Cricket Wireless is a U.S.-based wireless service provider. The company is owned by AT&T and it provides services to more than 10 million U.S. citizens. Cricket offers affordable prepaid plans, high-quality services, a reliable nationwide AT&T network, no annual contracts, and a large variety of great mobile devices. The company is also known for frequently offering amazing deals. For example, they currently offer all new customers a brand new smartphone (LG Fortune 3, Samsung Galaxy A01, or Nokia C2 Tava) completely free of charge. The MVNO attracts a large number of customers and as you may be one of them, you may be wondering what to do if your Cricket SIM card gets damaged and how to replace it. If that is the case, you have come to the right place, as in this article you will find out all you need to know about Cricket SIM card replacement.
What Do You Need To Do If Your Phone With A Cricket SIM Card Got Stolen or Lost?
There are several reasons why you would need to replace your Cricket SIM card. You may need to do so if the card stops working, if it gets damaged, or if you lose it. One way to lose your Cricket SIM card is if your phone gets lost or stolen along with the inserted SIM card.
If your Cricket phone with your Cricket SIM card got stolen or lost, you have a few options.
You can simply add your device to an industry-wide database that blocks the use of your device. This way you will ensure that no one else will be able to use your phone and services nor activate it on another network. You can add your device to the blocklist for up to 30 days from the last day of use. It will remain on the list for 18 months. To add your phone to the blocklist, contact Cricket’s customer support center.
You can temporarily suspend your Cricket service (or one line on a multiple-line account) by contacting Cricket customer support. If or when you find your phone, you will be able to easily restore the service.
As suspending the service won’t get you a credit or refund for unused monthly minutes, texts, and data and you may wish to use the service you have purchased, you can order a replacement SIM card and either buy a new phone or find a temporary compatible replacement phone so you can continue using your services.
Either way, you must report the incident to Cricket Wireless. To do so you can call them at 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) (available Monday-Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm ET and on Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm ET). Another way to contact them and report your phone lost or stolen is via chat on their website (cricketwireless.com/contactus). If you have the Cricket Protect insurance feature, you can file a claim at cricketwireless.com/support/protect-my-phone/file-a-claim. You should also consider canceling Auto Pay or changing your plan.
In case you find your missing device, make sure to contact Cricket’s customer support once more so they can reactivate your service.
In case you also need information SafeLink SIM Card Replacement Guide feel free to go through our past articles
What To Do If The Cricket SIM Card Is Not Working or Is Damaged?
In case your Cricket SIM card isn’t working or if it got somehow damaged, you may be required to buy a replacement SIM card.
Now, how can you even know if your SIM card is not working properly? The most common signs are getting an ‘error message’, not being able to place or receive a call, send or receive a message, or use the data.
In case your SIM card isn’t working, follow the simple steps below.
- Turn your phone off.
- Remove the SIM card.
- Make sure it’s a Cricket SIM card (that no one swapped it).
- Review the SIM card for any damage, including liquid damage.
- Clean the SIM card with a soft cloth.
- Reinsert the SIM card.
- Turn your phone back on.
If this doesn’t work, make sure to contact Cricket’s customer service and tell them what the issue is. They might be able to help you, otherwise, they will direct you to the best place to buy a replacement SIM card.
Where Can I Get A Cricket Replacement SIM Card?
There are several different places where you can purchase a Cricket replacement SIM card.
The most obvious option is to purchase a Cricket SIM card on Cricket’s online store at cricketwireless.com.
Cricket also has its own stores and authorized retailers available throughout the country. Check out their stores and retailers at cricketwireless.com/stores and find the one closest to you.
You can also buy a Cricket SIM card at Walmart, BestBuy, Target, Amazon, eBay, and other regular and online stores.
You can read one of our past articles TracFone SIM Card Activation Guide
How Do I Order A New or Replacement SIM Card If I Need
You can either order your Cricket SIM card online on Cricket’s website or you can buy it at a non-Cricket retailer.
Even though you can order a new Cricket SIM card online at cricketwireless.com, Cricket Wireless is unable to replace your SIM card online. As such, the company suggests visiting a store to replace your SIM card. You can find the nearest Cricket store or retailer at cricketwireless.com/stores.
Do I Need Cricket SIM Card Activation After Replacing A SIM Card?
Generally, if you already have an active Cricket service, there is no need to activate your replacement SIM card. You can simply insert it into your phone and turn the device on. You should be able to place or receive a call, send or receive a text message, and use the data right away.
In case this doesn’t work, make sure to call Cricket’s customer service at 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) and ask them if you need to activate the SIM card or if there is another issue that you could try to resolve on your own or with their help.
