I couldn't find the answer to the following in BlackberryFAQ or my owners manual (unless i've been a spanner and missed it) however i'm just wondering - how does PIN messaging work?

Me and a friend both have an 8700g (on different networks) and tried sending a PIN message to each other but it just does not send at all - are there requirements (such as network coverage, subscription, method etc) to be met before you send a PIN message?

And my Blackberry messenger doesn't work - i add the same friend to my blackberry messenger but it then just keeps asking if I want to join my friends list (essentially adding myself)

Any ideas?

you have to have a data plan for PINs to work

The only requirement for PIN messaging is to be subscribed to a BlackBerry Data Plan, or on Tmobile, a generic data plan AND the Tmobile "Feature Enabler".

1. Can either of you PIN message another person (you are welcome to try and test me at PIN 241b581d if you like).

2. PIN messaging and BBMessaging work across carrier networks, across the world, with no restrictions OTHER than some BES corporate IT Policies might disable PIN messaging.

This would be the first thing... compose a PIN from the Message > Compose Pin screen. if that works, you should be able to use BBMessenger, as long as one has added the other as a BBM contact. BOTH of you might try deleting the other from your BBM contacts, wait a while and make sure neither is showing in your BBM Contacts, then one of you add the other.

You have to both have BlackBerry data plans, generic ones wont work. The message goes through RIMs servers and then to the other device, they dont have anything to do with the carrier network past getting a data connection.

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

Are you having or your friend able to communicate with others?

Resend your service books.

A generic plan on Tmobile USA will work with the Feature Enabler on the account, won't it?

I don't know about TMO- UK.

Tmo + Feature enabler allows MMS, still doesnt register you with RIM. Dont think it will work.

ok Sith, thanks. There has been discussion on the Forum here that it would, and some say it will not. I have no personal experience with as I am on a Data Plan.

@ TallPaul86 -- I sent you a test PIN message. It indicated Delivered on my end. You have not responded. I used the PIN in your profile here below your name... is that correct? Look at Options > Status and confirm your PIN is correct.

Firstly thanks Sanders for helping me test out PIN messaging - got it fine and good and got BlackBerry Messenger working fine as i can send and receive messages from yourself.

Just one question - does BBM only work BB to BB or can it be used like MSN Messenger?

For some ***** reason, T Mobile UK doesnt support MSN Messenger - hence the requirement of BlackBerry Messenger

Cheers for the help so far - one word could describe all who have replied and that word is legends!

bb to bb only

Aha!! Nice to know eventually - why is this not covered in the owners manual? Wonder how many other secrets are there to this thing...

I assume with the BBM it uses the BB PIN of other BB owners to communicate via the BBM platform yeah?

yep thats it

Wirelessly posted

Tallpaul, you can use MSN via jivetalk which is £10 and handles most instant Messaging applications.
Try the free trial


Or, you could wait for the 4.5 OS that coupled with BIS 2.5 should enable MSN.

Thanks for that FoxGlove - i think i'll save up for IM+ the one that does all of them iirc

And on another note to close this thread off i've found out why my friend wasn't receiving my PIN messages or Blackberry Messenger invites

He does not have the Blackberry Data Plan

And here was me thinking there was something wrong with my phone only to find out he omitted the biggest and most important info possible!

I ended up with a red face due to embarrassment and my mate ended up with a red face after i back handed him for his stupidity...

correct, Paul.. glad you got it figured out.