We’ve been taking some time to go over the more common BlackBerry error messages and what you can do to fix them without too much of a headache. Today we’re going to run down error 523, one that destroyed my BlackBerry Curve 8330 — twice. Unfortunately, this workaround wouldn’t have helped me much. It requires booting in safe mode, which is available only on devices running OS 4.6 and up (I had 4.5 on my 8330). But if you’re using a newer BlackBerry and run into this, you can try to work around the error and get your device back up and running. 
Once you see the dreaded white error screen, pop your battery. Once you reinsert it and the device starts booting, hold down the escape key. I’m not sure exactly how long you need to hold it, but keep on holding it, just to be safe, until you see that the device is booting in safe mode. Again, you need OS 4.6 or above to do this. Here’s the strange part, one that many users wouldn’t think of: disconnect your computer from the Internet. once you’re offline, plug your dying device into the computer and run Desktop Manager. From there you go to Application Loader, Add/Remove Applications, and click Start. The key here is to bump any applications you’ve recently installed — ones that might have caused the near-fatal change. I also recommend removing themes, as this is something I did after messing around with Application Loader for a while. After this, back up your device. I wholeheartedly recommend a full wipe after fixing this error. This could extend the life of your device. I do recommend, however, that you remain open to picking up a new Berry. After I initially fixed my Error 523, it happened again about a month later. In other words, it might be a chronic problem. If you’re having trouble with other error messages, send them in: jpawlikowski at the bbgeeks.com address. If you have the workaround to go along with it, all the better.
99 comments… read them below or add one
Whenever I get one of this near-fatal errors I immediately pull the battery, disconnect my laptop from Internet, fire up BBSAK, USB connect my device to laptop and power it up. s soon as BBSAK recognizes the device (if it does) I do a full dump. Then get out of BBSAK and try getting into DM and do a full backup. From there the process differs depnding on error, but if I can get my data and apps off the phone then I never try to poke aroud and unhack some app or theme or whatever out of the system. I just do a full device wipe with BBSAK and re-install the OS from scratch.
These are situations where if you’re not on a BES you will wish you were using one of the many data backup apps that do automatic backup of your device OTA!
What is BBSAK and which key is the escape key?
I wonder if anyone can help me with my issue.
I recently bought a new curve 8900 from a reputable provider. The phone was not working properly at all so I returned it and they swopped it for another one. This too had problems. When I looked under the back cover I found there were dirt marks and scratches etc. Does anyone know how one can check whether a phone has been registered/sold before apart from contacting RIM? Any help would be greatly appreciated. PS: I know the phones come sealed but this is easy to reseal.
@Devon I am not aware of any kind of database that may hold a list of refurb phones but one possible course of action is to Get the IMEI from the seller and call the branded service provider. They should be able to tell you if this phone has been pre-owned at some point.
my blackbery bold 9700 has a white screen with the mesage jum error 182 can u hl
@jon grimley This is a software glitch. Pull the battery while the device is still powered on. Replace after 30 seconds or so.
This should clear up the issue. Note that it may take a few pulls in a row to get back to normal.
I have a BB Storm and I have an error 523. Which is the escape key
@Orita The escape key is located between the BlackBerry (Menu) key and the End / Power (red) key.
I downloaded the new software that was just recommended (blackberry desktop, 5.0.0.886 for my BB8530) Everything worked fine until it was restoring stuff. Got a message (sorry didn’t write it down) but it had to do with repairing my media. Well, I was a little afraid and said NO, now I can not open any of my documents from on my media card. I was able to e-mail the file to myself (desk top) and open it. BB says “unable to display file” then the file location (on media card).
How do I get this fixed so the BB will display the files?
Thanks
i have this problem on my phone and every time i reset it, it works for about 5 seconds and suddenly goes black and then has the same problem all over again :? help me please!
@charlie Sounds like you need to reload your OS.
I GOT APP ERROR 523 ON MY PHONE. WHEN I TRIED TO CONNECT MY BLACKBERRY CURVE 8520 TO DESKTOP MANAGER, IT WORKS ALL THE WAY EXCEPT THE LAST STEP WHERE THE DESKTOP MANAGER COULDN’T CONNECT OR DETECT THE BLACKBERRY DEVICE. HOW DO I GET RID OF THIS PROBLEM.
