Use a privacy-focused browser that still supports older Android versions, such as or Firefox , and keep its built-in ad blockers active.
This article is your definitive guide to why, how, and which custom firmware you should install to resurrect BlackBerry’s last great hardware experiment.
, which run newer versions of Android and maintain the physical keyboard experience. transfer your data from an old Priv to a newer Android device? Blackberry Priv Custom Rom
Because you cannot easily flash a custom ROM, you are likely stuck on the official final firmware: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow . This leads to several modern-day issues: Blackberry Priv In 2024... Is it still usable?
0 today, or perhaps draft a for the stock firmware? Use a privacy-focused browser that still supports older
LineageOS 18.1 makes the Priv usable again for light tasks, but broken VoLTE and unreliable slider detection kill it as a phone. If you already own a Priv and have it unlocked, try LOS 18.1 for fun – but don’t buy a Priv in 2026 expecting a custom ROM to save it. Rating: 5/10 – Works, but only as a mini-tablet or tinker toy.
BlackBerry's entire brand identity was built on enterprise-grade security. When they transitioned to the Android operating system, they implemented a security architecture designed to prevent modification at any level: transfer your data from an old Priv to
Stability purists.
LineageOS 18.1 is a popular custom ROM based on . It is widely known for offering a clean, near-stock Android experience with a focus on performance, stability, and privacy. For a device stuck on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, this represents a monumental leap forward. The people who have tested this build report that all the core hardware functions have been successfully ported. This means you can expect the camera, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and cellular network to work.