How to Switch From One Cricket Phone to Another

Cricket Wireless is a U.S.-based wireless service provider, owned by AT&T. It was founded in 1999 and has over 10 million subscribers. The carrier offers high-quality mobile devices, versatile plans, affordable prepaid rates, no annual contracts, nationwide coverage, and more. They also offer customers the possibility to bring their own devices and allow them to put their Cricket SIM cards in other non-Cricket phones.

How to Know if I Can Change My Phone Through Cricket

When it comes to mobile devices, Cricket Wireless offers two options. One is to purchase a cell phone directly through them (online or in-store) and the second is to bring your own phone (BYOP).

If you wish to purchase a mobile device directly from Cricket Wireless, you can simply visit their website at https://www.cricketwireless.com/, go to the main menu and press 'Shop', and select 'Phones'. You will get a list of all available mobile devices. Once you pick the one that best fits your needs, simply place it into the cart and finish the purchase.

On the other hand, if you already have a phone that you love and wish to bring to Cricket Wireless, you must make sure your phone is compatible with their network and services. But how do you know if it is? Well knowing whether your phone is GSM or CDMA would give you a big clue. GSM and CDMA are two different radio technologies. While Sprint and Verizon use CDMA phones and technologies, T-Mobile, AT&T, and their MVNOs (including Cricket) use GSM technology and phones.

As Cricket is a GSM network, it is easy to transfer information and service from an old phone to a new one. GSM is a global service and it requires each phone to have a SIM card, which is compatible with other GSM phones.

Can I Put My Cricket SIM Card in Another Cricket Phone?

In case you are just switching to Cricket Wireless or if you are already an existing customer and perhaps your original Cricket phone got irreparably damaged and you are required to switch to a new one, you have two options – to buy a new Cricket phone or to put your Cricket SIM card into another phone you may own.

Can I Put My Cricket SIM Card Into Another Phone

If you decide to buy a new Cricket phone or if you get one for free due to warranty or insurance, you won't have any problem whatsoever using your old activated Cricket SIM card in another Cricket phone. Simply make sure the SIM card is the right size to fit your new Cricket phone's SIM slot, insert your SIM card into the new device, and continue using your service.

Can I Put My Cricket SIM Card in Another Carrier Phone?

Assuming that you have the SIM card size that fits your phone's SIM card slot, you can always put your Cricket SIM card in another phone, regardless of the carrier and where the device was purchased. However, whether or not the SIM card will work on another carrier's phone, depends on several factors.

In order for a Cricket SIM card to work in another carrier's phone, the phone must be:

Unlocked: If your phone is locked to another carrier's services, you must unlock it before you bring it to Cricket. Simply contact your original phone provider and ask them to unlock your device. In most cases, they will do so, as long as the device meets their requirements (generally, the device must be paid in full, not under contract, and not flagged as lost, stolen, or otherwise flagged ineligible for unlock).

Compatible with Cricket's network and services: Cricket has a GSM network, as such, your device is more likely to be compatible with their services if the device also uses GSM technology. However, as technology evolves daily and most carriers and phones nowadays support 4G LTE and 5G networks, you might also be able to bring a non-GSM phone to Cricket. To verify if your device is compatible with Cricket, simply go to cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone, enter your phone's 15-digit IMEI number, and press 'Check'. In case you don't know your phone's IMEI number, you can dial *#06# to get it or find it in your phone's settings. On the website provided above, you can get precise instructions on how to locate your phone's IMEI in your phone's settings, depending on the type of device you have (Android, Apple, or Data Only).

In case you also need information Cricket SIM Card Replacement Guide

How Do I Switch My Cricket SIM Card to Another Cricket Phone and Another Carrier Phone?

If you already have a Cricket SIM card, you can switch it to another Cricket phone or another carrier's phone relatively quickly and painlessly, by following the few simple steps below.

Make sure your Cricket SIM card is already activated and relatively new, as the technology changes quickly.
Purchase or take another Cricket phone or another carrier's phone (the one you are planning to bring use with the SIM card) and turn the device off.
Check your phone's SIM card port to check the size of SIM cards it supports. There are three different SIM card sizes – mini, micro, and nano.
If your phone has a port the supports the size of your Cricket SIM card, simply place your Cricket SIM card into your phone's SIM card slot/port.

If your Cricket SIM card doesn't fit your phone's SIM card slot/port, there is no need to worry. You can simply order a new Cricket SIM card of the correct size online or in-store.

Once your fitting Cricket SIM card has been successfully inserted into your phone's SIM card port, you can turn the device back on.
If you already have an active Cricket service, you may not be required to activate the phone. Otherwise, you will have to activate it. You can do so at cricketwireless.com/activate.html#. To check whether or not your service is activated, simply try to place a call, send a text message, or use data. If you are able to do so, the service is already activated.