@King Are you running the latest version of Desktop Manager? In the bottom left corner of DM what does it say?
I am having this problem with my Blackberry Tour. I have rebooted in Safe Mode, yet the error returns even then. I have tried to connect to DM, both with and without the internet connected, and have been unsuccessful.
I get error 523 every day at about same time (5PM) and after the reset it works fine. What could be the cause?
@jjjg I would look for apps you have installed that are trying to update themselves at that point in the day. Perhaps a weather app or a tv guide app. Something that updates at a regular interval.
Delete that app and your problem will go away.
Deleted all apps and still get app error 523
Hi. Ive rebooted my phone on safe mode. The only problem is, that those applications ive installed on my phone were via the Gprs service on my sim card. I installed it directly on my phone. Does that serve as a problem if i connect my phone to the DM?
@pritika It should not cause a problem no – if the app is installed it can be removed regardless of how it was installed.
you know it started happening to my phone once I upgraded FaceBook to its newest version. I rebooted it, but then it did the same thing a couple of times after. Now I’m having problems with this new FB, but no problems with BB lol what the heck is going on! )))
@Olga The Facebook app sucks would be my guess.
I got a BB curve 8520 and when I turn my phone on, it loads then goes to the home screen and asks me to put my pin in then before I get a chance to type it in it goes blank and says app error 523 then says reset then when i reset it does the same thing over and over again, what do I do? Please help
i have an bb 8530 and it keeps bringing up this message saying i have an app error 523 and my bb is not connecting to the desk top manager what do i do
@janee You will need to download JLCmder or BBSAK to wipe the device and reload your OS software.
http://www.blackberryforums.com/rim-software/18789-jl_cmder.html
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/How_do_I_wipe_the_BlackBerry_using_Jl_Cmder%3F
howdoi fix myphone do i have to reset it
I am seeing app error 523 on my bb bold 9700 but i dont know Which key(s) is/are the escape key(s)?
@Lual The escape key is the bent arrow on the right side of the keypad
I called verizon help they werent able to help and told me I need a new phone. Following your steps allowed me to erase old software and reupload software..and I am not tech savvy at all. I attached my phone to the computer and used the computer esc button which seemed to work for me. Thank you!!!!!
pls i have error 523 on my bb curve and have triied to remove the apps,still the same(error 523) …. but i only have Desk Manager ,what about that OS , i have no knowledge about that ..pls what can i do now am really tired and tired about it
@kunle You can download a new OS here:
http://blackberryrocks.com/latest-blackberry-os/
Installation instructions are on the download page.
i bought my BB CURVE 5 months ago in Dubai,it was working quite well until last night when it froze and said something about erasing my fones memory,i panicked and took my battery out to get it started again bt now all my fone does is show a blank screen as well as the loading symbol thingy…its been doing this for a while now….PLS HELP!!!!
I have a BB storm 9500 and appl error 523 appeared on a white screen. Please how do I resolve this. help me please.
Hi, I have got the same concern as Stephanie. I am using the 9700 2nd version of BB Bold. I did not upload any software ad such but I am getting this aPp error 523 message on my device. I have got a password protection as well. It gives an option to reset but I see it goes back to the same state of eRror message display over & over again. Would appreciate if some one can assist me in this regard.
@kevin – something has been corrupted – if you can not identify what it is from the steps in the post then I suggest backing up your contacts etc then reinstalling or upgrading your OS to the most recent available.
THANK YOUUU!!!! MY BB IS WORKING AGAIIIN!!! :D
i ve been having issues with my bb curve 2.i woke up just to discover i was having app error 523 on my screen.its been giving me headache.i tried all the procedures but to no avail.pls someone should help me…..
I have a BlackBerry Curve 8520. when i power up my smart phone i see Uncaught exception 13 > = 13 then it instantly turns into a white screen with App error 523… this phone was given to me by a friend (i assumed i could fix it)but i do not know the software version (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.0 etc.) ive downloaded BB D.M. 4.5 and it reads my PIN but wont connect right.. and ive been at this for hours.. how do i get my phone up and running… i want everything on this phone to be wiped off.. ive tried the escape key (safe mode) trick and well it doesnt seem to work. it repeats the message Uncaught Exception in safe mode and returns to the white page App Error 523 i really would appreciate any help to get my phone working ASAP
-Brytni
Brytni – mines EXACTLY the same! been trying all night + was given it by a friend too to see if i can fix 4 him. did u have any luck?
