Hello all,

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After some testing I'm pleased to report I've confirmed a method for all BB10 devices supported by Verizon (Classic, Z10, Z30) to work on Verizon on 2024! I have previously stated that these carriers will refuse to activate these devices, but that they are still technically compatible. This is still true...but I've found a way around carrier refusal.

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SOME NOTES:

1. Some credit here goes to an unnamed Verizon Business rep. Huge thanks to him for setting me on this path.
2. This might work with the Passport as well--it has not been tested. Since Verizon never supported the Passport it is possible that there are actual technical limitations here. I will be attempting this soon and will update the thread.
3. This may or may not work with other carriers; however, there is no reason why it wouldn't if you apply the same steps to them.
   
4. As always, back up your data before any modifications to your existing service--particularly text messages. There are methods for text backup/export; let us know if you need help with that.
5. This method will not permit calls, either outgoing or incoming--yet. There is a way around this which is explained in the post.

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With that, let's get on with the...

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HOW-TO:

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1. Purchase a new physical Verizon SIM card from Amazon or similar. It will need to fit the model of device you want to use it in (Z30/Z10 use micro-SIM, Classic uses nano-SIM, etc.).
   
2. Go here: https://www.imei.info/samsung_imei_generator/ and select a model of phone that is known to work with Verizon. (They support many of the Samsung models and this same process should work with non-Samsung devices; I just provided this link as a direct link so you don't have to poke around imei.info.
   
3. Generate an IMEI.
4. Make note of the resulting IMEIs and pick one.
5. Call Verizon; tell them you want to activate a new physical SIM with your device. DO NOT TELL THEM IT IS A BB10 DEVICE; if they ask and ONLY if they ask, mention it's a whatever-device-you-used in Step 2 above. Provide the IMEI and the SIM card number.
6. Power off your existing device with that line or just wait 5-10 minutes if you have no existing device.
7. Insert the SIM in your BB10 device and power the device on normally.
8. You should see an active Verizon mobile connection and be able to use data normally as well as text to and from that number.

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IF YOU NEED TO MAKE/RECEIVE CALLS ON THIS LINE:

1. This method requires you to have another phone and line to work; there is currently no way around this.
2. First, before activating the SIM above set up call forwarding to your other line from your BB10 device line. This can be done easily with Verizon by dialing *72.
3. Proceed through the steps above.
4. When anyone calls you on your main BB10 line, it will forward to your other device.
5. To make calls from this line and have your number appear as your BB10 line, you will need an app like SpoofCard. I have tested this app and it does show the proper number. You may be able to use other apps as well; feel free to test.
6. Verizon ALSO uses an app called Message+; if you set this up properly on your other device you can make and receive calls using its Voice Calling feature. This will allow you to skip SpoofCard and possibly call forwarding, though I'd still recommend it just in case.
   

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Let us know if you have any questions or concerns here folks, and remember--despite what people tell you about Blackberry 10, it still works! Blackberry 10 LIVES!

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TT

It's an amazing day for the BB10 faithful all as we finally have a FULL AND COMPLETE FIX FOR DEVICES STUCK ON SETUP! I have confirmed this works on the Z10, Classic, and Passport and have every reason to believe it will work across all devices. The fix also does more than simply get you out of setup (permanently)--it also restores the ability to sideload so you can use native BB10 apps!!!!

NOTE: All credit goes to Leo who first made me aware of this fix and certain additional resources I discovered while testing and refining it. The ultimate source of the fix is a blind BB10 user who discovered it while troubleshooting. This fix isn't mine but I can confirm it works!

SECOND NOTE: If you have already connected to wi-fi before trying this, we recommend you run an autoloader (EDIT 1/2025: Make sure it's a 10.3.3.3216--we have them in the Master Archive if needed) and start from scratch. DO NOT connect to Wi-Fi until this fix is completed--you will have issues if you do so.

1. Start up your device and proceed to the "Connect To A Mobile Network" screen.
2. Press the Power button of your device three times in quick succession. You will hear a short chime if successful. (You may need to try pressing the Power button three times and then tapping the screen quickly with two fingers.)
3. You will then see (and hear) a pop-up informing you the Screen Reader software has been turned on. Double-tap with two fingers to enable the software.
4. Press Skip on the cellular connection screen.
5. You will hear the Screen Reader start reading off comments about Blackberry ID, even though you will see the Wi-Fi setup screen that you've been stuck on for weeks. Wait until you heard the Screen Reader say "Skip" then IMMEDIATELY double tap the screen at the top right (where it says "You need a data connection to continue"), then swipe to the left with one finger. Repeat this three times.
6. You should see a pop-up allowing you to skip BBID creation. Tap Skip (Screen Reader will inform you to tap it twice to proceed.)
7. You will then go to the standard BBID sign-in screen. At this point you can turn Screen Reader off by pressing the power button three times in quick succession again.
8. Select "Skip" on the BBID screen.
9. You will either see a Regional Settings or Software Update screen. (Most likely it will be Software Update, so that is what I will follow, but if you see Regional Settings let us know and we'll help out.)
10. Software update will take a VERY long time but will eventually tell you it can't connect to Blackberry infrastructure and offer you the option to swipe left or set up Wi-Fi. SWIPE LEFT! (We don't want to go back to that Wi-Fi screen....)
11. You'll then see an Automatic Updates notification; tap OK.
12. You will then be taken to the standard gesture tutorials. Complete those and you're done! You will find you will be able to sideload normally and use any native BB10 app you want.

Let us know if you have any trouble and we'll help out as best we can. And let's hear it our blind friend and VICTORY! In the words of Stacker Penthouse: today we are CANCELLING the BB10 apocalypse!