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So you're using an Android device and want to chat with your BBM friends? No problem! BlackBerry Messenger is now available for not only BlackBerry users but Android and iOS as well. BBM is totally free to use and is a great way to stay in touch with your friends without the worry of text messaging or other bulky messaging apps.
Getting up and running with BBM on your Android device is easy, but if you're having trouble we're here to help. Keep reading for a full walkthrough of using BBM on your Android device.
Getting Started
- First things first - you'll need an Android device to install BBM.
- Head to the Google Play Store and download BBM (free) to your device here.
- Once installed, tap on the icon to start the BBM service.
- If you're already a BBM user and want to use your current BBID, enter your login details on the screen. If you're new to BBM or want to use a different BBID, you can register here as well.
Adding Contacts
- Tap the overflow icon (3 dots)
- Tap Invite to BBM
- Choose the method by which to invite a contact
- Enter any info as needed.
- When the contact accepts your request they will be added to your contact list
Sending Messages
- To start a new chat, tap the BBM icon in the top right corner (the one with the + sign)
- Search for or choose a contact from the list
- Tap the contact, enter your message and choose Send
Multiperson Chat
- To start a multiperson chat with more than one contact, tap the overflow icon (3 dots) then tap Start Multiperson Chat
- Enter the contacts to which you want to send your message
- Enter you message and tap Send
Settings
- To access the settings menu, tap the overflow icon (3 dots) then choose Settings
- Here you can change things such as notification tone, contact list layout, update options, chat history and more
Groups
- To create a group, tap the Groups icon on the bottom of the screen
- Tap the overflow icon (3 dots) then choose Create New Group
- Enter a group name, photo and description
- After your group is created, tap the group icon to open it. From here use the overflow menu (3 dots) to change settings, invite contacts, add photos, add lists, add events and more.
Broadcast Message
- To send a broadcast message to all of your contacts, tap the overflow icon (3 dots) then choose Broadcast Message. Enter your message and tap Send.
Quick Tips
- To quickly view your contacts list, tap the Contacts icon
- To quickly view groups tap the Groups icon
The BBM service will stay running in the background of your device. You'll see a small BBM icon in your notification bar so you know that the service is active and ready to send or receive messages. You can disable this setting, however this will keep BBM in the background and you may miss messages at times, so it's best to just deal with it and keep it in the foreground.
For more help and discussion be sure to hit up our BBM for Android forum.
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