Can You Still Use a BlackBerry in 2026? A Buyer's Guide

03 October 2026

Short answer: yes, a BlackBerry still switches on, and in the UK and much of Europe it can usually still make calls and send texts over 2G. But BlackBerry's own services (BBM, BlackBerry email and its internet service) were switched off in January 2022, and BlackBerry warned that calls and texts may not work reliably on every network. Today, a BlackBerry is best bought as a collector's piece, a nostalgic keyboard phone or a distraction-free second phone.

What still works on a BlackBerry in 2026

  • The phone itself: keyboard, trackpad, screen, camera, alarm, calendar, calculator and offline games.
  • Calls and texts in the UK: over 2G, which EE, Vodafone and O2 still run. Coverage and reliability vary by network.
  • Wi-Fi: most models connect to Wi-Fi, though the old built-in browser struggles with modern websites.

What no longer works

  • BBM and BlackBerry email: switched off by BlackBerry in 2022.
  • 3G data in the UK: all UK networks have switched off 3G.
  • Anything in the USA: all US 2G and 3G networks are off, so BlackBerry phones can't connect to US mobile networks at all.
  • Most apps: app stores for BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 have closed.

Which BlackBerry should you buy?

Model Year Best for
BlackBerry Bold 9900 2011 The classic: the best BlackBerry keyboard ever made, stainless steel frame and a touchscreen.
BlackBerry Classic 2014 The final classic-design BlackBerry, with trackpad and navigation keys.
BlackBerry Q10 2013 A BlackBerry 10 keyboard phone with a sharp square AMOLED screen.
BlackBerry Curve 8520 2009 The 2009 teenage favourite, perfect for nostalgia (and available in pink).
BlackBerry Z10 and Z30 2013 All-touchscreen BlackBerry 10 phones.

Buying tips

  • Check the grade: refurbished BlackBerrys vary a lot cosmetically. Ours are graded Excellent, Good or Fair, and tested and data wiped.
  • Check what's in the box: many are sold with just a charging cable.
  • Think about where you'll use it: fine for calls and texts in the UK and much of Europe; a display piece only in the USA.

Where to buy a BlackBerry

XTEC UK stocks the Bold 9900, Classic, Q10, Z10, Z30, Curve 8520, 9320, 9360 and 9380, Torch 9860 and 9720, with refurbished units carrying a 12-month warranty. We deliver across the UK, and to the EU and USA by DHL Express. Shop BlackBerry phones or browse all Retro Tech.