Why is BlackBerry Deciding to End of Life (EOL) These Infrastructure Offerings?
Today, BlackBerry is shifting its focus towards providing secure communications to enterprises and governments worldwide. In line with this transformation, there have been numerous inquiries regarding the company’s ongoing support for the legacy BlackBerry 7.1 OS, BlackBerry 10 devices, and related infrastructure. Back in 2017, BlackBerry made a commitment to maintain support for BlackBerry 10 for at least two additional years, alongside a similar pledge for BlackBerry OS devices.
Effective January 4, 2022, devices running these services—whether via carrier or Wi-Fi—will cease reliable functionality, affecting data usage, phone calls, SMS, and even emergency 9-1-1 services. This extension of services until that date serves as a token of appreciation for BlackBerry’s loyal partners and customers.
The termination of these services will significantly impact several applications, including Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL), Identity Based Licensing (IBL), and tools like BlackBerry Link
and BlackBerry Desktop Manager. However, it’s worth noting that CylancePROTECT®, which provides AI-based endpoint security, will not be affected.
What Services Will Be Terminated and What Will Be Impacted?
At the termination date, devices operating on BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10, and PlayBook OS 2.1 or earlier will no longer function reliably. This includes an inability to receive over-the-air updates, impacting the ability to use data, make phone calls, send SMS, or access 9-1-1 services. Applications like BlackBerry Link, Desktop Manager, and Blend will also see reduced functionality.
Devices affected:
- BlackBerry 10 software.
- BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, which includes devices like:
- BlackBerry Bold models (9900/9930, 9790, etc.)
- BlackBerry Curve models (9380, 9370, and others)
- BlackBerry Torch models (9860, 9810, etc.)
- BlackBerry Storm models (9500, 9530, etc.)
- BlackBerry Pearl models (9100, 8100, etc.)
- Others, including BlackBerry 9720 and 9620.
- PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier.
Software, Applications & Services impacted:
- BlackBerry Desktop Software.
- BlackBerry World.
- BlackBerry Password Keeper, limited to older OS versions.
- Enhanced Sim Based Licensing (ESBL), Identity Based Licensing (IBL).
Who Will Be Impacted by EOL of the Services?
- All customers using legacy devices running BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry 7.1 OS, or PlayBook OS.
- Users of BlackBerry hosted email addresses or those redirecting email to other platforms.
- Enterprise customers with assigned Enhanced Sim Based or Identity Based Licenses.
When Are the Services Ending?
The legacy services will officially terminate on January 4, 2022.
What Happens to My Data Stored with BlackBerry?
BlackBerry retains personal data only as necessary for defined purposes or legal compliance. Data will be deleted, destroyed, or anonymized once it is no longer needed. For immediate data removal requests, users can contact privacyoffice@blackberry.com. BlackBerry also continues to update its data retention practices to align with best business practices.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
Consumers should reach out to their carrier or service provider, while BlackBerry Enterprise customers can contact their designated Account Manager or Premium Support Manager for assistance.
Will BlackBerry Android Devices Still Work After the EOL Date?
BlackBerry Android devices will not be affected by the EOL of infrastructure services except for those using redirected email or with an Enhanced Sim Based or Identity Based License. Users should transition to a new email address if currently using BlackBerry hosted email services before the EOL date.
Will I Still Be Able to Use BBM Enterprise (BBMe)?
BBM Enterprise and BBM Enterprise for Individual Use will continue to be available on other platforms.
What Are the Migration Options to Move Off These Services Prior to the EOL Date?
Customers must transition to new devices by contacting their carrier for available options. Those using BlackBerry hosted email addresses will also need to migrate to a new email address.
Enterprise customers on BES5 should migrate to the latest BlackBerry UEM.
How Do I Switch to a New Device?
Customers should reach out to their carrier for details on switching to a new device.
How Do I Move My BlackBerry Password Keeper Data?
If using BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier: Your Password Keeper data remains accessible as it is stored locally. However, if you’re transitioning to another Password Management Application or to BlackBerry Password Keeper for Android, manual entry of new data will be required.
Note: You will need to manually transfer passwords if moving to devices that do not support the Password Keeper.