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BlackBerry KEY2 problems and how to fix them
The BlackBerry KEY2 may not feature the fastest processor or the largest display, but it is a device intended for consumers that value productivity over media consumption. And it certainly manages to stand out from the crowd by being the only current generation smartphone to feature a full-fledged physical keyboard.
However, as is the case with any device, the BlackBerry KEY2 is not without its issues. Here is a roundup of some BlackBerry KEY2 problems that users have come across, along with potential solutions on how to fix them!
Note: Not every BlackBerry KEY2 owner will face these issues. In fact, it is more than likely that you won’t come across any of these problems.
Problem #1 – Persistent notification issue with Power Center
A recent update for the Power Center has resulted in a persistent notification showing up that says “Power Center running in the background.”
Potential solutions:
- This is a software update issue since some users have found that going back to a previous version of Power Center removes the problem.
- Open the notification settings of the Power Center app by going to Settings > Notifications. Find the Power Center app and tap on it. Then tap on Notifications and you can disable the “general notification” setting. You can also tap on the setting and set which notifications you want to see.
- Some users have found that after following the step above, the persistent notification changes to “Android System running in the background.” In this case, long press on the notification and an option to toggle it off shows up.
Problem #2 – Convenience Key bug results in Settings menu opening in the background
Some users have found that when using the Convenience Key to open a particular app, the Settings menu seems to also open and run in the background. It doesn’t open on the home screen, but when accessing the Recent Apps page, the Settings menu appears.
Potential solutions:
- This is another software bug that will hopefully be fixed in an upcoming update. This problem seems to occur only when the user has set two or more shortcuts to be accessible via the Convenience Key. When this is set to just one app, the issue goes away. Setting just one shortcut is the only workaround.
Problem #3 – Screen flickering
Many users have come across an odd flicker on the screen when switching between apps or going back to the home screen. In some cases, it appears as though the display gets brighter when switching to a different app. Others have noticed something like a flash on the screen.
Potential solutions:
- The exact cause of this issue is still unknown, but some have found this issue to have been because of the BlackBerry Launcher app. A previous update started this problem and for some, a more recent update seems to have fixed it. However, others have found that despite keeping the app up to date, the problem returned after a few hours.
- A workaround that has worked for some users involves disabling adaptive brightness and setting the display brightness to less than 20% (some suggest 17%). Users have also found that this issue doesn’t exist when Night Mode is enabled.
- A partial fix is available by uninstalling the BlackBerry Privacy Shade app. This seems to solve the flicker problem when switching between apps, but not when accessing the Recent Apps screen or the notification dropdown.
- This is quite a random issue that seems to be one of the more common BlackBerry KEY2 problems. Hopefully a fix in a future software will be available soon.
Problem #4 – Physical keyboard issues
The physical keyboard is again considered a unique idea in the current smartphone game. Unfortunately, the keyboard issues have become one of the most common BlackBerry KEY2 problems around. The keys become loose over time, there is random rattling heard when simply touching a key, and the space bar (which doubles as a fingerprint scanner) and other keys suddenly stop working. The space bar also has a specific problem where sometimes it doesn’t give a space as expected or a period sign (sometimes multiple) shows up instead.
Potential solutions:
- For the space bar specific issue, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Keyboard Settings > BlackBerry Keyboard > Prediction and Correctionand disable the “Double tap space bar for period” option.
- Some issues with the keyboard are known bugs and BlackBerry is working to fix them. For a lot of the other issues, particularly where buttons stop working, your only option is to pick up a replacement. There appears to have been a quality control issue at some point as quite a few people are facing this issues.
Problem #5 – “Save username to Google” notification issue
When sending an email from one of their BlackBerry Hub accounts, users have found a popup notification show up that says “Save username to Google.” For some, this happens when using the Contacts app as well.
Potential solutions:
- This problem is related to Google’s autofill feature. Go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Autofill service and select “None.” This isn’t an ideal workaround since the autofill feature is incredibly useful. The good news is that this is a known issue and BlackBerry will be fixing it in an upcoming software update.
Problem #6 – Connectivity issues
As is the case with any new device, you may find yourself facing some connectivity issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. One of the more common BlackBerry KEY2 problems has to do with Bluetooth connectivity.
Potential solutions:
Wi-Fi issues
- Turn the device and the router off for at least ten seconds. Then turn them back on and retry the connection.
- Go to Settings > Power saving and ensure that this option is turned off.
- Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer to check how crowded your channel is, and switch to a better option.
- Forget the Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings > Wi-Fi and long tapping the connection you want, then selecting Forget. Re-enter the details and try again.
- Make sure the router firmware is up to date.
- Make sure the applications and software on the device are up to date.
- Go into Wi-Fi > Settings > Advanced and make a note of your device MAC address, then make sure that it is allowed access in the router’s MAC filter.
Bluetooth issues
- With issues when connecting to the car, check the manufacturer’s manual for the device and the car and reset your connections.
- Ensure that you are not missing a vital part of the connection process.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure nothing needs changing.
- Go into Settings > Bluetooth and delete all prior pairings, setting them up again from scratch.
- When it comes to issues with multiple device connections, only a future update will be able to address this problem.
Problem #7 – Problems where the only option is to wait for an official software update
There are a bunch of BlackBerry KEY2 problems that users have come across that don’t have a workaround available and the only option is to wait for a software update to fix them.
- Notifications sound don’t work – Many users have found that the notification sounds seem to have stopped working completely. This is a known issue that should be addressed in an upcoming update.
- Mic doesn’t work during video calls – One of the more common BlackBerry KEY2 problems that users face is the fact that the mic doesn’t seem to work during video calls. The person at the other end of the video chat cannot hear what you are saying. This doesn’t appear to be limited to a particular app either with video calls on Whatsapp, Line, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, and other video calling apps affected.
- Volume window stays open – Some users have found that the volume window stays open on the screen after adjusting it using the volume rocker. Users have to tap somewhere else on the screen for the window to go away.
So there you have it for this roundup of some common BlackBerry KEY2 problems and potential solutions on how to fix them! If you have come across any other issues, do let us know in the comments section below and we’ll try our best to find a fix for you.