The blog & portfolio of Matthew J. Rogers

FAQ & Help

Need help or have questions about the design, installation, use, or features of the bPhone for BlackBerry theme? You’ve come to the right place. Please read through everything carefully, and if you still don’t see what you’re looking for then feel free to post a comment down at the bottom of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bPhone compatible with my BlackBerry?
Take a look at the compatibility list on the download page. All 8100 series (Pearls), 8300 series (Curves), and 8800 series are supported. By “series” I mean any BlackBerry that starts with the first two digits, so yes, the 8130 is part of the 8100 series. The older 8700 series will work if you have the most up-to-date operating system — if you don’t, there’s a bug in the OS that allows the theme to be loaded even though it’s not compatible and it completely corrupts your 8700.

I didn’t see your warning about the old OS on the 8700 series, and now my BlackBerry is endlessly rebooting. What do I do?
Don’t worry, it’s fixable. One possible solution is detailed here.

When will bPhone be available for the Storm or Bold?
I’m currently working on bPhone for Bold and hope to have it out as soon as possible. At some point I will also investigate producing a version for the Storm.

Why aren’t my fonts reflecting my own settings?
This is a limitation (or bug) in the way RIM implements third-party themes. Certain aspects of the theme get locked to the original theme font and cannot be changed by you, the user.

What’s the difference between the three versions (Zen, Icon, and Today)?
These are three variations in how the icons lay out. I don’t have any screenshots (yet), but most BlackBerries come preloaded with the same variants for one of their default themes, so you can see the different behaviors on those.

Some icons don’t match. Can you make bPhone-style icons for [insert application here]?
No. I have customized just about every single thing that the theme software will allow me to change. I can’t apply any more icons.

Can you make a version with a black background, instead of the fish?
You can change your own background anytime you want. An easy way to get an all-black background is to take a picture with your BlackBerry’s camera while holding your finger over the lens. Save that image and set it as your wallpaper.


Can you make the L-style theme, or the Zen style with the icons at the bottom instead of on the side?
No. The theme software only allows for Icon, Today, and left-side Zen templates.

When’s the next version coming out? Can you make a version for the new BlackBerry model?
I’ll only be able to make significant changes to the theme once an overhauled version of the theme creation software comes out. That tends to lag a bit behind new hardware releases, but I’ll do my best to stay current.

If you have any other questions, feel free to comment here or contact me.

Updated on January 4, 2012

1,320 comments

  • Nate February 7th, 2010 at 2:54 am

    I have a 8120 Blackberry pearl smartphone and I’ve downloaded the 8100 version Icon but when I upload it to the Blackberry Desktop Manager and it installs I can’t find it on the actual phone to activate? I don’t understand why It is not working :( Can someone help?

  • mezz February 9th, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    is there one for the curve 8530? because it doesnt work when i install any other versions.

  • Jennifer February 14th, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    Does it work with the 8900 Curve?

  • Jennifer February 14th, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Do you have one for the AT&T Curve 8900?

  • sumit February 17th, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Hi,
    Does it work on 8520 Curve also ? I downloaded 8300 version, restarted by pulling out battery also, can’t find this theme under themes.
    Thanks,
    Sumit

  • JR February 19th, 2010 at 8:42 am

    I presume the theme download for the Bold 9700 still needs developing?. I cannot get the current Bold version to work.

  • Sara February 19th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this theme and have been using it for over a year. Yesterday my BB crashed and I had to get a new one. I downloaded bphone to my new BB Curve and now I no longer have the option of an SMS icon. Was there an update and the icon was chosen to be removed? Thanks for your help!

    Sara

  • Becca February 24th, 2010 at 6:53 am

    Hi,

    Is there any chance you could put a version of the bPhone theme for the Curve 8520? I really want to use it but cannot use any of the current versions on the website!

  • swaggmore February 26th, 2010 at 11:32 am

    i have a blackberry tour 8900 for verizon does the iphone theme work formy phone if so can you please email mehow ?

  • Jack February 27th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    I have the same request as Becca lol, I want this theme badly for my Curve 8520, I’ve read tons of reviews saying this is one of the best themes for the Blackberry, REALLY WANT IT!!!

