Can You Still Use a BlackBerry in 2025?

For many, the mention of BlackBerry brings to mind physical keyboards, secure messaging, and a time when smartphones were simpler.

While BlackBerry, as a phone maker in its original form, is long gone, and its own operating systems have been officially shut down, a question still pops up.

Can any BlackBerry phones still be used in 2025?

Interestingly enough, the answer isn't straightforward; it largely depends on the phone's software and where you live.

Let's talk about how it ended first.

The End of BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10

A major reason older BlackBerry devices stopped working is the shutdown of their native operating systems. On January 4, 2022, BlackBerry officially ended services for:

• BlackBerry 7.1 OS and older
• BlackBerry 10 software
• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and older

This means phones running these systems (like the BlackBerry Classic, Q10, Z10, Passport, Bold, and Curve) no longer reliably work for calls, data, texts, or even emergency services.

They can't get software updates, and many built-in apps and services have stopped working.

For most daily uses, these phones are now collectors' items or only good for very limited, offline tasks.

Network Changes: Another Challenge

Beyond the operating system, the ongoing shutdown of older mobile networks (2G and 3G) further hurts how well many classic BlackBerry phones work. These older devices often relied only on 2G or 3G for calls and the internet.

In North America:

United States: Big carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon already turned off their 3G networks (mostly by late 2022). 2G networks are also being phased out; many are gone or set to close soon (e.g., Cellcom's 2G network by December 2024). This means most older BlackBerry phones without 4G LTE and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capabilities can no longer make calls, send texts, or use cellular data.

Canada: Canadian carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) are shutting down their 3G networks by July 31, 2025, or by the end of 2025. Rogers also set a March 31, 2025, deadline for its 2G/3G network. If your BlackBerry relies only on these older networks, its cellular functions will stop.

In the UK and Europe:

United Kingdom: All UK mobile providers (Vodafone, EE, Three, Virgin Media O2) promised to switch off their 3G networks by the end of 2025. Vodafone and EE finished their 3G shutdown in February 2024, and Three by December 2024.

Virgin O2 plans to complete its 3G switch-off by December 2025. While 2G networks largely remain active for calls and texts, they are also scheduled to retire by 2033 at the latest.

If a BlackBerry phone doesn't support 4G with VoLTE, its usefulness will be very limited, especially on networks like Three, which don't have a 2G network.

The Good News About BlackBerry Devices

There's good news for BlackBerry devices running Android. These phones aren't affected by the BlackBerry OS/BB10 shutdown. They run on Google's Android platform, which continues to be supported and works with modern 4G and 5G networks.

BlackBerry Android Phones That May Still Work in 2025

The following BlackBerry models run on Android. They can still be used for basic communication in 2025, assuming they support 4G LTE and VoLTE on your carrier's network:

• BlackBerry Priv
• BlackBerry DTEK50
• BlackBerry DTEK60
• BlackBerry KeyOne
• BlackBerry Key2
• BlackBerry Key2 LE
• BlackBerry Motion
• BlackBerry Aurora (mainly for the Indonesian market)
• BlackBerry Evolve (and Evolve X) (mainly for the Indian market)

What to Keep in Mind for Android Models

• 4G LTE and VoLTE are Key: Your phone must have 4G LTE for internet and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for calls. Without VoLTE, your calls will likely fail as 3G networks vanish.
• Network Match: Make sure your specific phone model's LTE bands match the frequencies used by your carrier.
• Older Android Versions: These phones run on older versions of Android (like Android 6, 7, 8, or 9 for the Key2 series). This means:
  • App Limitations: Newer apps might not work or run well.
  • Security Risks: These phones no longer get official security updates, which could leave them open to new threats. Be careful with sensitive data.
  • Hardware Ages: Batteries will wear out, and parts can fail over time.

The Rise of "Restomod" BlackBerrys

A new trend in 2025 involves "restomod" (restored and modified) BlackBerry Classic devices. Companies like Zinwa Technologies are taking original BlackBerry Classic (Q20) bodies and replacing the inside parts with modern Android components.

• Example: Zinwa Q25: This device aims to offer the classic BlackBerry keyboard and design, but runs Android 13 (or newer) on modern chips with 4G LTE. The Zinwa Q25 is expected to launch in August 2025 and will feature a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 50MP rear camera.
• Functionality: These devices will work in 2025 on modern networks and run current Android apps. They blend nostalgia with today's smartphone features. Remember, these are third-party projects, not official BlackBerry phones.

So, Can Your BlackBerry Still Be Your Daily Driver?

If you have an old BlackBerry phone from the BlackBerry OS or BlackBerry 10 days, its time as a reliable phone has passed due to both its software being shut down and networks closing. These are now best for collections or just to look at.

However, if you own a BlackBerry that runs Android (like the Key series or Priv), it likely still works for calls, texts, and data on 4G LTE networks, assuming it supports VoLTE.

Just know that there are possible app problems and the lack of ongoing security updates. If you love the classic BlackBerry feel but need modern features, the "restomod" devices offer a new, though niche, choice.

For a truly reliable, secure, and fully working smartphone in 2025, getting a newer, currently supported device is strongly recommended.

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