How to Maximize BlackBerry® Battery Power

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Battery power can be maximized by following these simple suggestions.
  • Use BlackBerry smartphone shortcuts to access common system features quickly. For instructions, see the Getting Started Guide for your BlackBerry smartphone. Using shortcuts allows you to do the same things on your BlackBerry smartphone more quickly and efficiently, while saving battery power.


Some common shortcuts include the following:

    • To delete a highlighted item, press the "Delete" key.
    • To select or clear a check box, press the "Space" key.
    • To view available values in a field, press the "Alt" key.
    • To switch applications:
      1. Hold the "Alt" key and press the "Escape" key.
      2. Continue to hold the "Alt" key and highlight an application.
      3. Release the "Alt" key.

  • Set the Auto On/Off option to turn off the BlackBerry smartphone at a time of day when you are not using it (such as at night), and turn on again at a time of day that you are ready to use it (such as in the morning just before you wake up). Battery power is saved by turning the power off at times when the BlackBerry smartphone is not being used.


To set the Auto On/Off option on the BlackBerry smartphone, complete the following steps:

  1. On the Home screen, open "Options".
  2. Select Auto "On/Off".
  3. Specify the on and off times.
TIP:Set the BlackBerry smartphone to turn on just before you need to use it, (such as a few minutes before you wake up in the morning) so that the BlackBerry smartphone has a chance to receive the email messages sent to you during the time that the BlackBerry smartphone was turned off. This way, the email messages have already been received when you are ready to read them.
  • When a particular wireless connection is not needed, use the Manage Connections application on the BlackBerry smartphone to turn off the connection. For example, if you do not need to use Bluetooth® technology, you can use Manage Connections to turn the Bluetooth connection off.


To turn the Bluetooth connection off on the BlackBerry smartphone, complete the following steps:

  1. On the Home screen, open "Manage Connections".
  2. Click "Bluetooth".

    Note: Using Manage Connections, turn the mobile wireless transceiver off when you know you are out of range of the mobile network. Turning the mobile wireless transceiver off prevents the BlackBerry smartphone from continually attempting to locate the mobile network, which uses a lot of battery power.


Flash Memory Requirements for Optional Applications

The following table outlines the approximate amount of flash memory used for each optional application on the BlackBerry smartphone.

Optional Application

Approximate Space Required*

Approximate Number of Equivalent Messages*
BlackBerry Attachment Service 120 KB 120 messages
Help 65 KB per installed language                   65 messages per installed language
Instant Messenger Applications 350-400 KB per application 350-400 KB per application
Language Support 100-120 KB + per language 100-120 KB + per language
BlackBerry Maps 500-1000 KB

350 messages
MemoPad 10 KB 10 messages
Password Keeper 25 KB

25 messages
Tasks 25 KB 25 messages
Third-Party Applications Variable Variable


*The approximate space required for an optional application always depends on the model of the BlackBerry smartphone and the version of the BlackBerry Device Software that is installed. Note: Removing unused languages in the Setup Wizard is one of the most effective ways you can increase the available flash memory.