  • pranav March 2nd, 2010 at 9:22 am

    8520 version please!!!! amazing theme

  • mrskdhill March 4th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    I have a black berry pearl 8130 an I love the iberry theme i was wondering if you could make the iberry theme but in the L style.. thank you so much..

  • Claudia March 4th, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    Does the 8300 version work on the 8520 Curve? If not, pleeease upload one for this model

  • John March 4th, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    Hello,

    I have tried downloading this theme multiple times. Every time I do this it says, “Successfully Installed” and has me reboot my phone. It will not appear in the themes list. I tried to take the battery out and put it back in but it just won’t seem to work. If there is any other way to do this please let me know!

    Thanks,
    John
    P.S. I am trying to download it on the Curve 8530. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it considering it’s a fairly new phone. Please reply!

  • ryan March 5th, 2010 at 12:31 am

    A lot of my friends hav bphone for their phone but I have the new bold 9700 and would love to hav this app as well. If you are making a version for the 9700 that would be great please keep me updated thanks

  • Simon March 7th, 2010 at 12:41 am

    I see that this section has numerous requests for a version for the Curve 8520. Is it a realistic expectation, or am I hoping in vain?

  • slim March 7th, 2010 at 11:50 am

    Can u plz upload for the 8520 model. I have been trying to download this for weeks.

  • jason March 8th, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    i too would love bphone for the 8520, PLEASE

  • aaa March 14th, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    seeing as most of the comments are for 8520 please please please make a version for 8520…..seeing as its a cheap blackberry a lot of people will have it

  • rudy March 23rd, 2010 at 2:15 am

    had this on my 8310 and loved it, it would be sweet to have it for my 9700 if you get around to it

  • Nicky March 23rd, 2010 at 10:39 am

    I just upgraded from 8300 to 8530 and would love this app. It’s amazing and the best app out there. Please make one for the 8530. PLEASE! THANK YOU KINDLY!

  • cally March 24th, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    i downloaded bphone to my blackberry 8300 but i cant find it on my phone i looked everywhere

  • dennis armstrong March 25th, 2010 at 5:17 am

    I am trying to find out whether you have any plans to develop the app for the Balckberry Curve 8520 any time soon?

  • Tanner S March 25th, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    I see lots of posts about a version for the Curve 8530 and 8520. I am one of your loyal users that would like an 8530 version. Any sort of update on if you will be releasing one at all or when? Thanks!

  • Erick March 27th, 2010 at 2:48 am

    Downloaded BPhone to my blackberry but it will not download into my phone. What should I do???

  • Kurtis April 2nd, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    Ok, first off your are really awesome at making themes, when i downloaded on my 8530 (w/ sprint) it doesn’t show up in my theme menu in the options! So i tried another route i went to the application list and it’s in there but i don’t know how to make it my theme from there. Please help me i really want your theme!!! (:

  • Juan April 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 am

    I had your bPhone theme on my Pearl 8100 for almost 2 years without a single problem and now I’m so used to the interface that, now that I replaced it with a Bold 9700, I’m left jonesin’ for this again. Do let us know when you finish one for the new Bold models and keep up the great work!

  • Jaco April 6th, 2010 at 2:52 am

    Hi this looks excellent!!! Is there any way I can get this to work on my Bold 9700 Platform 5.1.0.116????
    Thanks

  • Pepijn April 10th, 2010 at 9:55 am

    hi, do you have a website or something where you have the older versions of BPhone?
    my blackberry 7100v can`t update to 4.2 so he won`t support it, buth i like the theme so much and like to have it on my 7100 that`s running on 4.1

  • ordigas April 16th, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    Hi!
    Is bPhone going to be available for the 8530?
    Please say yes! ;-)

  • Zo April 22nd, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    I’ve been waiting for the storm bphone theme; but at this point I just ended up selling it, and buying an iphone.

    Thanks for your efforts anyways. Cheers!