How Do I Transfer Everything From My Old Cricket Phone to My New Cricket Phone?

Cricket Wireless is a strictly prepaid service provider. As such, customers don't have to sign any contracts or deal with any fine prints regarding the phone upgrade and transfer possibilities. Therefore, transferring Cricket service to another Cricket (or BYOP) device is a quick and simple process that doesn't come with any legal or financial obligations. To successfully transfer your Cricket phone service to another phone, simply follow the easy steps below.

Step 1: Get a new Cricket phone. You can upgrade it through Cricket or bring your own compatible device. If you wish to upgrade it, open your browser, go to Cricket's official website and log into your Cricket account with your Cricket phone number and password. Press the 'Upgrade' option and you will be transferred to their shopping page. Review the available phones and purchase the one that best fits your needs.
Step 2: If you purchased your phone through another carrier, make sure the phone is compatible with Cricket services. You can do so at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone by entering your phone's 15-digit IMEI number.
Step 3: In case the phone isn't yet activated, activate it to transfer your existing Cricket service. Press the first link under 'Resources', then select 'Activate now'. You will be asked to enter your phone's serial number, which is located on the inner surface of its battery. Press 'Next', enter your Cricket account info, log into your account, and choose the option to activate this device to your existing account. Press 'Activate'. The transfer will be complete in a very short while.

Which Phones Are Compatible With a Cricket SIM Card?

To activate a phone on Cricket's network, you will need an HD voice-capable smartphone (or basic phone) that is compatible with the Cricket HD voice network.

Below, you can see a list of HD Voice-capable phones sold by Cricket.

Alcatel APPRISE™
Alcatel INSIGHT
Alcatel ONYX
Alcatel QUICKFLIP
Alcatel SMARTFLIP
Alcatel TETRA
Alcatel VERSO
Apple iPhone 6 32GB
Apple iPhone 6 Plus
Apple iPhone 6S
Apple iPhone 6S Plus
Apple iPhone 7 32GB
Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Apple iPhone 8
Apple iPhone 8 Plus
Apple iPhone SE
Apple iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Apple iPhone X
Apple iPhone XR
Apple iPhone XS
Apple iPhone XS Max
Apple iPhone 11
Apple iPhone 11 Pro
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Cricket Debut Flip
Cricket Icon Smartphone
Cricket Icon 2
Cricket Influence
Cricket Ovation
Cricket Ovation 2
Cricket Wave
Cricket Vision
Huawei Elate
HTC Desire 550
HTC Desire 555
Motorola moto g6 FORGE
Motorola moto e5 CRUISE
Motorola moto e5 SUPRA
Motorola moto g7 SUPRA
Motorola moto g POWER
Motorola moto g PLAY
Motorola moto g STYLUS 5G
Nokia 3.1 Plus
Nokia 3.1 C
Nokia C2 Tava
Nokia C5 Endi
Samsung Galaxy A01
Samsung Galaxy A02s
Samsung Galaxy A6
Samsung Galaxy A10e
Samsung Galaxy A11
Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime
Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime 2
Samsung Galaxy Amp Prime 3
Samsung Galaxy Halo
Samsung Galaxy J2 Pure
Samsung Galaxy S6 (requires software version G920AZTUU6DQF3 or later)
Samsung Galaxy S7 (requires software version G930AZTUU4BQD1 or later)
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy Sol 2
Samsung Galaxy Sol 3
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
ZTE Blade X
ZTE Blade X Max
ZTE Fanfare 3
ZTE Grand X 4 – requires software version Z956V2.5.19 or later
ZTE Overture 3
ZTE Prelude +
ZTE Sonata 3

Here, you can see a list of BYOP devices compatible with Cricket's services (not including Cricket-sold devices, which are listed above):

