Torch 9850 Verizon - Back button

**dmcicc** · 10-03-2011, 10:37 AM

My back button doesn't work very often. It seems like a software issue and recently started with this issue. Any other users experiencing this? Is there a fix?

**hopeforfx** · 10-03-2011, 01:56 PM

I just started noticing the same thing in the last day or so. Sometimes I can not get the back arrow to close an email and end up using the BB button and selecting close. The next time I am in email it seems fine. Have also experienced this in the browser. I was thinking the phone was locking up at that moment since I get occasonal pauses that others mentioned also.

I am also with vzw. Upgraded to 362 about 2 weeks ago.

**fotodadi** · 10-03-2011, 02:43 PM

Same problem for me....

In my case I even have the menu key lock up!!!

Spoke with a friend who suggested I do a backup, wipe the phone, re-install the latest OS an perform a "restore" while avoiding the installation of apps.

I have also been seeing an "exceptional errors caught" message following a battery pull start up.

I'll see how it goes and post up.

**fotodadi** · 10-03-2011, 04:07 PM

Just finished the restore following the wipe (I used the BBSAK for that)....all seem ok, no "exceptional error caught", no freezing keys. I will stick to apps only from appworld. and load them up slowly so if anything changes i can spot it.

**fotodadi** · 10-05-2011, 05:09 AM

alas... the problem persists!!!

I am thinking that its a hardware issue and not software.

**NinerJet9** · 10-05-2011, 06:44 AM

what OS are you guys running? Go issues here with .362.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

**stevepca** · 10-05-2011, 12:04 PM

I experienced the same problem with my back and menu buttons. Both stopped working and I the last app that I installed was almost 2 week ago. Took it back to Verizon, they sent me a new phone, problem solved. I think it is a hardware issue.

**mjkep** · 10-06-2011, 06:58 AM

I have been experiencing the same issue. I have found that if you launch and alternative app or function (e.g., Phone, Options, Manage Connections, etc.) and then try the back it clears the issue 70% +/- of the time. This is very frustrating. I was hoping to avoid a reset but will give that a shot. I will post a follow up along the path to solution. Thanks to all who have posted on this subject matter!

**mjkep** · 10-06-2011, 11:54 AM

Update: Been trying an experiment (certainly not scientific by any stretch) by NOT putting the 9850 in the OEM clip holster. So far, some 5 hours later, the back/menu button not working has not occurred. Perhaps the magnet is in the wrong position and is causing the issue? Will continue to monitor and post.

Update: 10/6/11 - 1538. Nearly 8 hours and still no recurrence of the back/menu buttons not working. Not holding breath but hopeful.

Update: 10/7/11 - 0900. As long as I didn't put the 9850 into the OEM holster I did not have any issue. Oddly though, I tried using a non OEM (no magnet) pocket sleeve and no sooner did I pull the 9850 out the buttons (menu/back) stopped working. I went the remainder of the night and through 9am this morning and have not had any issue. I am stumped and bummed. I do like to protect my investment.

**DoctorNeutron** · 10-06-2011, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by dmcicc

My back button doesn't work very often. It seems like a software issue and recently started with this issue. Any other users experiencing this? Is there a fix?

Try this when you are, say, in the Browser and you are going to/loading a site you did not mean to: gently touch the screen and hold for a couple of secs: a blue menu will appear; choose STOP; then hit the back / escape hardware key. Doctor Neutron

**CranBerry413** · 12-17-2011, 08:21 AM

My GF has a 9850 on Sprint, and she has been having the exact same problem. We are going to have to get it replaced.

**blackberry-unlocking710** · 12-17-2011, 04:57 PM

It sounds like a hardware issue after reading those comments.

**baspeed** · 12-18-2011, 10:48 AM

My back button wore out in less then three months. They sent me a replacement and it feels like they changed how the buttons feel on this one. They appear to press much easier then my early version of the 9050 from Big Red.

**sonabraham** · 12-21-2011, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by mjkep

I have been experiencing the same issue. I have found that if you launch and alternative app or function (e.g., Phone, Options, Manage Connections, etc.) and then try the back it clears the issue 70% +/- of the time. This is very frustrating. I was hoping to avoid a reset but will give that a shot. I will post a follow up along the path to solution. Thanks to all who have posted on this subject matter!

