Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

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I know it can be frustrating to those who want to download a cool application or theme but can’t because it is only available through an Over-the-Air (OTA) download. You usually need a data plan in order to install applications through an OTA download, but in some cases you don’t.
Here are some examples of when you don’t need a data plan to install an OTA application:
  • The application is a theme
  • The application does not require a data plan or data connection to work
  • You have access to the .jad and .cod file links
    • This means you have access to the full download link ending in .jad. Some application developers use scripts to allow OTA downloading, in which case you do not have actual access to the full download link.
Keep in mind, the easiest way to download an application or theme is directly through an OTA link using your BlackBerry Browser. For this tutorial I will be using the application XBerryLive.
Use these links to jump to a particular section of the guide:
WARNING: Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible for any problems that may occur as a result of following this guide. Like I always say…make plenty of backups!
INSTALL APPLICATIONS OR THEMES VIA OTA USING DATA
STEP 1

Make sure you have sufficient data coverage and open your BlackBerry Browser

STEP2
  • Visit the page that contains the OTA link, in this case my My Fav Apps OTA page
  • Click the link. I am using the OTA link for XBerryLive here
STEP 3

  • You will now be brought to a screen containing the application or theme’s details with a choice to either “Set application permissions,” “Download,” or “Cancel”
  • Assuming you want to download the application or theme, select “Download”
STEP 4
  • The download will start and install the application or theme on your BlackBerry
  • You may be prompted to reboot your BlackBerry before being able to use the application or theme. In either case, I always reboot or do a battery pull
  • You’re done!
If you do not have a data plan, downloading an application through an OTA link is possible but it’s a bit of a lengthier process.
INSTALL APPLICATIONS OR THEMES VIA OTA WITHOUT DATA

I suggest having a media card installed on your BlackBerry for this method. If you don’t, make sure you delete the .jad and .cod files after you are finished to prevent memory complications. If you are saving the file to your Device Memory make sure you save it under /home/user/.
THIS WORKS FOR BOTH APPLICATIONS AND THEMES WHERE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE .JAD AND .COD FILES THROUGH LINKS
STEP 1

  • Go to the page that contains the OTA link on your desktop computer
  • Click the link and save the .jad file to a location of your choice
STEP 2
  • Double click the .jad file to run it
  • If you do not have a default application that can run the .jad file, run it with Notepad
STEP 3
  • Now that you have the .jad file open with Notepad, locate the “RIM-COD-URL:”
  • Remember this location, it will be used in the next step
STEP 4
How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • The OTA link for XBerryLive is http://jxl.me/downloads/xberrylive.jad
  • Copy this link and place it in your browser but do not hit enter yet
  • Go back to Notepad and copy what comes after “RIM-COD-URL:” which in this case is “XBerryLive.cod” and the other “XBerryLive-1.cod”
  • Replace “XBerryLive.jad” with “XBerryLive.cod” in the link you pasted into your browser so it appears like this: http://jxl.me/downloads/xberrylive.cod. Do the same with the second .cod file.
  • Download and save the .cod files for XBerryLive to the same location you saved the .jad file for XBerryLive
  • NOTE: Some applications may have more than one .cod file. It is important that you download ALL OF THEM. Without all the necessary .cod files the installation will fail.
STEP 5
  • Connect your BlackBerry via USB to your desktop computer
STEP 6
How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • When prompted to enable Mass Storage Mode, click yes
  • If you aren’t using a media card you can skip this step
  • If you have Auto Enable Mass Storage Mode on you can skip this step
STEP 7
How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Navigate to where you would like to place the .jad and .cod files you saved, in this case I am saving it to BBMediaCard/BlackBerry/OTA_APPS
  • Drop the .jad and .cod files in the location of your choice
  • Disconnect your BlackBerry
STEP 8
How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Find the “Media” icon and click it
  • Open the menu and select “Explorer”
  • Navigate to the location where you saved the .jad and .cod files
  • Click on the .jad file to run it
STEP 9
How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Allow the application to fully install
  • Reboot or do a battery pull
  • You’re done!
At this point you can delete the .jad and .cod files you placed on your media card or device memory if you don’t think you’ll need them in the future.
In some cases you may not have access to the .jad and .cod files for this to work. An example would be downloading a premium theme or application which you paid for. If you purchased a theme or application, the developer will usually provide a temporary OTA link or the .alx and .cod files necessary for installing the application or theme through BlackBerry Desktop Manager. In that case you can use the Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager guide I put together.
I hope you all found this tutorial useful. If you have any questions or comments be sure to send me a message through my contact form.





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