thanks James
Just wanted to say thanks for saving me a call to the customer service for directions on how to erase the data off my phone.
Jes Apr 15, 2010 8:31 PM
deleting
On my blackberry, I have a bunch of useless programs my service provider puts on my phones software I suppose? (Google chat, yahoo chat, other useless apps) I've tried deleting them out of my application list, they're no longer present in the application list, but remain on my phone. When I go into the application add/remove in Blackberry Desktop Manager, they are not listed as apps on my phone. So I'm stuck with the stupid icons, which I have hidden, but must be taking up space on my small Pearl harddrive. Help???
Anonymous Apr 6, 2010 5:19 PM
Good Job James!
Looked all over the internet and finally came across your post...worked promptly and like a charm.
I have to return the BB and I didn't want pictures of my kids, etc., left on it.
Thanks a billion :)
Anonymous Dec 28, 2009 3:10 PM
Delete Blackberry Stored data
Great instructions, greatly appreciated.
Heather Dec 11, 2009 6:33 PM
How to delete your phone number
Hi

I bought a used Tour off ebay and need to return it to the user as the trackball doesn't work. I wiped the blackberry as described (didn't have any info on it yet) but it still shows my verizon phone number. I had activated it and my number was assigned to it. when I discovered the trackball didn't work, I reactivated my storm but the Tour still shows my phone number. Any suggestions?
Matt H. Nov 4, 2009 6:27 PM
clean the crackberry
thanks for the help.. I dropped one in coffee and wanted to make sure all was clean before I returned
Chris Aug 5, 2009 11:20 PM
Wipe out Blackberry data
Thank you. Very helpful and to the point.
Madonna Jun 17, 2009 12:56 PM
Deleting Wattpad books form my Blackberry
Any advice on how to delete wattpad books from my Blackberry. Thank you!
 
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