If you have a BlackBerry cell phone, there are many applications that you can download to your phone for free. Once you learn how to get free BlackBerry apps, you can use the many applications to increase your productivity, stay connected with family and friends, check the news and weather, or just relax with a fun game.

There are a variety of apps available for BlackBerry phones and some of them can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are also many free BlackBerry applications available. These can be found using the BlackBerry App World or on third-party websites.

Before you begin, it's important to note that a BlackBerry smartphone is required to use any of the apps. While many companies create applications for BlackBerry phones, the Apple iPhone and Google Android, applications do not work on operating systems in which they were not designed. For instance, apps found at the iTunes App Store cannot be used on BlackBerry or Android phones and vice versa. Some apps work on all BlackBerry phones, while others only work one some versions or those using a specific BlackBerry device software. Similarly, there must be enough free application memory available on your BlackBerry smartphone to download apps.

• Some applications can be downloaded from BlackBerry through BlackBerry App Word. The site contains both free apps and apps you can pay for through PayPal.

1. Requires a BlackBerry smartphone
2. Visit BlackBerry App World online or through your smartphone.http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/appworld/download.jsp?
3. Download BlackBerry App World to your phone by clicking on the link.
4. Open the BlackBerry App World and browse the available application. Options include to search for a specific app, browse apps by category or see the top free or paid apps available.
5. Once you've found the app you wish to have, click the download link. Allow the app to download and install, then find it on your main menu and open the app for use.

BlackBerry apps can also be downloaded through a variety of other Web sites.

1. Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Apple and several other tech companies offer apps.
2. Many social networking sites such as Flickr and Facebook have their own apps.
3. Make sure you visit a legitimate site - don't download from sites you are not familiar with.
4. Not all apps can be used with all BlackBerry versions; make sure the app will function with yours.
5. Several tech Web sites such as CNET offers a variety of apps, as do websites specifically for BlackBerry smartphone users such as CrackBerry.

• If you want to shop around for apps or only use them for a short period of time, you can download free, temporary trials of apps.

1. BlackBerry Apps World offers several free trials of its apps.
2. A smartphone is required.
3. These apps will work normally for a limited time or certain number of uses or will provide full use of a portion of the app's functions for an unlimited time. Many of these apps can be purchased or upgraded after the trial period is over or to unlock advanced features.