Alcatel A2 model A406DL
Alcatel A2X model A508DL
Alcatel My Flip 2 model A406DL
Alcatel T1 lite model T770B
Alcatel T1 Pro model T799B
Alcatel TCL A3 model A509DL
Alcatel TCL A3X model A600DL
Alcatel TCL 10 Pro model T799B
Alcatel TCL Austin model T671O
Alcatel TCL 20SE model T773O
Alcatel TCL Oakland model T766S
Apple iPhone 6 and later
Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Asustek ROG Phone 3 model ASUS I003D
ASUS 1005DC
ASUS 1005D
ASUS 1005DA
Essential PH-1 model PH-1
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel 4XL
Google Pixel 4A
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 4A 5G (G205e)
Google G1F8F
LG CLASSIC Flip model L125DL
LG G8 ThinQ
LG G8X ThinQ model LM-G850QM
LG Journey model L322DL
LG K30 model LM-X320QMG
LG K31 model LM-K300QM
LG K40 model LM-X420QN
LG K51 model LM-K500QM
LG Premier Pro model LML413DL
LG Premier Pro model LML414DL
LG Premier Pro Plus model L455DL
LG Q70 model LM-Q620M
LG Rebel 4 model LML211BL
LG Reflect model L555DL
LG Solo model L423DL
LG Stylo 4 model LML713DL
LG Stylo 4 model LM-Q710ULM
LG Stylo 5 model L722DL
LG Stylo 5 model LM-Q720QM
LG Stylo 6 model LM-Q730QM
Microsoft Duo model 1930
Motorola Edge model XT2063-2
Motorola Moto E model XT2052-1
Motorola Moto E5 Play model XT1921-2
Motorola Moto E6 model XT2005-5
Motorola Moto G 5G model XT2113-3
Motorola Moto G Fast model XT2045-3
Motorola Moto G Play model XT2093DL
Motorola Moto G Play model XT2093-4
Motorola Moto G Power model XT2041-4
Motorola Moto G Power model XT2117-2
Motorola Moto G Power model XT2117-4
Motorola Moto G Pro model XT2043-8
Motorola Moto G Stylus model XT2043-4
Motorola Moto G Stylus model XT2075-5
Motorola Moto G Stylus model XT2115-1
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G model XT2131-1
Motorola Moto G 5G model XT2113-2
Motorola Moto G7 model XT1962-1
Motorola Moto G7 Play model XT1952-4
Motorola Moto G8 Plus model XT2019-2
Motorola Moto G8 Power model XT2041-1
Motorola Moto G7 Power model XT1955-5
Motorola Moto G9 Play model XT2083-1
Motorola Moto G9 Power model XT2091-4
Motorola Moto Z4 model XT1980-3
Motorola One Action model XT2013-4
Motorola One Fusion+ model XT2067-2
Motorola Razr model XT2071-3
Nokia 6300 4G
OnePlus 6t model A6013
OnePlus 7 Pro model GM1917
OnePlus 7t model HD1905
OnePlus 8 model IN2015
OnePlus 8 Pro model IN2025
OnePlus 8t model KB2005
OnePlus 9 Pro 5G model LE2125
OnePlus 9 Pro 5G model LE2115
OnePlus Nord N100 model BE2011
OnePlus Nord N10 model BE2026
OnePlus Nord N200 5G model DE2117
Punkt MP02
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G (SM-G986U1)
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G (SM-G981U1)
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (SM-G988U1)
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (SM-N981U1)
Samsung Galaxy Note20+ (SM-N986U1)
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (SM-G991U1)
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (SM-G996U1)
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-998U1)
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G (SM-A516U1)
Samsung Galaxy GS10 (SM-G973U)
Samsung Galaxy GS9 (SM-G960U)
Samsung Galaxy GS8 (SM-G950U)
Samsung Galaxy GS7 (SM-G930A)
Samsung Galaxy GS20FE (SM-G781U1)
Samsung Galaxy A71 (SM-A716U1)
Samsung Galaxy ZFold 5G (SM-F916U1)
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G SE (SM-A426U1/DS)
Samsung Galaxy A02s model SM- A025U1/DS
Samsung Galaxy A12 SE model SM-A125U1/DS
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G SE model SM-A326U1/DS
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G SE model SM-A426U1/DS
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G model SM-A526U1
Samsung Xcover Pro model SM-A515U1
Sony Xperia 1 II model XQ-AT51
Sony Xperia 5 II model XQ-AS62
Sony Xperia 1 III model XQ-BC62
Teracube 2E model TR20072EQ
ZTE Avid 579 model Z5156CC
ZTE ZMax 10 model Z6250CC

What Carriers Are Compatible With Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is AT&T's mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and GSM carrier, therefore it will most likely be compatible with other GSM carriers and accept phones that work on GSM networks. GSM networks in America include:

AT&T (and its MVNOs)
T-Mobile (and its MVNOs)

AT&T's MVNOs include:

Consumer Cellular (AT&T, T-Mobile)
Cricket Wireless
FreedomPop (AT&T, Sprint)
FreeUP Mobile
Good2Go Mobile
H2O Wireless
Net10 (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon)
Red Pocket (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon)
Straight Talk (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon)
TracFone (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon)

T-Mobile's MVNOs include:

Boost Mobile
Consumer Cellular (AT&T, T-Mobile)
Gen Mobile (T-Mobile, Sprint)
Google Fi (Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Three)
Metro by T-Mobile
Mint Mobile
Net10 (T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular)
Red Pocket (Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T)
Republic Wireless (Sprint, T-Mobile)
Simple Mobile
Straight Talk (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
Tello
TextNow (T-Mobile, Sprint)
TracFone (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)
Ultra Mobile
US Mobile (T-Mobile, Verizon)
Wing (T-Mobile, AT&T)

However, some of their devices may not be compatible with Cricket's services. To make sure whether or not your phone will work on Cricket, make sure to check its compatibility at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone.

