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It seems like most BlackBerry guides focus on either device-centric issues, or else on issues which can only be addressed on a PC. This is fair to an extent, in that among the general population and among the BlackBerry community PC users outnumber Mac users. I always wonder what the ratio is among the geekier BlackBerry users. In any case, we’re throwing Mac users a bone today by introducing a guide on how to transfer files between your Mac and BlackBerry via Bluetooth. It’s a quick, painless method which can get many of your songs, ringtones, and even videos onto your BlackBerry without having to use sync software like PocketMac, or even to connect to your Mac with a wire.
Pair the devices
The first thing you’ll have to do is pair your BlackBerry’s Bluetooth function with your Mac. Go to Manage Connections, and then Set Up Bluetooth. A dialog box should be there to greet you, asking how you’d like to add your device. Click the option next to “Search for devices from here,” and hit OK. From there your BlackBerry will search for nearby Bluetooth transmitters — chances are, early on on in the process you’ll see “1 Found” in the status bar, which is more than likely your computer.
Once done, you’ll get another dialog box asking you to select the proper device. Select the one for your computer (if there is even more than one). Next up is a dialog box asking for the numeric passkey for the computer. What? Passkey? You don’t remember setting up no stinkin’ passkey! Chill. This is just to verify that you are in fact using both the BlackBerry and the computer. Enter in any old number. Any one you choose. Just make sure to remember it so you can enter it in on your computer. Once you click OK, a prompt will pop up on your computer asking you to repeat the passkey. Enter it, and the devices will pair.
Set up the transfer
To start a transfer go into the default Media application. From there, click in the Menu button, and then select Receive Using Bluetooth. A dialog box will pop up which says File Transfer, Waiting for connection. From there, head to your Mac, where you’ll want to open Bluetooth File Exchange. This can be found in Applications — Utilities. Open it and you should get browse file window, where you can select which one you want to send. Select it.
From there, another dialog box will pop up on your Mac asking you to select the Bluetooth device to which you want to transfer. It should find your BlackBerry device, though I’ve run into instances where I have to go through the pairing process all over again. In any case, click on the device, and then click Send. A transfer bar will pop up, which means you now have to go back and check your BlackBerry. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to accept the transfer. Click yes — you also have the ability to automatically accept transfers in the future.
The final step is to select the file destination on the BlackBerry. You can choose to save the file to your memory card, which is obviously recommended. If you’re transferring a ringtone, however, it would be advisable to click the file icon and transfer the file to ringtones folder in the device memory (Device Memory/home/user/ringtones).
I’m not sure what kind of speeds everyone else can get, but I was topping out at 27 KB/s, which seems pretty slow (and with good reason — it is). So this method isn’t optimal if you’re looking to transfer files quickly or are transferring a large number of files. When it does come in handy, I suppose, is when you don’t have a connection cord, or else don’t want a cord attached to your Mac.
Anyone else use Bluetooth transfer frequently and have a different reason? Leave ‘em in the comments.
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14 Comments ↓
I am a mac + blackberry user, and I’ve had trouble finding help online – it seems to mostly be for PC users. So I for one really appreciate this, it’s very helpful. Thank you!!
[...] subscribe to us on Twitter!This might have worked better yesterday morning, before we discussed a Bluetooth file transfer for BlackBerry. Still, it’s always good to be more familiar with your menu settings. In this quick tip, [...]
Great walk-through! Thank you for the article.
Is it possible to send files from the BlackBerry to the Mac? I see on the BB “Send via Bluetooth”, but don’t see anything on the Mac that says “Receive via Bluetooth”
Finally an answer – works with BB Bold 9000
i was topping out at 75 kbps. wasn’t too painful to send an mp3 to test. so am i to understand there is no way possible to actually browse your BB from a mac via bluetooth? it worked great when i had my LG enV, but I guess BB uses a completely different protocol. only way i can get it to stay connected is if i attempt to tether it or send a file in the media app.
Brady:
Transfer from a BB (at least with the Tour) to a mac is possible. On my macbook pro, after completing the pairing setup I selected the bluetooth menu (at the top, by the airport), selected ‘open bluetooth preferences’, then selected ‘file sharing setup’ at the bottom… on the left side of the new screen you’ll see a number of selectable options, the last one should be ‘bluetooth sharing’… select that and select your desired settings to the right….
hope this helps.
I have two Macs, and was not able to transfer data between my 8900 and either. After difficulty, I was able to Pair with both devices (in separate rooms, to be safe), but the Macs would either report “device not supported” or general error. Any ideas? PS: I could not set up the BB on “iSynch” either
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for. You were a big help….
Perfect !!!
works like a charm !
Thank you so much for your time and the great advice! Now I have music on my Blackberry! Yeah!!
On the select bluetooth device window after I click on the Blackberry’s name. It says “This device does not have necessary services.”
What do I do?
@Saumya Mody
Go into the Media app on the BB and tell it to “Receive Using Bluetooth” before you begin the file transfer. You will have to manually accept each song, one by one, as they get sent to your BB
Hey please someone assist me, ive done everything right on this article. But when i reach the final step i to select where to save my files location, after i click accept an error message comes up saying theres some kind of internal error, on my mac screen…any help??
Hi, and thanks for this :).
I’ve been paired & enabled, but my mac said, “There was an error connecting to the device.”
Thanks, that was enlightening, right?
Any leads?
We *really* appreciate you (*especially* mac-friendly) BB Geeks! :)
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