It’s time to do some much-needed repairs. The time has come to keep Blackberry’s last-ever phone alive, a device that has become a relic of a time gone by in the ever-evolving world of smartphones. With its iconic physical keyboard, this Blackberry, released in 2018, stands as a testament to a bygone era when tactile keyboards reigned supreme.
As the world moved swiftly towards sleek touchscreens and endless app-driven designs, Blackberry’s innovative approach began to fade. Despite the advancements in technology, this phone has kept a special place in my heart. Its unceremonious exit from Blackberry’s lineup didn’t stop it from becoming a cherished tool in my everyday life. However, with no more official support from Blackberry and no Android updates, this phone is now on borrowed time. I like to think of it unofficially as the AL in Key2 AL standing for Last Addition, with a unique charm that, despite its imperfections, remains irreplaceable.
This particular Blackberry has already been through the repair cycle once before. When I initially bought it cheaply from the US, it was in a less-than-ideal state. I ordered a replacement screen, paired with a new frame to replace the damaged one. Though the frame has held up well over the years, it’s mostly just worn down from daily use, like the faint marks from carrying it in my pocket. The frame is made of painted plastic, unlike the anodized aluminum used in its higher-end counterpart. Yet, after six years of faithful service, the battery is now failing, losing power at an alarming rate once it drops below 15%. At that point, the phone seems to drain a full percent per minute, and I get an incessant notification warning me of its imminent shutdown.
Looking at the battery usage graph, the drop is visually noticeable. With Blackberry’s phone division long gone, I have no choice but to rely on third-party solutions. I could have purchased a so-called original battery, but I opted for a generic, unbranded replacement. When it arrived, it was surprisingly marked with the brand Alcatel, another brand connected with TCL, which actually manufactured this very Key2 LE. While it’s used in various devices, I can only hope this mass-manufactured replacement from 2022 stands the test of time.
But a new battery alone won’t solve all of my issues. The charge port has worn down over time, often requiring me to wiggle the cable just to get it to connect properly. Sometimes, it doesn’t stay in place at all. This is where another crucial repair comes in: a new charging port.
The Repair Process
To begin, I carefully heat up the back plate to soften the adhesive holding it in place. Thanks to the phone’s unique textured back, a suction cup doesn’t help. I have to pry from the edges using a plastic pick. After gaining some ground, I can slide the pick around the perimeter to gently detach the adhesive and small clips securing the cover. The previous model, the Key1, only had clips that tended to break over time, often leaving the back cover to fall off.
Once opened, I clean off the old adhesive and remove the upper antennas and the NFC coil to gain access to the battery connector. Checking the replacement battery, I confirm the connector is identical, a small victory in ensuring compatibility. It’s also a good time to clean any dust from the headphone jack, which, unlike most phones, doesn’t seal tightly to the frame. The dust that entered over the years was minimal, but a quick brush and some air do wonders.
Repairing the Blackberry is a rewarding challenge, mainly because I don’t have to worry about dust or fingerprints on the camera lenses. The lenses are actually attached directly to the camera modules, not the back panel, so I can repair it without leaving marks on them.
Next, I move the button flex cable out of the way before removing the metal shield covering the battery. The battery is adhered to the frame with strong adhesive, not screws. While it would have been nice to see removable screws, this adhesive allows me to remove the battery with just a bit of force, and the familiar adhesive used in many Chinese phones ensures the parts remain in place.
With the old battery removed, I can install the new one. I carefully fold the cable to the right length, ensuring a secure attachment to the motherboard. Now, I turn my attention to the charging port, which required four screws to be removed before prying out the speaker and exposing the port. This port had been causing me issues, but it turned out to be clogged with lint, which I carefully cleaned with tweezers. Thankfully, this allowed the cable to fit properly, and now it’s time to install the new port.
One challenge I encountered during this repair was the delicate antenna cable connectors. While most connectors are designed to be durable, one of these broke during the process. Fortunately, I had a replacement part, and I managed to safely remove the broken connector, keeping the rest of the cable intact.
With the new parts in place, I apply the same adhesive as before to the back panel. Since this Blackberry has no official IP rating, I don’t need to worry about creating a perfect seal. All I need to ensure is that the panel stays secure. Once the protective films are removed and the back panel is in place, the job is done.
A Final Test
The final step in any repair is the test. I power up the phone, checking the battery’s performance and ensuring everything works as expected. Comparing the usage graphs, I can see the new battery is far more reliable, with the percentage drop being smooth and steady compared to the rapid, erratic drop of the old battery.
Once the phone passes all the tests, I can finally reflect on the repair. Why keep using a six-year-old Blackberry when newer, more advanced phones are at my disposal? It’s simple: I wanted a basic phone that doesn’t pull me into the digital abyss. In a world where smartphones dominate our attention, this Blackberry serves a singular purpose—calls, messages, emails, basic notes, and eBay browsing. It’s a phone that keeps me connected to what truly matters without constantly distracting me.
Conclusion
By reviving this Blackberry Key2 LE, I’ve kept the last-ever phone of the iconic brand alive and kicking. The repairs, though tedious, were a labor of love, and they ensure that this little piece of history will continue to serve its purpose for years to come. With a new battery, a fresh charging port, and a little TLC, my Blackberry is back to working as it should. It’s a reminder that, even in the fast-paced world of technology, some things—like the satisfying click of a physical keyboard—are worth holding on to.
Thank you for following along on this repair journey. If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out my other phone restoration videos. And if you’re looking for used devices, be sure to check out my online store—link in the description. Until next time!
