How to Change a Verizon Phone to Cricket? – Complete Guide

If you’re wondering how to change a Verizon phone to Cricket, you’ve come to the right place.

Let me share with you the exact steps on how you can make the switch in a matter of days.

The final step only takes 10 minutes, so there’s no reason to hold out on making the switch to Cricket.

Here’s what you need to do!

The first step in switching from Verizon to Cricket is deciding whether you want to retain your current number or not. Then, select the Cricket Wireless plan that suits your needs. Finally, activate your account and download the app.

Switching from Verizon to Cricket is easy. You don’t need to have the technical knowledge to change your mobile plan.

But, before we elaborate on the steps, here’s everything you need to know about Cricket Wireless.

Can You Switch Verizon Phone to Cricket

Changing your Verizon phone to Cricket is easy. Instead of buying a new Cricket device, you can use your existing Verizon phone.

You won’t need to worry about compatibility if you have a fairly new phone.

However, before you make the switch, make sure you understand the following

1. Pricing On Plans

Cricket’s pricing is a little lower than Verizon’s. It offers a plan for as low as $30 per month, which comes with unlimited texting and talking capabilities and 1GB of 4G LTE.

2. Coverage Area

Cricket’s coverage area is reasonable, but it’s not so great in rural sections of the US. Their service works better in densely populated areas and along the Eastern Seaboard.

3. Phone Compatibility

If you want to bring your current phone and retain your number, make sure the Verizon phone is unlocked and compatible with Cricket.

4. Perks And Bundles

If you go for Cricket’s unlimited plans, you get roaming in Mexico and Canada. You can also enjoy international texting and Group Save discounts.

5. Customer Service

Cricket has about 5,000 store locations around the country.

If you want to talk to a representative in person, the cell phone service provider has a clear edge over Verizon.

If you want to change carriers, we think Cricket is better for you. It has a reasonable coverage area, more affordable prices, and more retail locations.

Now that you’re sure to make the switch, let’s proceed to the actual steps.

How to Switch Verizon Phone to Cricket

If you’re reading this, then you are finally sure you want to switch your Verizon phone to Cricket.

The savings afforded by Cricket has trumped the excellent network coverage and perks offered by Verizon.

Changing networks from Verizon to Cricket can seem daunting, but it’s actually a seamless process.

The one thing you need to remember while transferring is not to cancel your Verizon plan. Do it after your Cricket service is already activated.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow to make the move to Cricket Wireless:

Step #1: Decide If You Want to Bring Your Current Number

Whenever you’re moving from one carrier to another, the question is if you want to bring your current number. Well, the answer is almost certainly yes.

Who wants to deal with telling everyone you know about your new number? It’s more convenient to bring it with you.

Anyway, the FTC allows you to bring your number with you, so you should have no trouble transferring it.

Before successfully transferring your number from Verizon to Cricket, you must do a few things. Verizon won’t be able to stop you.

Here’s what you need to get to transfer your number to Cricket Wireless:

1. Verizon account number.
2. Account PIN or passcode.
3. Current billing address or Zip Code.

Tip: You can easily get this information by calling Verizon and asking for it.

Step #2: Unlock Your Verizon Phone if You Want to Use It

Now that you’ve decided that you want to bring your current number, it’s time to consider your phone.

Cricket allows you to use your own phone with their plans, so you want to make sure that you’ll be able to bring it.

If you got a phone from Verizon, there’s usually a lock-in period where you will be unable to bring your phone to a different network.

If you want to make sure that you fulfill the requirements, then Verizon will unlock your phone.

Here’s how to know if you’re able to get your phone unlocked:

1. Make sure your Verizon phone is paid off.
2. Your Verizon subscription is not locked into a contract.
3. No outstanding balance with Verizon.
4. Your current phone is unlocked.

Note: As long as you meet these requirements, Verizon should unlock your phone so that you can transfer it to Cricket.

Step #3: Check Your Phone’s Compatibility with Cricket Wireless

Once you’re certain you can bring your phone to Cricket Wireless, there’s also a question about compatibility. Different networks are built differently.

Some carriers’ infrastructure can be vastly different from the others, and only certain phone models can connect.

The good news is that, between Verizon and Cricket Wireless, there’s not much difference in terms of network infrastructure.

However, it doesn’t hurt to check your phone’s compatibility so you can decide to bring your current phone or simply get a new one.

Here’s how to check your phone’s compatibility with Cricket’s network:

1. Go to the Cricket Wireless website.
2. Select Shop, then Bring Your Phone.
3. Scroll down until you find the phone compatibility checker.
4. Type in your phone’s IMEI number.
5. Click Check.

Note: You can find your phone’s IMEI number by dialing *#06#.

Step #4: Choose Your Cricket Wireless Plan

Now that you have your phone and number sorted out, it’s time to pick the right plan. There’s a noticeable difference between Verizon’s and Cricket’s plans.

Cricket’s plans are incredibly affordable, and you can enjoy a lot of savings upon moving to their network.

So, once you’ve chosen your plan, it’s time to sign up and get your SIM card and everything else ready so that you can activate your Cricket account.

Here’s how to sign up for Cricket Wireless’ mobile plans:

1. Go to the Cricket Wireless website.
2. Select Shop, then Plans and Features.
3. Choose the plan that’s right for you.
4. Click Setup Line, then get a Cricket SIM.
5. Finalize your order to get the SIM shipped to you.

Step #5: Activate Your Cricket Wireless Account

After signing up for your Cricket plan, you’ll need to wait for your SIM card to arrive.

Once it does, you’re now ready to activate your Cricket Wireless account finally.

This is where you put everything together and get your account up and running.

You should be able to use your Cricket account in a matter of minutes once you start the activation process.

Here are the steps to activate your Cricket Wireless account:

1. Insert the Cricket Wireless SIM on your phone.
2. Go to cricketwireless.com/activate.
3. Click on Activate My Device.
4. Enter your Order Number and Phone Number.
5. Wait for the confirmation email to arrive.

Note: It should take around 10 minutes for the activation process to complete.

Step #6: Get the MyCricket App

Now that you’re a full-fledged Cricket Wireless subscriber, you want a way where you’ll be able to manage your account.

Cricket has the MyCricket app, where you’ll be able to check any outstanding balances your account may incur.

The app provides you with payment options so you can pay your balances online through a number of methods.

The app also gives you access to their support team, so you can easily contact them in case you encounter any issues.

Here’s how to get and use the MyCricket app on your phone:

1. Open your phone’s App Store.
2. Search for MyCricket.
3. Select Install to get the app on your phone.
4. Open the app and log in using your account details.

Note: When downloading the app, make sure that the maker is Cricket Wireless LLC.

This is how easily you can switch from Verizon to Cricket Wireless. The process is quick and won’t take too much of your time.

Read Next: What Carriers are Compatible with Cricket Wireless?

Bottom Line

Now you know how to change a Verizon phone to Cricket, you can enjoy affordable phone plans while enjoying similar network coverage and internet experience.

As soon as you decide to make the switch, you should be able to do it within a day or two.

Contact Cricket customer support if you need additional help with the transfer process.