What Network Towers Does Cricket Wireless Use?

Prior to Cricket's acquisition by AT&T, Cricket used Sprint's CDMA network and towers.

Since Cricket's acquisition by AT&T in 2014, Cricket uses AT&T's network towers and network. AT&T (and thus Cricket) offers a reliable nationwide network that connects 99% of the entire U.S. population. You can see Cricket's nationwide coverage and check if the network is available in your area at cricketwireless.com/map.html by entering your address or ZIP code.

What Kind of Phone Technology Does Cricket Use – GSM or CDMA?

Since Cricket's acquisition by AT&T in 2014, Cricket uses AT&T's GSM phone technology and sells devices that use AT&T's 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE networks.

Before 2014, Cricket used Sprint's CDMA phone technology. Cricket's old CDMA service was terminated by September 2015 and most devices sold before the merger weren't compatible with Cricket's services, therefore had to be replaced.

FAQ

Do I Need to Back Up My Phone Before Switching to Cricket SIM?

Yes, it is always a good idea to back your phone and files before beginning any kind of transfer.

Does Cricket SIM Card Unlock?

Cricket's SIM card can only offer Cricket's services, as that is its sole purpose. As such, it cannot be unlocked to offer other services. However, most other carrier's phones can be unlocked and brought to Cricket's network. Cricket phones, on the other hand, can also be unlocked and taken to other networks. However, to unlock the device, you have to meet certain unlocking requirements. Learn more about unlocking Cricket's devices at cricketwireless.com/legal-info/device-unlock-policy.html.

How Do I Activate Cricket Wireless SIM Card?

In case you ordered your Cricket service online on their official website, you must activate the service online. To do so, simply insert your SIM card into your phone, find your order number and phone number (in the order confirmation email and on your packing slip), visit cricketwireless.com/activate.html, and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be required to provide your 4-digit Cricket Account PIN. In case you have forgotten it, you can contact Cricket's support service.

In case you ordered your phone or SIM card from a non-Cricket retailer, you can use another activation process. Learn more at cricketwireless.com/support/orders-and-activations/retailer-and-sim-card-activation.html.

Are Cricket Phones Unlocked?

No, Cricket's phones are locked to Cricket's services. They can be unlocked if they meet certain unlocking requirements. Find out how to unlock your Cricket phone at cricketwireless.com/legal-info/device-unlock-policy.html.

What to Do if Your Phone Won't Work With Cricket SIM Bring Your Own Phone?

First, check if the phone you wish to use your Cricket SIM and services with is compatible with Cricket's network. You can do so at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone. If the device is indeed compatible, try to activate it by following one of the methods provided in the previous question. If the device still won't work, contact Cricket's customer support service. You can do so by chat on their official website or by phone at 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or 611 from your phone.

Can I Use a Cricket SIM Card in Any Unlocked iPhone?

Your Cricket SIM card may not work with any unlocked iPhone, however, it should work with most of them. You can check if your iPhone model is compatible with Cricket's service in the section 'Which Phones Are Compatible With a Cricket SIM Card?' or at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone.

What Phones Are Free When You Switch to Cricket?

Cricket Wireless is known for offering many special deals for new customers when they switch to Cricket, including discounted and free devices. Phones that new customers may currently get completely free of charge when switching to Cricket are Motorola moto g play, Samsung Galaxy A01, and Nokia C2 Tava.

Can I Buy a Used Phone and Bring It to Cricket?

Yes, both new and used phones that are unlocked and compatible with Cricket's services are eligible for their BYOP program. Check the phone's compatibility at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone.

Can I Transfer My Remaining Service Balance to a New Phone?

Yes, when transferring your service to a new phone, the phone number and remaining benefits (if you have any) will be transferred to the new phone.

Do You Lose Everything When You Change Cricket SIM Cards?

No. Some data may be stored in your SIM card, however, other data is stored on your phone and in a cloud. In addition, Cricket can transfer both your service and most of your data to a new SIM card. Simply contact Cricket's customer service and ask them to help you. This way you won't lose any data.

Can I Move My Cell Phone Service Just by Moving My SIM to a New Phone?

Yes, if you have an original Cricket or compatible BYOP device, the service can be transferred by simply moving your SIM card to a new phone, as the SIM card already contains all the necessary data. However, if the service isn't transferred automatically, follow the steps provided in the section 'How Do I Transfer Everything From My Old Cricket Phone To My New Cricket Phone?'.

Can You Use an AT&T Phone on Cricket Wireless?

As Cricket is AT&T's MVNO and it uses AT&T's network and GSM technology, it is generally possible to use an AT&T phone on Cricket Wireless. However, just to make sure, check your phone's compatibility at cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/bring-your-phone.

How to Switch From One Cricket Phone to Another

Source: https://governmentfreephone.com/put-my-cricket-sim-card-into-another-phone/