In the world of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), Cricket is one of the most renowned companies. This prepaid wireless service provider serves over ten million subscribers across the country. It attracts so many customers with its affordable prepaid plans, high-quality prepaid cell phones, frequent deals on devices, reliable services, and its owner’s (AT&T) nationwide network coverage.
Additionally, the company offers a convenient Bring Your Own Phone program, which enables both new and existing customers to bring their current phone or data device to Cricket and use it with the provider’s services. This program is very useful for all customers who already have a device that they love and for those who wish to save some money by not having to buy a new one. In this article, you will find out exactly how to bring your own phone to Cricket.
What Will I Need Before Switching to Cricket BYOP Service?
If you are planning to bring your own phone to Cricket, you will obviously need a phone to bring. But not just any phone! The phone you bring to Cricket must be:
- Carrier-unlocked
- Compatible with Cricket’s services
- HD Voice-capable (and therefore compatible with Cricket’s HD Voice network)
Also make sure that the device you bring isn’t reported as stolen, lost, or related to fraudulent activity and that it has the latest software version.
In addition to having the right kind of phone, you must also bring or take into consideration the following:
- Before committing to Cricket’s services, make sure that the provider is the right choice for you. Check out the company’s service plans at cricketwireless.com/cell-phone-plans and make sure that the company offers good coverage in your area at cricketwireless.com/map.html.
- As Cricket offers two options (to bring your own phone or buy a new device from them), you should also make an informed decision about that. For instance, if your phone is still satisfying your needs but it’s already old (more than two years), chances are that it may start malfunctioning after a while. As such, you may wish to check out Cricket’s deals on Android smartphones, iPhones, and 5G phones at cricketwireless.com/current-phone-and-plan-deals and see the entire selection of Cricket phones at cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/smartphones. Keep in mind though, that promotional deals tend to come with certain conditions. For example, you may need to bring your number, activate a pricey plan, and sign a lengthy contract.
- If you decide to bring your own phone to Cricket, consider initiating the process before you deactivate your service account with your previous service provider, as this way, chances of also keeping your old phone number (if you wish to do so) are also greater.
Process of Bringing Your Own Phone to Cricket
Now that you have your phone and you have taken into consideration everything that is mentioned in the previous section, you can actually do the transfer.
So, how exactly can you bring your own phone to Cricket? It’s simple! All you must do is follow these quick and easy steps:
Step 1: Leave the Previous Plan
If you are planning to bring your phone to Cricket, you are either a new Cricket customer switching to Cricket’s service or you are an existing customer that has misplaced or damaged their original device and is trying to reactivate their account by using an old device. In case you are an existing customer, you should by no means leave your Cricket plan. If, however, you wish to switch to Cricket, you will eventually have to leave your previous plan and provider. You can do so before you initiate your switch to Cricket. However, it may be best to do it after contacting Cricket, as this way you are more likely to be able to keep your previous phone number. Still, before you do anything else, make sure that the device you are planning to bring is paid off in full and that your previous account is in good standing so that you will be able to close it when the time comes.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Phone is Unlocked
As your plan is to bring your phone to Cricket, you must make sure the device is carrier-unlocked. In fact, regardless of where you wish to take your phone, it must be unlocked, otherwise, you cannot expect it to work on another provider’s services. To check whether or not your phone is unlocked, contact your previous service provider (the one that sold you the device) and ask. After providing some personal and account details, the representative will be able to see the phone’s status. If the device turns out to be locked, ask the agent to remotely unlock it. In most cases, the agent will be able to do so. If not, they will provide you with additional explanations and instructions.
Step 3: Check Your Compatibility
Once your phone is confirmed to be carrier-unlocked, you must check the phone’s compatibility with Cricket’s services. To do so, visit cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone. Scroll down and key in your phone’s 15-digit IMEI number. If you don’t know how to find your IMEI number, press the type of device you have and you will receive instructions on where to locate it. Once you press ‘Check’, the system will immediately let you know whether or not your device will work with its services.
Step 4: Transfer My Number (or Choose a New One)
Now you know that you have everything you need to proceed. But before you do, contact Cricket and let them know if you are switching to Cricket, if you need a new number, or if you will be adding a new line. This information will help the representative give you the best advice and help you have the simplest and most pleasant experience switching to Cricket.
Step 5: Choose Your Data Option and Get a Cricket SIM
When all of the above has been taken care of, you can go ahead and choose the best rate and data plan that best fits your needs. Obviously, you will also need a Cricket SIM card. To get your Cricket plan and SIM, go to cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone, scroll down, and choose the best option under ‘Get a Cricket SIM’. Once you choose it, press ‘Add to Cart’. Then, make sure to follow the on-screen prompts to place your order. The process is the same as placing any other online order.
Step 6: Activate Cricket Service
Finally, when your Cricket account gets activated and you receive a Cricket SIM card kit, you can activate your BYOP phone on Cricket’s network. To do so, charge the phone, turn it off, and carefully insert your new Cricket SIM card into the device. Power the device back on, visit cricketwireless.com/activate.html, and follow on-screen instructions to finish the activation process. Once your phone is activated on Cricket’s services, you will receive a text message welcoming you to the network. You will also be able to make phone calls and send text messages.
