How to setup Simple Password on a BlackBerry Z10

Earlier this week a new BlackBerry 10.1 update was released and for those using a BlackBerry Z10, a new Simple Password feature has been added.  Having this feature enabled makes it easy to  unlock your device quickly using a numeric password by displaying a numeric keypad instead of the regular keyboard.

For example, notice the different keyboard in the following screenshots? This is because the device on the right has the Simple Password feature enabled.

How to turn on Simple Password

Provided you are using BlackBerry 10.1.0.4633 or later, to turn on the Simple Password feature, complete the following steps.

1. While viewing the home screen, tap Settings
2. Tap Security and Privacy followed by Device Password
3. Set the Device Password switch to On
4. Set the Simple Password switch to On
5. Enter your desired simple password twice

If you decide you no longer want to use Simple Password, to turn it off just complete the steps listed above and set the Device Password and Simple Password switches to Off.

I’m missing the Simple Password option?

If you are unable to find the option within the Device Password settings screen, verify you are using BlackBerry OS version 10.1.0.4633 or later. To find out which version of BlackBerry 10 you are using, complete the following steps:

1. While viewing the home screen, tap Settings
2. Tap About and change the Category bar to OS
3. The OS Version is displayed

If you are running something lower than 10.1.0.4633, complete the following steps to check for updates to your BlackBerry 10 software:

1. While viewing the home screen, tap Settings
2. Tap Software Updates

If you do not see a update, please review the post, a new BlackBerry 10.1 update available starting today

I turned on Simple Password but I don’t get prompted to set a password?

Ensure you have set both the Device Password and Simple Password switches to On. To view these settings, tap Settings on your home screen followed by Security and Privacy and finally, Device Password.

How do I lock my device?

To lock your device quickly, press and hold the power button followed by tapping Lock when it appears on your screen. For more details about the lock screen including how to customize the amount of time your device waits before locking automatically, check out the Lock your screen section of the BlackBerry Z10 User Guide.

To learn about a feature on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone or troubleshoot an issue, there are several great options available to help. Visit http://www.blackberry.com/support for access to product manuals, how-to demos, tips and tricks, YouTube videos, support forums, knowledge base articles, Twitter support, and contact information for your region.