What is an eSIM?
Learn what an eSIM is, how it works, the advantages and activation steps with Cricket.
eSIM and It’s Benefits
An eSIM or embedded SIM is built into your phone, allowing you switch to Cricket and activate service easier and faster. Here’s why.
Flexibility
With digital technology, an eSIM allows for convenient and rapid service activation.
Additional Security
As an embedded SIM, eSIM is not as easily lost or stolen unlike a pSIM.
Easy Installation
Simply download a Cricket eSIM to your device then activate!
Discover If Your Phone is eSIM Ready
Before bringing your device, you must have an unlocked, eSIM-capable, network compatible device.
The best way to find out if your phone is eSIM-capable and compatibility with the Cricket network, using your Device ID (IMEI) you can check on the compatibility checker.
For Apple Devices
Any Apple device with iOS 10.3 or later including iPhone XS, newer models and iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation is eSIM-capable.
For Android Devices
Samsung devices from 2022 onward and all Google Pixel 6 or newer models generally support eSIM-capable; however, there may be exceptions.
How to Setup eSIM with Cricket
Installing eSIM is quick and easy. Just follow steps for your device, you’ll be on the Cricket network in no time.
If you’ve already purchased service, look for a push notification on your device, then, follow the instructions below to download your eSIM profile.
Apple Devices
- Go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan, then Add eSIM. (Note: this will enable a search for the eSIM profile then install it.)
- Next, follow the on-screen prompts.
Android Devices
- Go to Settings, tap Network & Internet.
- Tap Add Mobile Plan, then Add eSIM or Download eSIM. (Note: this will enable a search for the eSIM then install it.)
- Next, follow the on-screen prompts.
Bring Your eSIM Device to Cricket
With an eSIM-compatible device, activation can happen within minutes after switching to Cricket.
Have a device that you love?
It’s simple. Let’s start your switch to Cricket nation.
Bring Your Device & Activate Quickly
When you are a new customer with a single line, you can activate rapidly.
Activate Your Device Online
Once your order is complete, you are ready to activate online with your eSIM.
About eSIM FAQs
eSIM stands for embedded SIM, which means it’s already inside your phone, allowing you to switch to Cricket and activate your service in as little as 15 minutes. No more waiting for a physical SIM to arrive and manually inserting it before you can start making calls, sending texts, and using data.
- More flexibility. Using digital technology, an eSIM lets you conveniently and rapidly activate service.
- More secure. Unlike a pSIM that’s removeable, an eSIM is embedded, making it difficult to be lost or stolen.
- Easy to install. Just download a Cricket eSIM to your device and activate it.
No worries! If this occurred after a “hard reset” of your phone, upon re-start, select "Keep Your SIM" or "Keep Your Cellular Plan" shown on your device to retain your eSIM profile. Please do not select “Delete All” or it will delete your eSIM and you might have to purchase a new one.
If both devices are an unlocked iPhone XS or newer, you can transfer your eSIM during setup. Make sure your iPhone features the most current iOS software for a seamless transfer. You can get more details from
Apple Support
At this time, with Cricket you cannot transfer your eSIM from one Android device to another Android device nor transfer between an Apple device and an Android device.
If you want to bring your own device, it must be compatibility with the Cricket network, is unlocked from the previous provider, hasn’t be reported lost or stolen, and eSIM-capable.
Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eSIM capable and if it will work on our network.
Currently, we support the following unlocked phones:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer including the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation
- many Samsung devices launched 2022 and later(not all-inclusive)
- Google Pixel 6 & newer.
If you’re already on the Cricket network and your physical SIM (pSIM) is inserted in an unlocked iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer, you can convert your cellular plan to an eSIM in your iPhone’s Settings. Learn more from Apple Support.
There could be a few issues. Here is how you can troubleshoot:
- Scan your QR code. Follow the prompts on the device to download your eSIM. If you do not see the prompts, look in your device Settings under Cellular or Mobile Networks for a notice to install your eSIM.
- Make sure you are scanning the QR code with the correct device. Note: Each QR code is unique, can only be used one time, and is specific to the device that was provided during the activation.
- Ensure your device is unlocked.
Still need help? Contact 1-800-CRICKET