I know i am running the latest software as it connected ONCE ok to check that but after that nothing still.
did u have any luck?
thanks in advance
Mark
I am getting error code 523 on my BlackBerry storm 9530 and also the screen has also freezes
i was using my blackberry for like a couple hours non stop so then the screen started to crackle. I did a battery pull and let it cool down, when i restarted my phone my bbm icon had a green arrow on the convo bubble and the title said Upgrade Blackberry Messenger, and when i select bbm it goes to a webpage for bbm 5.0. When it ry dowloading it goes all the way then says download failed and it still wont open my bbm. Ive tried wiping my phone including all my third party apps, nothing works. PLEASE help :( I even deleted the bbm app from desktop manager but the icon is still on my menu..
What if you haven’t downloaded any apps? It happened to my BB just this morning right after it vibrated.
I got a BB curve 8520 and when I turn my phone on, it loads then goes to the home screen and asks me to put my pin in then before I get a chance to type it in it goes blank and says app error 523 then says reset then when i reset it does the same thing over and over again, what do I do? Please help Quickly
i have deleted all app, except blackberry messenger and blackberry app world, but the “error 523″ still appears anytime. i also tried every ways that exist on websites, but it wont fix my problem. is there any other way than buy new berry ???
I have a BlackBerry Curve 8520. when i power up my smart phone i see Uncaught exception 13 > = 13 then it instantly turns into a white screen with App error 523… this phone was given to me by a friend (i assumed i could fix it)but i do not know the software version (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.0 etc.) ive downloaded BB D.M. 4.5 and it reads my PIN but wont connect right.. and ive been at this for hours.. how do i get my phone up and running… i want everything on this phone to be wiped off.. ive tried the escape key (safe mode) trick and well it doesnt seem to work. it repeats the message Uncaught Exception in safe mode and returns to the white page App Error 523 i really would appreciate any help to get my phone working ASAP
I had this happen to me last night. I tried all the little suggested fixes and nothing worked. UNTIL I found this link that told me EXACTLY what to do. Read the instructions carefully! You will need to have the following:
1-a Windows computer
2-BB Desk Top Manger installed on your PC
3-The operating system you want to re-load into your BB. Load it onto your PC prior to starting the process. It will NOT work if you don’t do this! I missed this the first time so learn from my mistake.
Follow the instructions in this link and you should be good to go!
http://crackberry.com/blackberry-101-lecture-12-how-reload-operating-system-nuked-blackberry
plz help me my bb orange facing app error 523 wat should i do plz help me 2 fix it
Hi ,
I have bb 8900 I am getting run time error and i cannot send or recieve Text messages . I am with simple mobile without internet , and gsm network i did check my sim with my friends same phone texts are coming in and going but not on my phone how do i get it fixed . Ill appreciate anyone help
how do i know its booting on safe mode
this happend to my bb if u have a memory card in it just take it out and it should work!
i am using blackberry curve 8900 and somthing happened when i took out battery n put in it started showing uncaught exception index:13 <= n it started to show app error 523 reset can u help me out to fix the problem without DM i mean since i dont have DM installed i tried to install it from net but its not installing so can any one of u help
I have a BlackBerry Curve 8520. when i power up my smart phone i see Uncaught exception 9 > = 9 then it instantly turns into a white screen with App error 523. its a new phone, bought it 2months ago(i assumed i could fix it)but i do not know the software version ( ive tried the escape key (safe mode) trick and well it doesnt seem to work. it repeats the message Uncaught Exception in safe mode and returns to the white page App Error 523 i really would appreciate any help to get my phone working
i really need to get my bb working i was on the phone to a friend the other night and all of a sudden it cancelled my call and went to app error 523, i need my phone for my son please guys what can i do… so stressed out with this sh***y bb’s….HELP!! xx
hey guys my brother has a blackberry 8520 which is stuck on the loading up screen..whilst trying to reload it it asks me for security code but my brother cant remember what he set as the code..sumone plz give me sum advice..how can i bypass that???
