How to Un-Stick the Trackball on Your Blackberry

The first time my trackball got stuck on my Blackberry, I recall being very frustrated. Luckily, it was only stuck for a few minutes. I was able to reset it by turning it off and then on again. The next time, however, it wasn't that easy. In fact, it was stuck for a few days and I had to use keyboard shortcuts to navigate my screens since my trackball would only navigate downward, but no other direction. I did find a remedy, however, and I've been able to use others on separate occasions when this has occurred again. The following are a few tips you may find useful if it ever happens to you:

1. Try a reset. Simply turn your phone off, remove the battery for a few minutes, replace and then re-start your phone. The first time I tried this it worked like a charm and my trackball was fully functional once again. This method also sometimes works when you get the perpetual hourglass or if your screen ever freezes.

2. When a reset doesn't work, you may need to spend some time repeatedly rolling your trackball around. Blackberries, though somewhat sturdy, can be delicate devices at the same time and often times they will stick when dust or some other tiny obstruction has gotten beneath the trackball. Sometimes the repeated rolling the trackball will move the obstruction and allow your device to properly function again.

3. If neither of the above works, try spraying a little canned air around the trackball. Again, could be dust or some other tiny obstruction and the air may just be what's needed to remove it.

4. You can also try vacuuming any wayward dust away from the trackball using the hose from your vacuum cleaner and suctioning around the area.

5. I've had success with this one as have others I've recommended it to, but I advise that you use it only try this one after all else has failed and be very careful. A couple of drops of rubbing alcohol on my trackball worked like a miracle the last time mine was stuck. It's key here that only a couple of drops are applied however. As the alcohol is drying, move your trackball around a little and, hopefully, you'll be back in business again.

I've heard of other remedies such as removing the trackball for cleaning and putting it back together again and, while several users have reported success with this method, I haven't had the need (or the nerve) to try it since the above have worked pretty well for me. Of course, RIM (the company that makes Blackberry) doesn't recommend most of these and you are taking a risk at damaging your device if you're not careful. While I've had great success, your mileage may vary on these. Hopefully, though, they'll save you time and the headache of taking your device in for repair.