How to delete all data and applications from the BlackBerry smartphone using the Security Wipe option

• BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 to 5.0
• BlackBerry 6 to BlackBerry 7.1 

To delete all data and applications from the BlackBerry smartphone, complete the following steps on the appropriate version of BlackBerry Device Software installed on the BlackBerry smartphone.

Warning: The following procedures delete either all data, or all data and applications (including files in the on-board media storage) on the BlackBerry smartphone. Back up the data on the BlackBerry smartphone before proceeding. For instructions on performing a backup of the BlackBerry smartphone, please refer to the BlackBerry Desktop Software user guide.

For BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry 6.0 to 7.1

1. From the Home screen of the BlackBerry smartphone, click Options > Security > Security Wipe.
2. Select the appropriate check boxes to remove data and applications as intended.
3. Type blackberry, and click Wipe Data.

For BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry Device Software 5.0

1. From the Home screen of the BlackBerry smartphone, click Options > Security Options > Security Wipe.
2. Select the appropriate check boxes to remove data and applications as intended.
3. Type blackberry, and click Wipe.

For BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 to 4.7

1. From the Home screen of the BlackBerry smartphone, click Options > Security Options > General Settings.
2. Press the Menu key, and select the Wipe Handheld option.
3. Select the Include third-party applications check box to remove third-party applications. Clear the check box to preserve third-party applications.
4. Click Continue.
5. Type blackberry, and press the Enter key.

Once the security wipe has been completed, all email delivery may stop. The BlackBerry Internet Service account may need to be re-associated to the BlackBerry smartphone to restore email delivery to the device. For more information, please see KB28225.

Note: If content protection is turned on, the process for deleting all data and applications from the BlackBerry smartphone can take up to an hour to complete. Do not remove the battery from the BlackBerry smartphone while data is being deleted.