Upgrade your BlackBerry handset software

BlackBerry handsets are like mini-computers and so from time-to-time there will be new handset software made available that will introduce new features and fix bugs found in previous versions.

The way that you perform this upgrade depends on what type of BlackBerry email service you have, and which model of handset you have:

• If you are a BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) user with webmail or ISP hosted email then the upgrade method depends on which type of handset you have:
  • BlackBerry Storm and Bold users can use the upgrade service over the web from BlackBerry called Web Software Loader (Web SL) as described below.
  • Users with older handsets (e.g. Pearl, Curve, 7130, 7100 etc.) will need to use the Desktop Software upgrade process as described below.
• If you use BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) or BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS) to access your organisations email server then you should contact your IT Manager. They will advise you on whether you should upgrade your handset. If they say you can then you will need to follow the Desktop Software process described below, no matter which type of BlackBerry handset you have.

Upgrades for BIS users

Web SL handset upgrading for BlackBerry Storm or Bold handsets - BIS

This is the easiest way to upgrade your BlackBerry Storm or Bold handset but it can only be used by BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) customers.
You will need to use Internet Explorer 6 or later and have Administrator Privileges on your PC.

You do not need to install any software on your laptop. Simply connect your handset to your PC via the USB cable and go to www.blackberry.com/upgrades in your browser. Follow the on-screen prompts.

If you have any problems with this upgrade method you can still use the Desktop Software process described below.

Desktop Software handset upgrading for all BES/BPS users and BIS users with older handsets

This method of upgrading a handset is for all BES users no matter what type of handset you have, and for BIS users with any handset other than the Storm or Bold.

Detailed instructions are provided in our downloadable document:

• How to update your BlackBerry Handset Software
• How to use Wireless Update