How to perform a Security Wipe on the BlackBerry 10 smartphone

• BlackBerry 10 OS

To delete all data, applications, and media from the BlackBerry 10 smartphone, complete the following steps.

Warning: The following procedures will delete all data, applications, media (including files and pictures/video taken on the smartphone or transferred from a computer), and revert all settings to defaults on the BlackBerry 10 smartphone. Back up the data on the smartphone before proceeding. For instructions on performing a backup of the smartphone, refer to BlackBerry Link User Guide.  

To perform a security wipe on the BlackBerry 10 smartphone, complete the following:

Note: Ensure that the BlackBerry 10 smartphone is plugged into a power source to prevent power loss during the security wipe process.

1. Swipe down from the top of the home screen and tap Settings.
2. Tap Security and Privacy > Security Wipe.
3. Enter the word blackberry in the text field to confirm that you wish to continue with the Security Wipe.
   Note: As of BlackBerry OS 10.3.2, the Anti-Theft feature has been introduced. Should Anti-Theft been enabled, the BlackBerry ID username and password of the BlackBerry smartphone would need to be entered to confirm the Security Wipe and disable Anti-Theft. For more information on Anti-Theft, please see Article 36737.
4. Tap Delete Data to initiate the security wipe process.
   Note: The security wipe process can take in excess of 15 minutes to complete. During the Security Wipe it is extremely important that the operation is left to complete on it's own. For information on expected time to perform a security wipe see Article 33494.

Warning: Do not attempt to restart the smartphone or pull the battery until the security wipe has fully completed. If the security wipe is interrupted (for instance, if the battery is removed during the process), then the BlackBerry 10 OS may need to be reloaded. For instructions on reloading a BlackBerry 10 smartphone after an interrupted Security Wipe see Article 33480.

Once the security wipe has completed, the initial setup will need to be completed before the smartphone can be used.

When completing a security wipe, applications purchased through BlackBerry World will be deleted from the smartphone, but will still be associated to the BlackBerry ID they were purchased with. To reinstall these applications:

1. Open BlackBerry World.
2. Select the Uninstalled tab.
3. Locate the desired application in the list and tap the Reinstall button next to the application.

For steps to delete all data and applications from BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry 6 to 7.1 or BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 to 5.0, see Article 14058.

Note: The BlackBerry services we had chosen to extend as an expression of thanks to our loyal partners and customers, are no longer available as of January 4, 2022. As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections are no longer expected to reliably function, including data, phone, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality. For more information, see KB85867 - End of Life (EOL) of Infrastructure Services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions: https://support.blackberry.com/kb/articleDetail?articleNumber=000085867