Avatars Are Not Displayed For Contacts In BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 (Workaround)

Posted by Mauricio on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:05 PM | Comments

BlackBerry pictures QL 09718115630 Avatars Are Not Displayed For Contacts In BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 (Workaround)

Many people have sent me messages and tweets about not being able to see their contacts’ avatar in the new BlackBerry Messenger 5.0. I would usually recommend the standard battery pull, having that contact re-load their photo, re-download BBM 5.0 or re-add the contact. In some cases these methods would work but in others they would not, and at the time I would usually recommend re-adding via PIN.

RIM has published a knowledge base article with a workaround to this issue since there is no resolution (right now).

This is a previously reported issue that has been escalated internally to our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.

Here’s the workaround provided by RIM:

  1. On the Home screen or in the Instant Messaging folder, click the BlackBerry Messenger icon.
  2. Highlight the affected user.
  3. On the contact list screen, press the Menu key.
  4. Select Delete Contact.
  5. To add the contact again, invite them by using scan a barcode or by email.

Once you re-invite the contact they will need to re-accept. Once the contact accepts you should both be able to see each others’ avatars. Keep in mind that both parties must be running BBM 5.0. You can download it OTA from blackberry.com/messenger.

If you’ve had issues where you can’t see your contacts’ avatars be sure to try this workaround and let me know how it works for you in the comments!

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Filed Under: Guides & How To

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Tags: Avatars, Barcode, BBM, BBM 5.0, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, Contact, Email, Images, Instant Messaging, Knowledge Base Article, Pictures, PIN, RIM


  • beri
    I usually have the contact refresh their avatar and that works for me, or a battery pull
  • Maybe im missing something or not but how do you scan a barcode by email on your BB or is the meaning of scan by email need to be done via scanning the barcode with your BB while viewing the email on your PC?

    To add the contact again, invite them by using scan a barcode or by email.
  • MTDutcher
    Does anybody have a recommendation of where to go to get more avatars for BBM 5.0?
  • You mean default images instead of user-chosen avatars?
  • MTDutcher
    I think so. There are several 'cartoon' avatars that installed with the BBM 5. Is there a place to go to get more avatars like this?
  • beri
    your best bet is to try and google 'cartoon avatars' and see, make sure you save them to you media card though so you dont use up your device memory
  • Brownie
    Much tighter intergration between Contacts and BBM 5 much much better app now!
  • Samuel
    i downloaded os 5.0.0.314 .. works great i had some older programs/themse that work with it. (dont know if that can be problem but..)

    cant see any of my contacts icons.. LIKE ALL OF EM.. cant see none of their icons on my bbm.

    using bbm 5.0.0.33 (OEM release) and os 5.0.0.314 (obviously leak)

    ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO KOMBAT THIS ISSUE. I'LL BE LOOKIN ALL DAT FOR ANSWERS LOL. if not then downgrading and redo'ng everything, so save me trouble if you can guys. LETS GO
  • Shag
    it didn't work
  • The procedure listed by RIM doesn't work. I've tried it numerous times with different contacts all using BB5.0 and NADA! RIM SUCKS. I would rather spend more time planning on the most efficient way to destroy the entire blackberry race! Why oh why didn't I buy an iPhone!!??!!
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