How to change visual theme on BlackBerry OS 10.2

The subject of dark them and light theme became big discussion when the BlackBerry Q10 came out with a dark theme. The Q10 got a dark theme due to it's AMOLED screen. Black pixels meant it would use no power. The BBM app was a dark theme and so was the Calendar and Contacts apps. Certain apps could also be coded to have the dark theme on the Q10. Many Z10 owners were then wanting the option for a dark theme. As a lover of the Q10 device, I enjoyed the dark theme a lot and I was very annoyed when Q10 owners lost the dark theme when the 10.1 Maintenance Release came out. I said my piece and a lot agreed with some welcoming the light theme.

Fast forward to now and the ability to choose between the light and dark theme is upon us. The update to OS 10.2 will bring this option and for those of you who would like to switch it up to the dark theme, here's how to do it. By default, the light theme is selected. 

Also note that the ability to change visual theme is only found in OS 10.2.0.17xx and above. Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Z30 devices came with a lower OS 10.2 version so the option to change themes is not available. Hopefully, the Z30 will get an update soon.

How to change visual theme for SMS

  • Go to the Hub by swiping up from the bottom bezel and to the right or by using the BlackBerry Hub icon
  • Tap the overflow menu (three dots on the bottom right)
  • Tap Settings, then Text Messages
  • Find the Visual Theme dropdown menu and tap to select your theme

You will only see the theme in text conversations, not in the Hub.

Change Visual Theme for SMS

How to change visual theme for the Calendar app

  • Open up the Calendar by tapping Calendar icon from the Homescreen
  • Swipe down from the top bezel to bring up more options
  • Tap Settings, then General
  • Tap the Visual Theme dropdown menu and choose your preference
  • Close app and re-open to see the changes
Change Visual Theme for Calendar

How to change the visual theme for the Contacts app

  • Open up the Contacts app by tapping the Contacts icon from the Homescreen
  • Swipe down from the top bezel to bring up more options
  • Tap Settings
  • Under Default Theme tap the dropdown menu and select your preferred theme
  • Close the contacts app and re-open to see the changes
Change Visual Theme for Contacts

How to change the visual theme for BBM

  • Open up BBM by tapping the BBM icon from the Homescreen
  • Swipe down from the top bezel to bring up more options
  • Tap Settings
  • Scroll down to the bottom and find the Visual Theme dropdown menu
  • Select your theme
  • Close app and re-open to see the changes
Change Visual Theme for BBM

There you have it. If you're a Q10 owner and have missed the dark theme. Get it back now. Z10 owners, you can now give it a try.

Please note: If you are running the BBM Channels beta on your BlackBerry 10 device, you will NOT have the option to change to a dark theme on BBM. Check out all our BlackBerry 10 tips, tricks and how-tos for more.

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