How to change the BlackBerry ID on a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet or BlackBerry smartphone

• BlackBerry PlayBook tablet
• BlackBerry Desktop Software 7.1 for Windows
• BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.3.1 for Mac OS 
• BlackBerry smartphones
• BlackBerry ID
• BlackBerry 10 OS
• BlackBerry 6 to 7.1

To allow seamless access to a variety of BlackBerry products and services such as the BlackBerry World storefront, a valid/active BlackBerry ID is required to initially setup the BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry 7 to 7.1, the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, or the BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

Once the initial setup has been completed, all activities on the device will be authenticated using the that BlackBerry ID. If another BlackBerry ID is entered after the initial setup, an authentication failure will occur.

To change the BlackBerry ID, follow the steps for the specific device below:

Changing the BlackBerry ID on the BlackBerry PlayBook or BlackBerry 10 smartphone:

In order to change the BlackBerry ID that is associated to the BlackBerry 10 smartphone or a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, a security wipe will need to be performed.

Warning: Performing the security wipe will result in loss of stored data on the smartphone or tablet. Be sure to create a backup and also transfer files to a computer prior to performing the security wipe.

Note: In this scenario, the backup file will not be able to be restored to the device since it will be using a new BlackBerry ID. For more information, see KB31317.

Prior to performing a security wipe of the smartphone or tablet, transfer files to a computer so the files can then be transferred back to the smartphone or tablet after the security wipe is complete and the new BlackBerry ID is configured. See the following links for information:

• KB26068 - How to transfer files to and from the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet and BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
• Manually synchronize music files to the BlackBerry 10 smartphone or BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.
• Import your contacts and calendar appointments from Microsoft Outlook.

To perform the security wipe:

• On the BlackBerry 10 smartphone, see KB33591.
• On the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, see KB27188.

Once the security wipe has been completed, a new BlackBerry ID can be configured on the smartphone or tablet during the initial setup.

Changing the BlackBerry ID on the BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry 7:

In order to change the BlackBerry ID that has been activated on a BlackBerry smartphone, a security wipe or a reset to factory must be performed.

Performing the security wipe will result in loss of stored data on the BlackBerry smartphone. Prior to performing any security wipe of the BlackBerry smartphone, create a full backup of the BlackBerry smartphone data.

• A computer with the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Software will be required to create the backup.
  
  For instructions on how to create the backup file on a Mac refer to the BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.3.1 user's guide for Mac.
• For instructions on how to create a backup file on a Windows PC refer to the BlackBerry Desktop Software 7.0 user's guide for Windows.
• To perform a security wipe, please see KB14058.
  
• To reset to the BlackBerry smartphone to factory settings, please see KB18998.

Once the security wipe has been completed, a new BlackBerry ID can be linked to the smartphone on the initial setup.

Changing the BlackBerry ID on the BlackBerry smartphone running BlackBerry 6 

Back up the device first using BlackBerry Desktop Software.

On the home screen select Options > Device > Application management

In the list select BlackBerry Identity click Delete, then select BlackBerry World and click Delete.

After removing both applications, the device will prompt to reboot.

Reinstall BlackBerry World from the Browser and then restart the phone.

There will be an update to BlackBerry Identity required.

Install the update and then sign into BlackBerry World.

For information on BlackBerry ID, see KB23716.

For information on how to create a BlackBerry ID, see KB24062.

For information on resetting the password for a BlackBerry ID, see KB26361.