Reload Device Software from a Mac

If you've encountered problems installing your BlackBerry® Device Software and your BlackBerry smartphone isn't currently working, you may need to load the latest version of software via the BlackBerry® Desktop Software. Follow the steps below to get started.

Note: You'll need an active Internet connection throughout this process.

Get instructions for PC users

Get BlackBerry Desktop Software

If you don't have the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Software installed on your computer, you'll need to download it.

BlackBerry Desktop Software can help you sync your files to your BlackBerry smartphone, add and remove applications, and back up and restore your smartphone.

I Already Have the Latest Version of BlackBerry Desktop Software

Next: Load BlackBerry Device Software >

What's my version?

Here’s how to find the version of BlackBerry Desktop Software you have:

1. Open BlackBerry Desktop Software.
2. Select the BlackBerry Desktop Software drop-down menu.
3. Click About BlackBerry® Desktop Software.
   
4. Compare the version in the dialog box with the latest version online.
   

Next: Load BlackBerry Device Software >

Load BlackBerry Device Software

Once you have BlackBerry Desktop Software installed, follow these steps to load software on your BlackBerry smartphone:

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to the computer.
2. If BlackBerry Desktop Software doesn't automatically launch, open BlackBerry Desktop Software.
   
3. BlackBerry Desktop Software may take a few minutes to detect the smartphone before a notification of the available software that can be installed appears. Click Select.
   
4. The update should begin automatically and may take some time to load. Please ensure your smartphone remains plugged in and your Internet connection is active until the process is complete.
   
5. Once complete, click Restore Data if a back up was previously completed.
   
6. Configure the settings if prompted, and click OK to return to the main screen.
   

Next: Restore your data >

Restore Your Data

As a part of your previous attempt to update device software, a back up file should have been created by default. You may be able to restore your data with this back up file, such as your contacts and calendar items.

Notes:

• If you haven't performed a backup, you may not be able to retrieve any data. You'll also need to download and install third-party applications separately.
• If BlackBerry Desktop Software was able to backup and restore your data during the device software update process, you don't need to manually restore your data.

To restore the data from a backup file to your BlackBerry smartphone, complete the following steps:

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to a computer that has BlackBerry Desktop Software installed.
2. Open the BlackBerry Desktop Software.
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Click Restore.
5. Navigate to the backup file that contains the data to be restored to the BlackBerry smartphone. If there is more than one backup file, choose the one with the most recent date in the file name.
6. Double-click the backup (.ipd) file.

Have more questions?

Contact your wireless service provider for more support.

Get additional upgrade support

View BlackBerry Device Software update support information
Follow @BlackBerryHelp on Twitter
Watch the upgrade video on YouTube®
Participate in the BlackBerry Support Community Forums
Learn how to restore data to a BlackBerry smartphone from a backup file