My hard buttons quit working after updating Battery Watch. This solution fixed the problem.
Thanks

**Jamma3** · 12-22-2011, 01:07 PM

Folks save yourselves some time and get the phone repaired or returned.
This is a known hardware issue

Phone is poorly made...you can't even pick the phone up without an app opening...RIM is going downhill

**joeye333** · 12-22-2011, 07:24 PM

I have found that the back button is more of an issue on Sprint's 7.1.
Thought it was a hardware issue but didn't start causing a problem until I went with this o.s.
Down-graded last night and the back button seems to be working again.

**sonabraham** · 12-22-2011, 11:08 PM

I've had my phone for four months. The only issues I have are when I get stupid and download an approved app. I was lucky the first time, as the OS update resolved two very recent issues. Then came the App World update. That went fine as I was able to get an app that was previously not available. But, as usual, I couldn't leave well enough alone. Along with the App World update came several updates to apps I already owned. It seemed logical that running updated apps could do nothing but help. WRONG.

I updated Battery Watch. Bang my hard buttons quit working. Used the work around listed above. Got me by long enough to work on the problem. In my case here's what I found.

Verizon Tech Support doesnt know or care about BB phones. They have exactly three solutions.

1. Battery pull

2. Wipe the phone

3. Send you a new phone

The support guy I talked to did say that some apps put files that can cause damage in odd places like an SD card.

Long story short. Two wipes later with no help they are sending me a new phone. I didnt want a new phone so kept working. Finally decided to delete browser cache. Phone has worked flawlessly for 24 hours.

I think we need a new section devoted to fixes and work arounds. Should also expose app developers engaging in shady practices.

**MeetJoeAsian** · 12-23-2011, 01:24 PM

BACK or any other sticky button problem is NOT a software problem...it's hardware, they are very poorly made...I've had 2 Torches already with sticky buttons...and gradually they become poorer...

**dkc9646** · 12-24-2011, 12:25 PM

My back button seems to have sunk into the phone and it is harder to press--is this what most folks here mean by a 'hardware' issue?

I would say that I use the back button the most out of all four buttons on the face of the phone so maybe I need to adjust my habit and use the menu button to close out of apps/websites....

**Jamma3** · 12-29-2011, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by dkc9646

My back button seems to have sunk into the phone and it is harder to press--is this what most folks here mean by a 'hardware' issue?

I would say that I use the back button the most out of all four buttons on the face of the phone so maybe I need to adjust my habit and use the menu button to close out of apps/websites....

Why should you have to adjust all buttons on your phone should function...the phone is crap and because of this I left BB...RIM is going down the toilet.

**black hole** · 12-29-2011, 06:09 PM

Its a bit harsh to leave RIM based on some crappy hardware isnt it?

I survived a total of 6 Storm/Storm 2...this is leagues ahead!

...sadly tho, I too have a sunken back button.

**Jamma3** · 12-30-2011, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by black hole

Its a bit harsh to leave RIM based on some crappy hardware isnt it?

I survived a total of 6 Storm/Storm 2...this is leagues ahead!

...sadly tho, I too have a sunken back button.

Not just some crappy hardware but 4 9550, 3 9530 and 2 9860 I think that is enough.
I see you're on Telus also...it takes 3 weeks to get your phone back and the loaner phone (plus $150 diposit) is never a touch screen. I was surprise when the 9860 came back in 2 weeks during Christmas season

Too late will sell ASAP!
I've moved on and will move the remaining 3 BBs in my house to Android

**DaedalusIcarusHelios** · 05-14-2012, 01:09 PM

I noticed today my back button is slightly pressed in. It works, but it feels harder to press (not much give to it). I noticed some time last week that a clear coating seems to be coming off of it from using it too much I guess. I'm wondering if some of that coating coming off is causing the issue by getting stuck in the cracks.

**sehale** · 05-15-2012, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by DaedalusIcarusHelios

I noticed today my back button is slightly pressed in. It works, but it feels harder to press (not much give to it). I noticed some time last week that a clear coating seems to be coming off of it from using it too much I guess. I'm wondering if some of that coating coming off is causing the issue by getting stuck in the cracks.

I didn't have any coating issues but my back button sounds like yours. I took mine in to the Verizon store. The guy there felt it, pushed the other buttons, and overnighted me a replacement. Much snappier feel now.

**Scooter68** · 05-15-2012, 10:08 AM

Hey guys, I just posted a *FIX* for the back button issue that I figure out after some testing.

Anybody can do this and it is easy. Give it a try, here is the post.

9850 / 9860 Back Button **FIX**

Cheers