Getting Started with BlackBerry Passport

Originally published on the Inside BlackBerry Help Blog

Whether you are new or experienced with BlackBerry 10, here’s a quick guide to get you started with the BlackBerry Passport!

Step 1 – Insert your SIM and media card

To set up your new BlackBerry Passport, insert your SIM card and optional microSD media card. The BlackBerry Passport uses a nano SIM so if you don’t have the right SIM card please contact your service provider who can help you out.

To insert these items complete the following steps:

1. With the back of your device facing you, use the indentation on the top of the device to pull the top part of the cover toward you.

1. With the metal contacts facing away from you, insert the nano SIM card into the right slot as shown. To insert your media card, with the metal contacts facing away from you, insert the media card into the left slot.

Step 2 – Complete the setup wizard

After you insert your nano SIM card and optional media card, the out-of-box setup wizard appears. This wizard guides you through connecting to a Wi-Fi network, setting up a new, or signing into your existing BlackBerry ID, as well as showing you several fundamental gestures that you will use all the time.

After you complete the out-of-box setup wizard, tap Setup on your home screen to:

• Add your email and social networking accounts
• Set up your payment options for purchases made using BlackBerry World
• Transfer data from your previous device (See step 3 to learn more!)
• Customize your device settings
• Set a device password

After you finish using the Setup app, take a moment to review the various gestures available on your device that can help increase your productivity.

To view these gestures, open the Help app and search for gestures, or see the using gestures section of the user guide that you can find at http://docs.blackberry.com.

Tip: Make sure you confirm your BlackBerry ID, which can recover your password in case you forget it! To learn how, check out our post on how to confirm your BlackBerry ID.

Step 3 – Transfer data from your previous device

You have several options to transfer data from your previous device to your new BlackBerry Passport. The following guides can help you through the process:

• Transferring data from an Android or iPhone
• Transferring data from BlackBerry OS 7 or later device
• Transferring data from BlackBerry OS 5 or later device

To learn more about switching devices, check out the device switch section in the user guide found at http://docs.blackberry.com.

If you switch from another device don’t forget to perform a security wipe on your old device to remove your personal information. If your previous device was a BlackBerry device, check out our post on how to perform a security wipe. If you use a different type of device, review the user documentation to learn how to reset it to factory settings and remove your personal information.

Step 4 – Secure your new device and turn on BlackBerry Protect

After you set up your device, take a moment to set a device password. Setting a password can prevent unwanted access if you leave your device unattended, and in the event you misplace your device, no one can view your personal information.

To set up a device password, complete the following steps:

1. On the home screen, swipe down of the top of the screen
2. Tap Settings followed by Security and Privacy
3. Tap Device Password
   • To set a device password comprising characters and numbers, set the Device Password switch to On, and then enter your desired password twice
   • To set a quick device password comprising only numbers, set the Simple Password switch to On, and then enter your desired password twice

After you set a device password, turn on BlackBerry Protect. Doing so can save you a lot of frustration if you ever misplace your device. To learn more check out our post on how to find a lost BlackBerry 10 smartphone using BlackBerry Protect.

Step 5 – Learn more and where to find help

The easiest way to learn more about your new BlackBerry Passport is by opening the Help app, which contains a lot of useful information ranging from tips and tricks to how-to overviews. You can also view, or optionally download and save the user guide for your device by visiting http://docs.blackberry.com.

You should also take advantage of the BlackBerry Passport how-to demo videos, which provide a visual overview of the various features and functions offered by your device. To check out these demos visit http://demos.blackberry.com/blackberry-passport/na/ca/gen/index.html using your Passport browser, or personal computer.

Several BlackBerry Training courses are also available – make sure you try these out on your computer, or device to learn more about the BlackBerry Passport and BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.3.

• Introducing BlackBerry 10 OS Version 10.3
• Supporting BlackBerry 10 OS Version 10.3
• What’s New in BlackBerry 10 OS Version 10.3
• Introducing the BlackBerry Passport smartphone

I’d also recommend installing the BlackBerry 10 Pop Quiz, which you can find within BlackBerry World. This app offers short quizzes that can help you learn more about your device and it only takes a few minutes to complete each test – it’s the perfect coffee break companion!

To get the BlackBerry 10 Pop Quiz, open BlackBerry World and search for it or click here.

Another great resource to learn more about your device, beyond this blog of course is the BlackBerry Passport support site located at http://blackberry.com/passportsupport.

If, after reviewing this content you have a question, register and join the discussions within the BlackBerry Support Community Forums or send a tweet to @BlackBerryHelp.

Pricing and Availability (UPDATED 3/15)

You can get your factory-unlocked BlackBerry Passport from ShopBlackBerry.com at these links:

Black (currently $599, regular $699)

White (currently $599, regular $699)

Limited Edition Red: $699

…and at Amazon HERE, with AT&T offering it for $649.99 unsubsidized or $199.99 with a 2-year contract. The BlackBerry Passport is also available in Canada via Rogers for $249 and Telus (for as low as $150 up front) and other carriers.

For those outside the North American market, you can get your BlackBerry Passport directly from us at our global shopping portal HERE.

(Check with your local carrier for device compatibility.)

Remember – the BlackBerry Passport has a battery capacity that exceeds all rivals in milliamp hours:*

(*Based on third-party lab testing sponsored by BlackBerry, under 4G and 3G wireless conditions, using a mixed-usage profile. Results will vary by carrier and network conditions.)

Got a question? Leave a comment and let me know!