In case you will be required to activate your replacement SIM card, you will probably receive the activation instructions along with your replacement SIM and you can simply follow the provided prompts.
If you purchased the replacement SIM at a non-Cricket retailer and you need to activate it, follow the instructions provided at cricketwireless.com/support/orders-and-activations/retailer-and-sim-card-activation.html.
On the other hand, if you purchased your SIM card online at cricketwireless.com, you will be able to activate your service online. To do so, follow the steps below.
- Turn off your Cricket phone and insert your SIM card.
- Find your order number and phone number in your order confirmation email or on your packing slip.
- Visit cricketwireless.com/activate.html and follow the provided step. You will be required to provide your four-digit Cricket account PIN.
Read one of our past articles How To Activate A Simple Mobile SIM Card
Is My Cricket 4G LTE SIM Card or 5G SIM Card Compatible With Any Other Provider’s Device?
In addition to providing a wide selection of high-quality mobile phones from the most reputable brands, Cricket Wireless also offers their customers the option to bring their own device. As such, Cricket’s SIM cards are all compatible with all compatible devices.
In order to use your Cricket SIM card and service in another phone, the phone you bring must be unlocked and compatible with the Cricket network. You can check your phone’s compatibility with Cricket services at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone. Note: 5G devices from other carriers may currently not have access to Cricket’s 5G service.
First, you must find your device ID number (IMEI), which you can do by dialing *#06# on your phone or by selecting your phone type to get other instructions on how to find your device ID number. Once you find it, enter the 15-digit number on the provided website and Cricket will immediately let you know whether or not your phone is compatible with Cricket services and can be used with a Cricket SIM card.
If you need information How Do I Activate My Qlink SIM Card read one of our past article
Can I Use My Cricket 4G LTE SIM or 5G SIM Card In More Than One Cricket Certified Device?
Simultaneously, one can only use a single Cricket SIM card in one mobile phone, regardless of whether the phone is Cricket certified or simply compatible with Cricket’s network and services.
However, if you have more than one Cricket certified or Cricket-compatible device and only one SIM card, you can use the SIM card in all these devices (not simultaneously). All you have to do is to follow the simple steps below.
- Turn off the device, where you have your SIM card.
- Remove the SIM card.
- Turn off the other device.
- Insert the SIM card into the second device.
- Turn the second device on.
- Start using your Cricket Wireless services.
How Do I Secure My Cricket SIM Card?
There are several ways to protect your Cricket SIM card.
One way is to protect it from spills and damage. To do so, make sure to handle the SIM card with care, remove it with a proper tool, and remove and insert it only when the phone is turned off.
Another way to protect your SIM card is to make sure you keep an eye on your phone and SIM card at all times. Bad people could try to steal your phone and your card with it or just your card in order to get your information.
SIM card swapping is a scam in which criminals hijack your phone number and access your personal information. You can secure your Cricket account with a PIN and security answer. Make sure to turn on your PIN in account using, as this way you will have to enter the PIN every time you wish to make a change to your account. Also, be careful not to share your number with strangers, keep your personal inbox empty or clear of all the important info, make sure not to share personal information online, and don’t access unknown websites or links from unknown sources. Know that Cricket Wireless will never send you a message or email asking you to confirm your personal info, therefore if you receive such a request, do not respond, as it is probably a scam.
You can also protect your Cricket phone, accessories, and SIM card with Cricket Protect – an optional insurance feature that protects your Cricket belongings from loss, theft, accidental and liquid damage, in-warranty exchanges, and out-of-warranty mechanical and electrical malfunction. However, the insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic damage. The monthly charge is $8 and in order to receive a replacement device or accessory, you may need to pay a non-refundable deductible or service fee ($10 to $250).
How To Transfer A Cricket SIM Card To A New Phone?
In case you wish to upgrade your phone and transfer your Cricket SIM card to the new device, you can follow the simple steps provided below.
- Step 1: Upgrade your phone. You can bring a newer better phone from another carrier or you can upgrade it on Cricket’s online store.
To upgrade the device by buying a new one, visit Cricket’s official website and log into your Cricket account with your phone number and password. Then, choose the ‘Upgrade’ option in ‘My Cricket’ and find the phone you wish to purchase.
To bring a better phone from another carrier, make sure the device is unlocked. If it’s not unlocked, unlock it before you bring it to Cricket.
- Step 2: Turn off both the old and the new phone. Carefully remove your Cricket SIM card from the old device and insert it with caution into the new phone.