THANKS FOR THIS ARTICLE IT HELPED!!!! <3 <3 <3
hi iv got a blacberry curve it was fine one minute and then the screen turned white and it sais app error 523 and then a black box under that saying reset i cant click this box so afta it loads it goes through veryfiying software and then it goes to uncaught exception index 8 > 8 something like that can you please help me thanks
I have gone through the steps provided by you to reload th nukked battery. It doent work in my case. When the application loader wizards started at the time when you figure out “USB-PIN UNKNOWN” and click next . The Application loader doesnt depict any application name it says “The Blackberry Desktop Software doesnot have Blackberry Device software for the device that you have connected to the computer” I have downlaoded the OS and desktop manger but it dint work out. Please help
Hi , I have a blackberry 8330. And it freezes for a few mins then it sayd app rorr 532. How do I fix this . *i don’t have a desktop*
I have a BlackBerry Curve 8520. when i power up my smart phone i see Uncaught exception 8> = 8 then it instantly turns into a white screen with App error 523. its a new phone, bought it 2months ago(i assumed i could fix it)but i do not know the software version ( ive tried the escape key (safe mode) trick and well it doesnt seem to work. it repeats the message Uncaught Exception in safe mode and returns to the white page App Error 523 i really would appreciate any help to get my phone working plez this know anybdy plez inform me ur venkey 9980222508 ,8453011880
Hi. So I just got this black berry a few months ago it was workking fine . All of a sudden I was on the internet and the time clock came on then “Apperror 532. It has been doing this. At random times . And idk how to fix it . Please help
bought bb curve9300 from the store just 1month ago……damn,the app error 523 reappears.i have tried all the above solutions which are ought to solve the problem…and now got fed up with the bb and i’m planning to go with nokia…which had a better service in india..and a better working..:)
Hello everybody,
i have a blackberry 9700 and when i shut it down, on powering it on, it came on and was giving me this error message (app error 523 reset). And i don’t know what to do right now.
I get JVM Error 182 messages on my phone but how do I reset this on my phone. I got this phone from my service provider but they say they can’t help me. How do I use the reset button on my phone.I don’t browse the web on my phone and am going to look for another brand of phone if I don’t get any help with this.
Not getting another BB to replace this current piece of garbage. It is disheartening, watching a company cannibalize itself because it can’t compete with Apple. Truly sad, but not unwarranted.
i brought black berry this month sudden i close then it give me error 523 reset plz help me i dont no how to fix it
i hv blackberry 9300 two month old…but now it is showing error 532 ..wat is d hell disssssssss
I just wanted to thank you cause it worked! I thought my bb was going to die. I was downloading foursquare and it gave me an error message saying that the application was trying to get information I didnt allow. And the error message just wouldnt disappear! Nothing worked, not even taking out the battery, rebooting or anything.
But this “booting in safe mode” saved me, i didnt know about. Thank u so much!
I have a BlackBerry Curve 9300. when i power up it boots then it instantly turns into a white screen with App error 523. its a new phone, bought it 3months ago(i assumed i could fix it)but i do not know the software version ( ive tried the escape key (safe mode) trick and well it doesnt seem to work. it repeats the message Uncaught Exception in safe mode and returns to the white page App Error 523 i really would appreciate any help to get my phone working plez this know anybdy plez inform me ur ravi 9344806677
mi blackberry 9000 no me lee el chip solo aparece ERROR DE INICIALIZACION que puedo hacer q alguien me ayude pronto
Woke up this morning and did a hard reset on my bb 9500 …..after loading the error 5>=5 just showed and later shiwed a white page with app error 523…pls reply me with a solution asap
john ann, if the steps in the above article don’t work, your phone is probably shot. App Error 523 eventually killed one of my BlackBerrys. I had to bring it to Verizon. Thankfully they upgraded me, since it was still under warranty.
I have a BB pearl and I have an error 523. Which is the escape key
michael, the escape key is the back button.
I’ve got my phone in to safe mode but now DM won’t connect and after 3-5 mins the phone switches to the Error 523 screen. Sadly I’ve received emails and BBM’s with each reboot! … This is driving me nuts, I simply want to back up the stupid thing but nothing will work and I’m not sure what else to do with it other then put it in the lawn mower seeing as everything is lost anyways! (Stupid CDMA phones!)
i brought black berry this month sudden i close then it give me error 523 reset plz help me i dont no how to fix it
THIS ACTUALLY WORKED, TRIED AND IT WORKED
Resolution
Warning: The following procedure will result in the loss of BlackBerry smartphone user data. The BlackBerry smartphone cannot perform a backup.
