Blackberry 10: Remove Anti-Theft Protection from Device

With OS version 10.3.2, Blackberry has introduced Anti-Theft Protection (the company was required to do so by law). It did this by integrating Anti-Theft functionality in its "Blackberry Protect" offering.

While this might reduce the number of stolen devices, it is a horror for people that have forgotten their Blackberry ID password. Their Blackberry has turned into a useless brick and Blackberry support was in many cases less than useful.

But there is now a method to remove Anti-Theft Protection. It basically consists of 2 steps: Install an older device OS (e.g. 10.3.1) which removes Anti-Theft and then update to the latest OS again. Here are the steps in detail (this is for a Z30 with the currently latest 10.3.2.2836 Software Release on):

  1. Switch your "bricked" phone on and go through the setup wizard until you get to the "The anti-theft protection feature is on. To continue with device set-up you must enter your BlackBerry ID" screen.
  2. Download the developer version of the 10.3.1 Autoloader of your device, e.g. for the Z30 it is
    Autoload-STA100-3-10.3.1.997.exe
    downloadable from the Blackberry web site here:
    http://downloads.blackberry.com/upr/developers/downloads/Autoload-STA100-3-10.3.1.997.exe
  3. If you have a different device, download the correct Autoloader from here:
    https://developer.blackberry.com/devzone/blackberry10devalpha/allautoloaders.html
  4. Run the executable on a PC (must have BB Link installed for the correct drivers).
  5. Once it says "Connecting to Bootrom", connect your Blackberry device.
  6. It will restart and load the old OS. Wait until this is 100% complete. There might be an error on the computer, saying "Error: This OS version is blocked from device." Don't worry about this, it does not matter.
  7. Once the device is restarted, it will run you through the setup wizard. Sign in with your new Blackberry ID. Then, indicate that you want to install updates.
  8. Once the setup is completed, check if updates get installed via "Settings > Software Updates".
  9. It will install the updates, restart, and that's it! You have a "de-bricked" device.

If step 6 failed with a double-blinking red LED, first load OS version 10.3.2 with the autoloader. You can download it from here: https://mega.nz/#!8shEkQQD!5LzrH8Vj-jZIHOVYAnTnEvr44hZVjq9XMt21fi1-jNQ. The file name is: AutoLoader_Z30-Classic-Leap_10.3.2.2876.exe

Once 10.3.2 is loaded go to step 1 and do the whole procedure. It should now work.

96 thoughts on “Blackberry 10: Remove Anti-Theft Protection from Device”

  1. it works but when i write dev mode, then it doesnt turn on phone . i have some serious problem.. only writing system with green light and then nothing..

  2. Hey Guys ,

    I have done it last, if any one wants help please call me , you have to do three extra steps to do for a blackberry passport ............................................ +91 8884 110011 - Joby Abraham

    admin you are a king>>

    1. Great help. It worked on my z30 but I'm having problems with my Passport. Now my BB will not move off the initial logon screen with the Blackberry logo.
      Any help would be great.

      Thanks.

    2. Bro my name is ABDUL GAFFOOR and I'm having bb q10 device and it suddenly stuck on blackberry name screen and even autoloader of 3.1 not working what to do bro now

    3. Hi Joby
      I am also having a chaalenge with the passport kindly assist on the steps you performed on yours
      Thanks

  3. First ..... Thank you so much.................

    I have done my passport and it is working now but it is not picking the new id and password , it is asking for the id which is created to set up the device , can you please advice how to add a new id now

  4. Hi Admin.....I am having a similar issue here.
    I bought a blackberry z10 STL100-1 at a cheap price...Blackberry ID forgotten.
    Currently on version 10.3.2876(Developer's version)
    I was told that's the only way i could make use of the phone.
    Most of the important apps are missing.
    Especially Gallery.
    Is there a way out?

  5. Please my passport version is 10.3.2 and it's not working, what do I do..although it has been bypassed but I can't use any feature on my phone. Please help me. Thannks

  6. Thanks. Worked like a charm.

    I have a Z30, I upgraded to the PRIV. Then lent the Z30 to a friend to use while their Z30 was being repaired. When I got it back, the anti theft had been activated and nothing I did would work.
    Now I can load BBM on it for my kids to use when I am not with them. Better than a brick sitting in my desk drawer.

    Thanks!

  7. Hi: I have a STL100-1 and loaded 10.3.03.2205, but not good idea. The OS loads good, but when starts the initial setup it connects to wifi but can not connect to 3G / 4G data service. I tried your steps and no luck, loaded the 10.3.1 Autoloader develper version, it finished but the device does not start the initial Blackberry screen shows and nothing happends. I have reverted again to OS 10.3.03.2205 and the OS starts and the initial setup has the same issue, does not allow to connect 3 G data service. I tried with 10.3.2 developer version for STL100-1, but same issue of 10.3.1: initial Blackberry screen shows and nothing happends

    Any advice will be helpfull thank you

    1. I am not sure about 10.3.3. I have only done all those tests with 10.3.2. Blackberry has retracted 10.3.3 temporarily to work on the issues.

      I have no solution for this at the moment. Sorry.

  8. THANK YOU! This worked! You're a real life saver! I had bought a secondhand blackberry and the owner had no idea what the password was. Really, thank you so much for this.

  9. Thanks! It worked perfectly on my Z10. After looking for a while with no success, I found your info. Much appreciated.

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