- Step 3: Activate your new phone to transfer your existing Cricket service. You can do so by clicking the first link provided under ‘Resources’ and then ‘Activate Now’. Press ‘Activate Now’ once more and enter your phone’s serial number, which can be found on its battery. Press ‘Next’, enter your account info, and log into your account. Select the option to activate this phone to your existing account and confirm by pressing ‘Activate’.
What Do I Do If I Forgot My Cricket SIM Card PIN?
In case you forgot your Cricket SIM card PIN code, make sure not to guess it, as you have only three attempts to unlock your SIM via PIN. If you enter the wrong PIN code three times your SIM card will get locked and you won’t be able to use your Cricket services. If you continue inputting the wrong PIN code and fail 10 more times, your SIM card will get permanently locked.
After the first three failed attempts, you can still unlock your SIM card by entering your eight-digit PUK code. You can get your PUK code by contacting your carrier’s customer service.
In case you input the wrong code 10 more times and the SIM gets permanently locked, on the other hand, you won’t be able to undo it and you will be required to get a new SIM card from Cricket.
What Care Should Be Taken In Handling The SIM Card?
There are several things you can do to ensure your SIM card won’t get lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Remove and insert your SIM card into the device with care. Make sure to pick the right SIM size – the one that will fit your device and to do it with the right tools. Carefully slide the SIM card in and out of the SIM slot only when the device is turned off.
- Make sure to keep tabs on your personal belongings and thus ensure they don’t get stolen or lost. Always keep your phone in a safe place and don’t leave it unattended.
- Clean your SIM card every once in a while. You can wipe it with an eraser or cotton swab to remove dirt and dust. Then wipe it with a dry lint-free cloth. Be gentle and careful. The safest thing to do is to take it to a professional.
- Keep the SIM card clean and dry.
- Avoid touching the gold contacts and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and magnets.
- Do not bend, cut or try to modify the card in any way.
Cricket SIM Card Others Thing You Should Know
What Is Cricket SIM Card PUK Code?
PUK stands for ‘PIN unlock key’. It a unique code linked to each specific SIM card. It is usually eight digits long. Your PUK number may be written on the SIM carrier card (the credit card-sized card where your SIM was stored). If you can’t find it there, make sure to call Cricket’s customer service and they will be able to provide you your PUK code.
Can I Get a Free Cricket SIM Card With Data and Minutes?
Usually, Cricket Wireless doesn’t provide SIM cards and plans with data and minutes that are entirely free of charge, however, you can always check their website for some special deals.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Cricket SIM Card?
Cricket Wireless as well as their non-Cricket retailers tend to send the ordered SIM card to your address as soon as you place the order. However, exactly how long it will take for you to receive it depends largely on where you live.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Replacement SIM Card From Cricket?
A Cricket Wireless SIM card costs $9.99. The price may vary depending on the retailer.
Can I Buy a Cricket SIM Card at Walmart?
Yes, you can buy a Cricket SIM card at their stores or at their non-Cricket retailers, including Walmart.
Can I Just Swap Cricket SIM Cards?
You can put your Cricket SIM card into another Cricket original or Cricket-compatible phone. However, you cannot swap your SIM card with your friend who also uses a Cricket phone and SIM card as your services may get mixed up.
Can I Replace Cricket SIM Card Online?
You can order a new Cricket SIM card online, however, you cannot replace your Cricket SIM card online.
Should I Get a New SIM Card When I Upgrade My Cricket Phone?
Usually, there is no need to get a new SIM card when you upgrade your phone. However, if you have a very old SIM card it may be best to upgrade the card as well, as new cards come with newer and more advanced features and the old ones may not work properly with a new phone.
Do I Have to Change My SIM Card When I Get a New Phone?
As mentioned before, generally you don’t need to change your SIM card when you get a new phone, unless the SIM card is very old and doesn’t work with the phone’s new features.
Can You Track a Lost Cricket SIM Card?
In case you know your SIM card’s unique card number, you can locate it by contacting your service provider (Cricket Wireless), provide them your SIM card’s number and ask them to use geolocation to locate your lost Cricket SIM card.
Do You Lose Everything When You Change Cricket SIM Cards?
No, some data is stored on your phone, other data is stored on your SIM card, some is stored in a cloud, etc. Nowadays, your carrier can transfer your service as well as most of your data to a new SIM card. To make sure you don’t lose anything, contact Cricket’s customer service and ask them to help you out.
Is the Cricket SIM Card Locked?
Yes, Cricket SIM cards are locked to Cricket’s services and can only be used on their network.
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