On the computer, click Start >Run (if Run is not available in the Start menu, press and hold the Windows Logo key, and press the R key).
Type cmd, and click OK.
In the command prompt, type cd C:Program FilesCommon FilesResearch In MotionAppLoader, and press the Enter key.
NOTE: For 64-bit systems, type cd C:Program Files (x86)Common FilesResearch In MotionAppLoader, and press the Enter key.
Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to the computer.
In the command prompt, type loader.exe /resettofactory, and press the Enter key.
The loader utility erases the BlackBerry smartphone data.
My blackberry’s stuck after i tried the alt+ shift+ del command the one to show the battery power and it won’t start what should i do?
Hello blackberry users,
Since today does my blackberry quite crazy.
every time I startup there comes to him in image:
App Error 523
Reset
weard :S
each time I reset him the app error 523 image comes in to
I’m from Holland, so my English isn’t that good :)
What should I do?
Please help me! :)
I can’t live without my Blackberry bold 9700!!
Hi all,
I have blackberry 9300. Since from yesterday night am getting on error app error 523 when i start the phone. So what i sthe solution for this. even i didnt install the device software in laptop. Please help me on this ……..
please reply soon .. becz i have only one handset with me.. i dont have laternate phone to use.
thanks…… sucsesssssss. tq tq tq tq tq tq
hey my phone is not getting connected with the desktop manager!! i have to get back up from my phone.. gemme some solution?
Well I don’t know if is going to work for all of you, what I did is removed the battery of my BB 8220 and once the battery is removed the SIM card (I have tried this on gsm devices only) and the SD card have to be removed as well and then turn it on, once the OS is back and running insert the sim card and sd card with out removing the battery after that go to manu and power cycle (with out removing the battery) and that should do it, worked for me, good luck.
by the way, this is for the error 523, sorry and good luck once again.
Pls i need XP SP3 programme to run on my system. This will enable me to run effectively the downloaded BB Software.
I also need to quickly fix my BB from an Application Error 523. I need the a sofware that can fix this.
Thanks for your response.
Look I dropped my Bold 9700 and screen is white and has black spots here n there.. I can’t see or read anything! Everything else still works! But I have few older Blackberrys and was wondering if I could get the Screen from my Curve 8330 and put in my Bold? Will it work correctly?! Jus wanna save my bold and not spend $ on buyin parts when I have several extra phones to use parts off of! Plz help! ;)
Have tried the above steps, but when i connect to desktop manager keeps saying connecting and never connects
SKapoor
January 1, 2012 at 6:07 am,
IT WORKS VERY GOOD!!! THANKS, THANKS, THANKS!!
SKapoor
January 1, 2012 at 6:07 am
it really works good! thanks!
to help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM9v3pgkeno
didnt do anything just wiped my phone and had to pay for it to be repaired
its wrecked my phone
i tried and i saw the safe mode alright but my phone still went white screen.
error code.523 varfing software
I tryd th steps and t workd wth an 8520.follow steps provided by Kapoor to resolv error 532.thnx a lot
Hi i have a blackberry curve 8520 I had to get 2 new phones because I kept downloading to many themes and a star would come on my speaker and I would have a X on my signal so I had to take 1 back I then got a new 1 and had to get it fixed again down the shop in town for £25.00 The man in the shop told me don’t download anything from blackberry app world well I did it was fine and then my phone died out of charge I couldn’t be arsed to charge it well today I did and it said “app error 523 reset” so I have rest it about 10 times and nothing seems to work I put in too safe mode and nothings happening plzz help me!!!xx
i have blackbarry 8530 curve and please give me solution of app error 523
i have a bb curve8520 what is the escape key plus my hand by mistake slips all the time when i hold the escape key ( i assume that the escape key is the del button). do i have to press and hold for all the time or is it ok to leave he key sometimes till the sceen appears).
How do I unlock a BB wth finishd unlock trials
Hi my 9300 has app error 523 I m working inSierra Leone and this is my life line to family and friends can any ! PLEASE help me reset this please step by step