Tips: Choosing a connection
Your BlackBerry device is capable of a wide range of connections, to increase what you can do with your device and how it
interacts with other devices. Have a look at the list of connections to learn about the different types of connections, some
tips for when to use each connection, and perhaps discover a few things that you didn't know you could do.
Network connections
Mobile network
A mobile network connection allows your BlackBerry device to make calls and, if you have a data plan, use data
services such as Internet browsing. In some locations, such as in a hospital or on an aeroplane, you need to turn off
your mobile network connection, but usually you can just leave your mobile network connection on.
Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi network connection is another way to get data services on your device, but unlike using the mobile network,
using Wi-Fi doesn't add charges to your data plan. Your device is designed to try to use saved Wi-Fi networks before
it tries to use the mobile network for basic data functions such as using the Internet or downloading apps. You can
leave Wi-Fi on so that as soon as you're in range of a saved Wi-Fi network, your device connects to it automatically,
but remember that if you leave Wi-Fi on all the time your battery can drain faster.
Connections between devices
USB
You can use a USB cable to create a two-way connection between your BlackBerry device and your computer.
When you connect your device to your computer using a USB cable, your device appears on your computer as a
removable storage device. Depending on the functionality of your computer, you can usually use a USB connection
to drag files between your computer and your device.
Bluetooth technology
Bluetooth wireless technology allows you to create a direct connection between your BlackBerry device and another
Bluetooth enabled device. Although you can transfer files over a Bluetooth connection, because of its ability to
stream content, Bluetooth connections are more commonly used for actions such as playing the music on your
BlackBerry device through a separate speaker or making calls on a headset that is using your BlackBerry device's
mobile network connection.
NFC
NFC is a short-range wireless technology that's used for the speedy transfer of small bits of data between your
BlackBerry device and another NFC-enabled device or an NFC tag. You don't need to enter pairing information to
User Guide
Connections
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