BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has evolved significantly over the years, and version 5.0 introduced several user-friendly features, including QR code scanning for adding contacts. This feature simplified connecting with other BBM users, making the process faster and more efficient. This guide will walk you through how to use the QR code scanning feature in BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 to quickly expand your contact list.
Getting Started with BlackBerry Messenger 5.0
Downloading and Installation
If you don’t already have it, BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 can be downloaded from the BlackBerry App World or directly via your mobile browser. Simply visit blackberry.com/messenger to download and install BBM 5.0 over the air. This ensures you have the latest version with all the features, including QR code scanning.
Setting Up Your Profile
Before you start connecting with contacts, it’s a good idea to personalize your profile. Open BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 and tap on your name at the top of the screen. This will take you to your profile settings where you can:
- Edit your profile name: Choose a name that your contacts will easily recognize.
- Change your avatar: Select a profile picture from your device’s images.
- Set your status: Let your contacts know if you are available or busy.
In this section, you will also find your BlackBerry PIN and your unique barcode, which is essential for QR code contact adding.
Your avatar is your visual identifier in BBM. To personalize it, tap the avatar box and choose an image from your BlackBerry device.
Your barcode is your personal QR code for BBM. It allows others to quickly add you to their contact list by scanning it, eliminating the need to manually enter PINs.
You can also update your status message to inform your contacts of your availability or current mood.
Customizing Options
To further customize your BBM experience, access the options menu by pressing the Menu key and selecting ‘Options’. Here, you can adjust settings like:
- Message Display: Choose if BBM messages should appear in your main Messages application.
- Conversation Style: Customize the look and feel of your chats.
- Recent Updates: Set the number of recent updates displayed.
- Backup and Restore: Manage your contact list backups.
Adding Contacts Using QR Codes and Other Methods
BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 offers multiple ways to add contacts. While you can still use traditional methods like PIN or email, scanning a barcode (QR code) is the quickest and most innovative approach.
Method 1: Adding Contacts via PIN or Email
This traditional method involves manually entering a contact’s PIN or email address. To do this:
- Press the Menu key in BBM.
- Select ‘Invite Contact’.
- Choose ‘Enter a person’s email address, PIN or name’.
- Type in the PIN number or email address of the person you want to add.
- Personalize the invitation message if you wish.
- Tap ‘Send’.
The contact will appear as ‘Pending’ in your list until they accept your invitation.
Method 2: Scanning a Barcode (QR Code) for Quick Add
Scanning a barcode is the fastest and easiest way to add someone on BlackBerry Messenger 5.0. Each BBM user has a unique 2D barcode, which you can scan to instantly add them as a contact. Here’s how:
- Press the Menu key in BBM.
- Select ‘Invite Contact’.
- Choose ‘Scan a Barcode’ or ‘Scan a person’s barcode’. This will activate your BlackBerry’s camera.
- Hold your device’s camera up to the barcode you want to scan. This could be on another BlackBerry device, a computer screen, or even a printed business card.
- Once the barcode is recognized, your device will beep, and the contact will be added to your ‘Pending’ list, awaiting their acceptance.
Method 3: Adding SMS Contacts
You can also add contacts using their SMS phone number, which is useful for messaging non-BlackBerry users via SMS through BBM.
- Follow the same initial steps as adding via PIN or email (Invite Contact > Enter a person’s email address, PIN or name).
- Enter the contact’s phone number instead of a PIN or email.
This method integrates SMS messaging within BBM for convenient communication, even with contacts who are not on BlackBerry.
Engaging in Chats and Broadcasts
Once you have contacts, starting a conversation is straightforward. Highlight a contact and either click on their name or press the Menu key and choose ‘Open Chat’. A chat window will open, and you can begin messaging.
BBM 5.0 also supports group chats (conferences). To start a group chat, highlight a contact, press the Menu key, and select ‘Invite to Conference’. You can add multiple contacts to create a group conversation.
For sending a message to multiple contacts at once, use the ‘Broadcast Message’ feature. Access this by pressing the Menu key and selecting ‘Broadcast Message’. Compose your message and select recipients to send out a mass communication efficiently.
Sharing Media
BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 allows you to send media files to your contacts. In a chat window, press the menu key and choose to ‘Send Picture’, ‘Send Voice Note’, or ‘Send File’. Follow the prompts to select and send your media.
Utilizing Groups for Community Chats
Groups are a standout feature in BBM 5.0, enabling you to create communities for chats, picture sharing, and calendar coordination.
Creating and Managing Groups
To create a group, press the menu key and select ‘Create New Group’. You’ll be prompted to:
- Name your group and add a description.
- Choose a group icon.
- Decide if non-admins can invite members.
- Invite contacts to join your new group.
After creation, your group will appear in your Groups list. Messages sent to the group are broadcast to all members, ideal for coordinating teams or social circles.
Group details, including options and the group barcode, can be accessed by highlighting the group and pressing the Menu key, then selecting ‘Group Details’. The group barcode functions similarly to personal barcodes, facilitating quick member additions via scanning.
You can also customize how group messages are integrated into your main message list. Adjust these settings in ‘Group Details’ under ‘Message List Integration’.
Backup and Restore Contacts
A crucial feature of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 is the ability to backup and restore your contact list. This is invaluable when switching devices or in case of data loss. Access this feature through the menu and select ‘Back Up Contact List’ or ‘Restore Contact List’. You can choose to backup locally to your device or media card, or remotely to a server linked to your email.
Conclusion
BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 introduced QR code scanning as a streamlined method for adding contacts, alongside other significant enhancements like groups and media sharing. Whether you are quickly adding new friends or setting up group communications, BBM 5.0 provided a robust messaging platform for BlackBerry users. For more tips and discussions, visit the CrackBerry forums.
