About Cricket and Its Services
Cricket Wireless is a telecommunications brand that operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides access to AT&T’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network. The company offers reliable services, flexible prepaid phone and wireless plans, data devices, accessories, frequent promotional deals, a wide variety of high-quality mobile devices from the best brands, and a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program that enables customers to bring their own devices to Cricket. Cricket’s services come with no annual contract, no credit checks, no hidden fees, and no additional stress.
In this article, we will explore the Cricket BYOP program, which can serve you well both in case you wish to switch to Cricket’s service or if you are already a Cricket customer and you wish to upgrade your device.
What Do I Need Before Switching to Cricket?
The process of switching to Cricket’s services is quite simple:
- First, you can browse the plans. It’s best to do so online at cricketwireless.com/cell-phone-plans. This way, you can determine whether or not Cricket meets your needs and if switching to Cricket is a good choice in the first place.
- Secondly, once you have found a prepaid plan that best suits you, you can move on to shop the Cricket phones or bring your own phone. Before doing so, you must decide whether you wish to get a new phone or continue using your old device.
- Next, you can select your plan. This time, you not only browse the plans but you actually get to choose one and commit to it.
- Finally, you can check out online. Place your order just like you are placing any other online order.
However, before you switch to Cricket, you must make sure that the company is right for you. Check their plans, the devices, and the network coverage (making sure that Cricket offers reliable coverage in your area), and if you are planning to bring your own phone, also make sure the device is compatible with Cricket’s services.
What Kinds of Devices Does Cricket Offer?
When it comes to devices, at Cricket, you have two options – you can purchase a new device directly from Cricket or bring your own phone to their services.
Purchasing a new device from Cricket is a good idea, especially if you are a new customer planning to switch to Cricket because Cricket always offers amazing promotional deals on free and highly discounted Android phones, iPhones, and 5G smartphones. Indeed, new customers can always get a phone from one of the top brands completely free of charge. These promotional deals are all temporary and the available phone models tend to change often. However, currently, Cricket’s new customers can get a free Samsung Galaxy A13, Motorola moto g power (2022), Samsung Galaxy A03s, Motorola moto g pure, TCL 30 Z, Apple iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Motorola moto g 5G, and other phone models. See the current list of promotional deals at cricketwireless.com/current-phone-and-plan-deals. But keep in mind that all promotional offers come with certain conditions. For instance, you may be asked to bring your number and activate a pricey ($60 a month) plan.
Nevertheless, if you already have a cell phone that serves your needs and works well, it would be unsustainable and uneconomical to buy a new one. In this case, it would be better to bring your own phone through Cricket BYOP.
Cricket BYOP – How to Bring Your Own Phone?
Cricket has a convenient Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program that makes transferring your device to Cricket as quick and simple as possible. To bring your device to Cricket, you must follow these simple steps:
- Make sure that your phone is eligible to be brought to Cricket. It must be:
- Carrier-unlocked – it means that the device is no longer tied to one specific carrier. You can check if your phone is unlocked by contacting your service provider.Compatible with Cricket’s services. You can check your phone’s compatibility by visiting cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone, scrolling down to the compatibility tool, entering your 15-digit IMEI number into the provided box, and pressing Check. The system will immediately tell you whether or not you can bring your own device to Cricket. In case you don’t know your phone’s IMEI number, you can easily find it by pressing the type of phone you have and following the on-screen instructions on how to find your IMEI.
- Not associated with any fraudulent activity.
- If you are a new customer and you have an eligible phone, you can then proceed to get a Cricket SIM card. You can do so at cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone by choosing your customer type (new or current) and account type (switching or I need a new number). For instance, if you are a new customer who is trying to switch to Cricket, you will choose a new customer type and the switching account type. However, if you are an existing customer who wishes to upgrade their phone through the BYOP program (purchase a newer, better device elsewhere and then bring it to Cricket), you will choose the current customer type.
- Once you have chosen the right type of SIM card, press ‘Choose plan’. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to select a plan that best serves you and to place the order.
