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By Staci Lell

Love your current phone but thinking about switching wireless providers? Bring it with you to Cricket Wireless. With Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), you can keep a compatible phone you already know, transfer your number, and activate service with Cricket without buying a new device. That means you can keep your photos, apps, settings, and everything that makes your phone feel like yours. No learning curve. No starting over. Just a simpler way to switch and stay connected.
 

What Does BYOD Mean?

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. You may also hear it called Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP). In wireless, BYOD means switching to a new carrier while keeping a compatible phone you already own. Instead of buying a new phone, you bring your current phone to Cricket and activate it on the network.

Benefits of Bringing Your Own Phone
  • Keep the phone you already know and trust
  • Keep your apps, settings, and contacts
  • Avoid the cost of a new phone
  • Keep your current phone number
  • Choose a plan that fits your needs
  • Spend less time setting up a device
  • Switch with confidence

If your phone still does everything you need, BYOD can be a smart and practical way to move to Cricket.
 

How to bring your current phone to Cricket Wireless

Many unlocked phones may be compatible with Cricket Wireless.
Before you switch, check two things:
  • Is your phone compatible with the Cricket network?
  • Is your phone unlocked?
The easiest way to check compatibility is with your phone's IMEI number.
 

Check that your phone works on the Cricket 5G network

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number assigned to your phone. Cricket uses that number to check whether your phone can be activated on the network. Once you have your IMEI, enter it into Cricket's compatibility checker to see if your phone is eligible.
 

How Do I Find My IMEI Number?

Dial a Code
Open your phone app and dial:
*#06#
Your IMEI should appear on the screen.
Find IMEI on iPhone
  1. Open Settings
  2. Select General
  3. Select About
  4. Scroll to IMEI
Find IMEI on Android
  1. Open Settings
  2. Select About Phone
  3. Look for IMEI or IMEI Information
Menu names may vary by manufacturer.

Check to see if your phone is unlocked

Your phone must be unlocked before you switch carriers.
Check if an iPhone Is Unlocked
  1. Open Settings
  2. Select General
  3. Select About
  4. Find Carrier Lock
If you see No SIM Restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked.
Android phone unlock settings vary by manufacturer and model. If you're not sure, contact your current wireless provider can verify whether your phone is unlocked and explain any requirements to unlock it before switching.

How to transfer your phone to Cricket Wireless

Switching your phone to Cricket is simple.

1. Check Compatibility
Find your IMEI and use Cricket's compatibility checker.
2. Make Sure Your Phone Is Unlocked
Contact your current carrier if you need to confirm unlock status.
3. Choose a Cricket Plan
Consider:
  • How much data you use
  • Whether you stream or game frequently
  • How many lines you need
  • Features important to you
  • Your monthly budget
Choose the plan that fits your life without paying for extras you don't need.
4. Transfer Your Phone Number
Want to keep your number? You can transfer it during activation.
You may need:
  • Your account number
  • Transfer PIN or port-out PIN
  • Billing information on the account
Keep your current service active until the transfer is complete.
5. Activate Your Service
  • Insert your Cricket SIM card or activate an eligible eSIM
  • Follow activation instructions
  • Complete setup
  • Restart your phone if prompted
Once activation is complete, you'll be ready to call, text, stream, browse, and stay connected with Cricket.
 

What are the benefits to keeping my phone?

If you're happy with your phone, BYOD helps you switch service without starting over.
Benefits include:
  • Keeping the phone you already use
  • Avoiding the cost of a new device
  • Keeping your phone number
  • Spending less time on setup
  • Maintaining your familiar settings and apps
  • Switching with less disruption
It's a simple way to make a smart change while keeping the phone that already fits your life.
 

Ready to Bring Your Phone to Cricket?

If your phone is already working for you, don't leave it behind. Check compatibility, confirm it's unlocked, choose a Cricket plan, and transfer your number during activation. Keep your phone. Keep your number. Keep life moving with Cricket.

Check Phone Compatibility
Explore Cricket Wireless Plans
 

BYOD FAQs

Can I bring my own phone or device to Cricket wireless?

Yes. You can bring your own compatible, unlocked phone to Cricket Wireless and keep your existing device while enjoying Cricket's reliable, nationwide 5G network where available. Before switching, check that your phone is compatible, choose a plan, and activate your service with either a physical SIM card or eSIM if your device supports it.

How do I know if my phone or device is compatible with Cricket Wireless?

The easiest way to check compatibility is by entering your phone's IMEI number into the Cricket Wireless compatibility checker. The IMEI verifies whether your device supports Cricket's network technologies, including HD Voice and 5G where available, and confirms whether your phone can be activated.

Can I Keep My Phone Number When Switching to Cricket?

Yes. Many customers bring their existing phone number when they switch. Just keep your current account active until the transfer is complete.

Does my phone need to be unlocked to work on Cricket?

Yes. In most cases, your phone must be unlocked by your current carrier before it can be activated on Cricket Wireless. If your phone is still locked, contact your current carrier to verify eligibility and request an unlock before switching to Cricket.

Can I keep my current phone number when I switch to Cricket?

Yes. Most customers can keep their existing phone number when switching to Cricket Wireless. You'll typically need your current account number, transfer PIN, and active service with your current carrier until the transfer is complete.

How do I activate my phone on Cricket Wireless?

After confirming phone compatibility, choose a Cricket plan and activate your phone using either a physical SIM card or eSIM, depending on your device. During activation, you can also transfer your existing phone number or request a new Cricket number.

Can I use an eSIM with Cricket Wireless?

Yes. Many compatible smartphones and devices support Cricket eSIM activation. eSIM allows you to activate your service digitally without inserting a physical SIM card. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is compatible with Cricket Wireless before beginning activation.

What phones are compatible with Cricket Wireless?

Many unlocked Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, and other Android devices are compatible with Cricket Wireless. Compatibility depends on your phone's model, software, and network capabilities, so always verify your device using Cricket's IMEI compatibility checker before switching.

How long does it take to switch to Cricket Wireless?

Most Cricket Wireless activations are completed within minutes once your compatible phone or device is activated. If you're transferring your existing phone number, the process may take longer depending on your previous carrier, although many transfers are completed the same day.

What information do I need before bringing my phone to Cricket?

Before switching to Cricket Wireless, have your phone's IMEI number, current carrier account number, transfer PIN (if keeping your number), and a compatible unlocked phone or device. Gathering this information in advance helps make activation faster and reduces delays.

Why won't my phone work on Cricket Wireless?

If your phone isn't working on Cricket, it might not be compatible with Cricket's network, may still be locked to another carrier, or may require updated software or network settings. Use the IMEI compatibility checker first, then verify your phone is unlocked and fully updated before activating.

Can I Bring My iPhone to Cricket Wireless?

Yes, if your iPhone is unlocked and compatible with the Cricket network.
Check your IMEI before switching to confirm compatibility.

Can I Bring My Android Phone to Cricket Wireless?

Yes, many unlocked Android phones may be compatible with Cricket.
Because compatibility can vary by model, check your IMEI before activation.