Benefits of Switching to Cricket’s BYOP Program
Switching to Cricket Wireless comes with a long list of great benefits, including:
- You will become a part of the large and vibrant Cricket community.
- You will get to enjoy one of Cricket’s affordable prepaid plans.
- You will be able to shop for mobile devices and accessories.
- Cricket’s reliable support team will constantly be at your service.
- You will get to enjoy Cricket’s nationwide AT&T coverage.
- If you have a low income, you may even be able to apply for Cricket’s Affordable Connectivity Program and get a discount of up to $30 a month (or even $75 a month if you live on Tribal lands) on Cricket services. Read more at cricketwireless.com/affordable-connectivity-program.html.
List of Top Phones Compatible With Cricket BYOP Program
A phone that you can bring to Cricket must be carrier-unlocked, compatible, and HD Voice-capable. Due to the fact that Cricket uses AT&T’s network, most new HD Voice devices purchased from AT&T since 2019 should work well with Cricket’s services. Phones that are compatible with Cricket’s BYOP program include:
Android Phones
- Alcatel/TCL smartphones
- Asustek smartphones
- BLU smartphones
- Bullitt smartphones
- Google smartphones (Pixel 4 and up)
- LG smartphones
- Motorola smartphones
- Nokia smartphones
- OnePlus smartphones
- Samsung smartphones
- Sony smartphones
- ZTE smartphones
iPhone Phones
- iPhone 6 and later 4
- iPhone 12 and later 5
Flip Phones
- Alcatel My Flip 2
- TCL Flip 2
- LG Classic Flip
See the entire list of all Cricket Wireless compatible phone models at cricketwireless.com/support/great-big-network/byod-compatibility.html.
Choosing the Best Phone for BYOP With Cricket Wireless
When it comes to which phone you will bring to Cricket Wireless, it mostly depends on which device you have. Customers are likely to bring the device that they already have and use. As most of us only have one phone at a time, you can only hope that the one you have is (or can be) carrier-unlocked and compatible with Cricket’s services. If, on the other hand, you have more than one phone, you also have a better chance of having one that will actually be able to work well with Cricket’s services.
If, however, you don’t have a phone that you wish to bring to Cricket yet but you are planning to purchase it from another retailer, such as Best Buy, Amazon, Wal-Mart, or Target, you should make sure that the device you are buying is carrier-unlocked and compatible with Cricket’s services. All of the listed retailers offer a convenient online search option that will only display the phone models that are compatible with Cricket. If you are buying the device in-store, simply ask a salesperson to help you find a device that is Cricket-compatible and that will best fit your needs.
When choosing the best phone for Cricket Wireless BYOP, simply make sure to consider the following:
- The device must be unlocked, Cricket-compatible, or one of the devices listed at cricketwireless.com/support/great-big-network/byod-compatibility.html.
- The device must fit your needs (in terms of specifications, brand, and of course, budget).
Upgrading My Phone for BYOP With Cricket Wireless
When it comes to upgrading your Cricket BYOP phone, you have two options:
- You can get an upgrade device from Cricket (check out the provider’s promo deals)
- Or you can get a new phone from another retailer (if so, make sure it is Cricket-compatible).
Troubleshooting Tips for Common Issues With BYOP Cricket
Issues that may arise during your Cricket BYOP process include:
- You are unable to verify if your phone is compatible.
- You are unable to transfer your phone number.
- You are unable to choose a plan.
- Your SIM card didn’t arrive.
- You are unable to activate your BYOP phone on Cricket’s network.
If any of these come up or if you are experiencing any other problems, make sure to contact Cricket’s customer support service. You can do so by calling 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or 611 from your Cricket phone or visiting Cricket’s official website and pressing the Chat option located at top of the page.
FAQ
What Happens if My Phone Isn’t Compatible With Cricket Wireless?
If so, you can either take your phone to another provider or try switching to Cricket with another device.
Are There Any Restrictions on Using My Own Phone With Cricket Wireless?
Yes. The phone must be carrier-unlocked and compatible with Cricket’s services.
Can I Keep My Current Phone if I Switch to Cricket Wireless?
It depends on whether your current phone is unlocked and compatible with Cricket.
How Does BYOP With Cricket Wireless Effect My Phone’s Performance?
Cricket is unable to guarantee the performance of devices not sold by Cricket. However, if the device is compatible, it should work fine.
Are There Any Fees Associated With BYOP With Cricket Wireless?
You may need to pay an activation fee if you do the transaction in-store. If you do it online, it’s free.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Phones I Can Bring to Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless states no phone number limitations when it comes to their BYOP devices.
How Much Does the Cricket Bring Your Own Phone Kit Cost?
The BYOP SIM kit costs $9.99.
Does Cricket Have Wi-Fi Calling?
Wi-Fi Calling is currently available on select Wi-Fi-capable devices.
Can I Use International Roaming With My BYOP Phone on Cricket Wireless?
Cricket’s international roaming is currently limited to Mexico and Canada. In other countries, it is unfortunately not available, which means that you will have to purchase a local SIM card.