- You will also be able to transfer your current phone number or choose a new one. To ensure the phone number transfer, it’s best not to cancel your service with your previous provider before switching to Cricket, as terminating your previous service in advance may result in losing your phone number.
- Finally, once you receive your Cricket SIM card and prepare your compatible phone, you can activate your Cricket service. To do so, you must insert the SIM card into the phone’s SIM slot or tray and turn the phone on. Then, go to cricketwireless.com/activate.html and follow the instructions to activate the SIM card, device, and service. Once the service is successfully activated, you will be able to place calls, send text messages, and use your monthly data.
- Optionally: You may need to update your APN settings so that your data and picture messages work. Update your BYOP data settings if needed by following the instructions at cricketwireless.com/support/switch-to-cricket/bring-your-own-iphone.html, cricketwireless.com/support/switch-to-cricket/bring-your-own-android.html, or cricketwireless.com/support/switch-to-cricket/bring-your-own-windows-phone.html, depending on the device type you have.
Get more information about Cricket’s BYOP program at cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone.
Advantages of the Cricket BYOP Program
Moving to Cricket Wireless provides a range of advantages, such as:
- Bringing your own phone to Cricket with minimal effort and fuss.
- Joining a vast and lively community
- Opting for one of Cricket’s budget-friendly prepaid plans
- Accessing mobile gadgets and accessories
- Receiving constant assistance from Cricket’s dependable support team
- Benefiting from Cricket’s extensive nationwide AT&T coverage
- Applying for Cricket’s Affordable Connectivity Program that provides a discount of up to $30 per month (or $75 if you reside in Tribal lands) on Cricket services if you have a low income. Further details can be found at cricketwireless.com/affordable-connectivity-program.html.
- The ability to use the Cricket BYOP program both as a new customer switching to Cricket and as an existing customer wishing to upgrade your phone
- The ability to use the Cricket BYOP program to bring a phone, data device, or tablet
List of the Best Phones Compatible With Cricket BYOP
The best way to make sure whether or not your device is compatible with Cricket BYOP is to check its compatibility at cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone. Nevertheless, here is a list of some of the phones that are compatible with Cricket BYOP:
Android Phones
- Alcatel/TCL phones
- Asustek phones
- BLU phones
- Bullitt phones
- Essential phones
- Google phones (Pixel 4 and up)
- Kyocera phones
- LG phones
- Microsoft phones
- Motorola phones
- Nokia phones
- Nuulnc phones
- OnePlus phones
- Samsung phones
- Schok phones
- Sonim phones
- Sony phones
- ZTE phones
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 full list of Cricket Wireless compatible phone models at cricketwireless.com/support/great-big-network/byod-compatibility.html.
Where to Purchase a Cricket BYOP Compatible Phone?
If you are a new Cricket customer, you may already have your compatible device. However, if you don’t have a phone yet, you can purchase a Cricket BYOP-compatible phone from various retailers, both online and in-store. Here are some options:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of unlocked phones that are compatible with Cricket Wireless. Simply search for “Cricket BYOP-compatible phones” on Amazon’s website, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
- Best Buy: Best Buy carries a variety of unlocked phones that are compatible with Cricket Wireless. You can purchase them online or in-store.
- Walmart: Walmart sells both new and refurbished unlocked phones that work with Cricket Wireless. You can browse their selection online or visit a Walmart store near you.
- Swappa: Swappa is an online marketplace for buying and selling used phones. You can search for Cricket BYOP compatible phones on Swappa and buy from a trusted seller.
- Of course, you can also buy a Cricket-compatible phone from Cricket.
Before purchasing a phone, make sure to check if it’s compatible with Cricket Wireless at cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone.
Common Cricket BYOP Issues and How to Fix Them?
During the process of bringing your own phone (BYOP) to Cricket, you may encounter various issues such as difficulty in verifying if your phone is compatible, inability to transfer your phone number, inability to choose a plan, SIM card not being delivered, or difficulty in activating your BYOP phone on Cricket’s network. If you face any of these problems or any other issues, it is recommended to reach out to Cricket’s customer support service. You can contact them by calling 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or 611 from your Cricket phone, or by using the chat option available on Cricket’s official website.