  • carlos April 24th, 2010 at 10:30 pm

    descargue a mi 8300 y la descarga da exitosa, lo veo en opciones avanzadas pero le saque la bateria y no aparece el icono, como hago?
    muchas gracias

  • steven z April 26th, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    will this ever be available for the 9700? current OS 5.0.0.351

  • Kenneth May 2nd, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    how do you install this gorgeous bPhone themes on blackberry curve 8520 (gemini) ? I surf through the internet and i decided, that this is the best iphone themes.. my friend have Bold, and success in installing, and could use it.. but why do i can’t, i see theres no for curve 8500..

    what should i pick ??
    please reply this..
    thanks..

    PS. if this bPhone are available for curve 8520, will it work on OS 5.0 ?

  • Ignacio May 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 am

    if this bPhone are available for curve 8520, will it work on OS 5.0

  • Benny May 6th, 2010 at 11:21 am

    Hi Matthew,

    First off, great looking Theme – it’s easier to find my way around (even though I’ve had a BB longer than iPod Touch).

    I’m running the latest Bold 9000 OS v.5.0.0.411 (Platform 5.2.0.33), and everything appears fine, but “Messages” and “Options” text looks very odd compare to say the normal fonts like in the Calendar or contacts. I’ve set it to use BBAlpha Sans 7 Plain, and tried others too but the font still does not look right. The message box is missing the time stamps.

    Also I notice some artefacts when I scroll around in menus or messages.

    Are these bugs related to the 9000 model or to the newer OS?

    Thanks.

  • Ollie May 10th, 2010 at 7:00 am

    hi, i tried downloading the theme, and it downloads and then tells me to reboot. i do and then nothing hapens, i cant find it anywhere… i have a blackberry 8900 curve is it even compatible?

    thanks (and nice work on the theme by the way, wicked idea!)

    ollie

  • Zack May 16th, 2010 at 12:57 am

    same problem here with bphone, the programs show up in applocation list but is not listed in options>themes, please provide details on how to activate, thanks a bunch. I have a 8350i nextel

  • Siddhartha Mohan May 21st, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    It’s just not installing on my bold 9700!
    When I did an OTA download it showed that it had sucessfully installed but then I just couldn’t find it anywhere!!
    Please Help!

  • Ollie May 25th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    it killed my blackberry! dont download it!!! my blackberry is fucked after downloading it!!

  • Beezo June 3rd, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Worked just like it is advertised!!!!! 8110 loaded quick and installed seamlessly:) Thanks for a great theme!!!!!!

  • JR Veaenn June 4th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    For all the people having trouble activating the themes:

    Go to Options, scroll down to Themes. This is where you activate these themes.

  • steve June 10th, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    i had this theme for my curve 8310 for 2 years, and actually got several of my friends to install it as well. Now I have the BB Bold 9700, and would love to have it available for my phone.

  • nba June 18th, 2010 at 3:11 am

    please upload 1 for 8520, greatly appreciated. you did some good work on this theme

  • Paul June 28th, 2010 at 8:05 am

    I was using the them with my 8800 for two years.

    Just received my new 9700 – any idea how to use the theme?

    I installed the beta for bold version found here but it does not appear on my them list

    Thanks
    Paul

  • Ash June 29th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    The OTA update does not work on the Blackberry Bold with Verizon. It will appear in the application list but does not show in the theme list. Utter failure.

  • LILI July 13th, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    hi, ican{t download the bphone for my bb, i see there are many people like me, please help us!!!!!!! I really, really want to have it. I have the curve 8520.

  • DaVille July 17th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I have a version of the “bPhone” theme created specifically for the 8500 series Curve and am currently working on one for the Storm/Storm 2. If interested, shoot me an Email. I also have an “Android” theme and a “Vista” theme for all the Windows fans out there. I’ve been Graphic Designing for 4 years now and just began making themes. Sooooo..i would LOVE to send these to you free of charge just for your feedback! :)

    DaVille Productions
    dubb_k@yahoo.com

  • Aletz July 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 am

    i’ve downloaded the Theme and it doesnt appear, i was in options then Themes and it’s not there or on applications folder i don’t know what to do, please Help us if u can, thank you for the theme

  • Eric July 23rd, 2010 at 6:21 am

    I love your Theme and have spread it a lot amongst collegues. Now I changed to BB 9700 Bold, but cannot download as my company policies do not allow OTA install. Could you please provide an PC download?