What Carriers are Compatible with Cricket Wireless? Complete Guide

You have come to the right webpage if you wish to know what carriers are compatible with Cricket Wireless.

We’ll provide you with a list of compatible phone carriers and help you choose the right plan.

Switching to Cricket Wireless is fast and simple. You can finish the entire process online. Just make sure you meet the requirements.

The steps will vary depending on whether you bring your phone to Cricket or get a new unit.

To switch to Cricket Wireless, you need a compatible and unlocked device. Check if your current unit is consistent with the service, then choose the right plan for you. Finally, contact your present carrier to start the switching process. 

Before you make the switch, let us look at the requirements. 

What You Need Before Switching to Cricket Wireless

Cricket often offers special deals to its new customers in the form of bill credits and discounted mobile phones.

Sometimes, you even get a free phone. To take advantage of these sweet rewards, you must know the requirements first.

1. Unlocked Device

Your device needs to be unlocked in order to work on the Cricket network. If it is locked, visit your original wireless carrier and ask them to open it for you.

2. Compatible Device

Your phone or data device should be compatible with the Cricket network. Only compatible feature phones are authorized for use on the network. No other types are allowed. 

3. Compatible Carrier

Cricket uses GSM, which stands for Global System for Mobile communication.

This means it uses SIM cards to connect to wireless networks and is only compatible with phones that can use the network.

4. No Existing Contract

Don’t cancel your current contract before switching. Cricket requires your phone number to remain active if you wish to bring it with you when you make the switch.

These are the conditions for switching to the Cricket network. If you want to get a Cricket plan seamlessly, make sure you meet these. Now, let us proceed with the steps.

What Phone Carriers Are Compatible With Cricket? Switching to Cricket Wireless

Cricket offers affordable prepaid plans, making it a great choice if you are looking for a new cellphone carrier that fits your budget.

It also has great coverage and more consistent speeds. If you want to make the switch, do it now!

Some benefits of switching to Cricket is that they have no-contract plans. You’re not going to be tied down to them for a certain duration.

Their switch program also allows you to keep your number. You don’t even have to change it.

Switching to Cricket Wireless is easy. Just follow the below steps to start.

Step #1: What Carriers Are Compatible with Cricket Wireless

If you are planning to bring your cellphone with you when you switch carriers, first, you need to ensure it will work on Cricket’s network.

The carriers compatible with GSM networks, includes:

1. AT&T Mobile
2. T-Mobile
3. Verizon

These are the major carriers that you can easily switch to Cricket from. There are also other carriers like TracFone, Consumer Cellular, H2O Wireless, and a lot more.

Note: Unlock your device so that you can use Cricket Wireless services. Depending on their terms and conditions, Cricket may also use some of these carriers’ benefits.

Alert: Make sure you don’t have a standing contract with your current carrier. If you switch prematurely, you may need to pay a cancelation fee.

Step #2: Check Your Current Phone’s Compatibility

You now know that Cricket is a carrier that uses GSM and only accepts devices that work on this particular network.

Before you bring your phone to Cricket, check its compatibility. The carrier Device ID (IMEI) checker lets you verify if you can get your phone to Cricket.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Go to your browser and visit Cricket’s website.
2. Press Shop and select Bring Your Own Phone.
3. Enter the 15-digit IEMI code and press Check.
4. You will instantly get a notification if your device is compatible.

If you don’t have the IEMI code on your phone, dial *#06* or look in the Settings menu to find your IEMI number.

Note: You can only use unlocked phones on Cricket’s network, so make sure your phone is not locked before testing its compatibility.

Step #3: Choose a Cricket Plan That’s Right for You

Next, choose the right Cricket plan that suits your data needs and budget. Cricket offers different subscription tiers, and some of them even come with unlimited high speed data, talk, and text allocations.

There’s surely one that’s going to fit your needs.

Their plans are flexible, too. You can add phone insurance, extra data, and even a mobile hotspot. You even add up to 5 lines to your plan so your entire family can enjoy 5G coverage with Cricket.

You can browse the plans on Cricket website. Select the number of lines you want and see the rates and plans available for that number.

Step #4: Transfer Your Number or Get a New One

You can now decide whether you want to transfer your number to Cricket or get a new one.

If you choose to bring your number with you, you will need to provide the following:

• Your wireless account number from your existing carrier
• Your current password or PIN
• ZIP code of your billing address
• Last four numbers of Social Security Number

Once you have selected your new phone or checked that your current device is eligible, choose between bringing your number and getting a new one.

If you decide to import your number, enter it during the Check Out process to begin the transfer.

Suppose you opt to get a new number. Cricket will generate a unique local number for your device.

Step #5: Activate Your Cricket Wireless Subscription

Have you already purchased a plan? If yes, Cricket will contact your current carrier to start the switching process.

Your existing phone and plan are still working by this time. You will receive your new phone or Cricket SIM within a few days.

If you get a new phone, it is already set up. Just power it on to use it. Insert the Cricket SIM and activate your subscription if you bring a phone.

Here’s how to activate your Cricket Wireless subscription:

1. Insert your SIM card before you start your subscription.
2. Check your order confirmation email
3. Check your packing slip for your order number and phone number.
4. Go to Cricket wireless activate page.
5. Follow on-screen instructions. You’ll need your Cricket Account PIN.

Note: If you have a new line and phone, the service will be automatically updated within 8 days of shipping.

Your Cricket Wireless subscription is active when everything is set up and ready and your phone number is working properly.

Now, you can cancel your account with your previous carrier. Don’t be alarmed if your Cricket SIM is not working after inserting it.

Your phone has not yet migrated to your new network, so you will need to nudge it in the right direction. You need to update your carrier settings, then select Cricket instead of your old network.

Read Next: How to Block a Number on Cricket Wireless?

Bottom Line

Now, you know what carriers are compatible with Cricket Wireless. The network works with GSM networks, including the leading carriers AT&T Mobile, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

If you’re unhappy with your current cellphone carrier, you can choose to move to Cricket Wireless.

The steps are fast and simple. You don’t need technical knowledge to complete the process. Just make sure your device is unlocked and you are no longer making payments on it.