Alex's space

Issues with unlocking a BlackBerry

I have noticed in the comments on this site and generally when speaking to people that there is a little confusion over the unlocking process.

Specifically – why does my email / internet browsing stop working after an unlock ?

For a BlackBerry to work properly and receive push email it needs to be connected to either a BIS service (from your mobile network operator) or a BES service from your company.

(Article explaining the difference between BIS and BES)

Effectively for both variants the mobile network operator needs to be ‘aware’ to route emails (and other internet traffic) from and to your BlackBerry via the RIM (BlackBerry) routers out there on the internet.

So when you buy your BlackBerry you will have probably bought it with a BIS or BES service from your mobile network operator, when you unlock your BlackBerry to put another sim in from your chosen new mobile network operator – for example a PAYG sim in a country you are visiting – you will not typically have the BIS or BES service on that sim card so your email will not work.

If the new sim has BIS on it and you had a BIS sim before then it will work, and the same BES / BES (we have tested this many times).

If you still want to unlock your BlackBerry then instructions can be found in this aticle and this one specifically for the BlackBerry Storm

An unlocked BlackBerry with out the BIS or BES service will still work for normal mobile services such as calling / sms etc

Crocs Ahoy

Gratuitous Croc Shot, originally uploaded by alexlaurie.

we all ended up wearing crocs on our recent sailing trip in the BVI

Unlock a Blackberry - quickly

To save you time if you have a BlackBerry and want to get it network unlocked so you can use any sim you want in your device you need to do one of the following:

1. Get a device unlock code from your network operator and enter this using the instructions that can be found here for general and here if you have a BlackBerry Storm.

2. Alternatively you can purchase an unlock code from specialist phone unlocking services such as this site – the phone unlockers, I mention them as commenters on this site have used them successfully – services like these ask you to enter your IMEI number and device type and pay approx £15.00 then they mail you a code right away, they also have extensive details on their site for guiding you through the process.

So have a shop around, see what you think and have fun unlocking your BlackBerry.

How to unlock your BlackBerry Storm (if you need to)

in an oft demanded follow up to this article about unlocking some of the older BlackBerry devices

these are the instructions for unlocking BlackBerry a Storm from its network operator lock (if you have the relevant code)

to get the code you need to ask your network operator (they will need your IMEI). This is more difficult to get than the other BlackBerry unlock codes as these devices are exclusive to some carriers, however those of you on 12 month contracts might be coming up to break clauses soon enough (usually 3 months before the end of your contract) so could possibly get an unlock code from your mobile / cellular carrier. (other options are available from commercial websites, some of the commenters in the earlier post have found some websites that have worked for them – If I get the time I may test a few of them out)!

On to business, so assuming you have a valid unlock code here is a simplified step by step to getting it unlocked…

1. Insert SIM card
2. Turn off all “wireless connections”
3. Go to Options / Spanner / Wrench in the menu
4. Select “Advanced Options”
5. Select SIM Card
6. Press the menu / BlackBerry button and select “show keyboard”
7. Rotate the device to horizontal mode (makes typing easier)!
8. Enter “mepd” on the keypad (you will not be able to see it as you type)
9. Enter “mep2” on the keyboard
10. Now it will say enter network mep code
11. Now enter your unlock code

good luck with that, if you have better instructions please let me know and if I find any I will post them here as an update.

P.S if you are a Storm owner please make sure you regularly sync it with your PC and check for updates … it will be worth it.

P.P.S if you have screen locked it this is not the right article but try pushing down on the left side on the top edge of the device.

See also this article on getting your unlock code

Neilson's Red Eye (a Brighton boat) at the Needles on the Round the Island Race '09

Needles – Neilson’s Red Eye, originally uploaded by alexlaurie.