How to Install Zip Themes Without a Desktop Manager on a Blackberry

by Ray Dallas
Blackberry themes can be found for free on the Internet.

Blackberry themes can be found for free on the Internet.

Scott Olson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Adding themes to your cell phone can be one of the most enjoyable parts of owning a BlackBerry. There are theme designers who have taken themes to a near art form, and many of these themes are free through websites such as Themes4BB.com or CoolBlackBerrythemes.com. As long as you have Internet access through the BlackBerry, there is no need to bother with USB cords and the Desktop Manager software, as this can all be done on wireless networks.

Step 1

Navigate the browser to a free Zip theme site, such as Themes4BB.com. This will give you the opportunity to browse the available themes.

Step 2

Click the link of the theme that interests you. This will open a screen with a download link. Many free theme sites are simply message boards, in which case you will be opening a thread that has a download link posted within it.

Step 3

Highlight the entire address and press "Ctrl-C."

Step 4

Paste the URL into the body of an email by putting your cursor into the body of the email and pressing "Ctrl-V."

Step 5

Send the email to an address linked to the BlackBerry message center.

Step 6

Open the email from the message center on the BlackBerry.

Step 7

Click the link, which will point the BlackBerry's browser directly to the download link.

Step 8

Select the download link, usually ending in .zip, and begin the download. If any prompts ask you to accept permissions or allow access, press "Yes" and "Allow." After you click through the prompts, you will see a status bar that will show the progress.

Step 9

Select the "Applications" menu and choose the "Options" icon on the BlackBerry. If you are using the standard theme, the icon looks like a wrench.

Step 10

Select "Theme" from the Options sub-menu.

Step 11

Select the newly installed theme from the Theme menu.

Warnings

  • Because many themes are user-generated, it is possible that it may carry a virus or malicious software. You can prevent this by reading other reviews of the theme or by running it through a virus check like Norton before sending it to the BlackBerry.
  • Crackberry, a popular BlackBerry site, warns to always verify that the theme is compatible with the particular BlackBerry because downloading an incompatible theme, such as a Curve 8520 theme for a Curve 8320, could damage the phone's operating system.

About the Author

Ray Dallas graduated with majors in journalism and English. While in Florida, he wrote freelance articles for "The Alligator" and was the copy editor and a writer for "Orange & Blue." Since moving to California, Dallas has worked as a script reader and for a talent manager, as well as taking numerous industry odd jobs.

Photo Credits

  • Scott Olson/Getty Images News/Getty Images