eSIM stands for “embedded SIM”, which means it’s already inside your phone, allowing you to switch to Cricket and activate your service more quickly than with a physical SIM (pSIM). No more waiting for a pSIM to arrive and manually inserting it before you can start making calls, sending texts, and using data.
What are the advantages of an eSIM?
- More flexibility. Using digital technology, an eSIM lets you conveniently activate service without purchasing or waiting for a pSIM.
- More secure. Unlike a pSIM can be removed, an eSIM is embedded, making it difficult to be lost or stolen.
- Easy to install. Just download a Cricket eSIM to your phone and activate it.
How do I activate Cricket service using an eSIM?
An eSIM makes it easy to bring your own device to Cricket.
First, make sure you have an unlocked phone that is eSIM capable and compatible to work with eSIM on Cricket Wireless. Check eSIM capability with our Cricket Compatibility Checker. Currently, we support these devices.
Apple Devices:
Phones (requires 10.3 operating system or higher)
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone SE 2nd Gen
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Note: iPhone X not supported
iPads
- iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen or later)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad Air (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad (7th Gen or later)
- iPad mini (5th Gen or later)
Android Devices:
BYOD:
You can bring your own device (BYOD) and start enjoying unlimited talk and text with no annual contracts and no hidden fees faster than it takes to receive a physical SIM. You can activate your BYOD device online at cricketwireless.com or visit any Cricket Retail Store.
Can I activate my eSIM online?
Yes. eSIM capable devices can be activated online. This includes both iPhones and Android devices that are eSIM capable. Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eligible for online activation.
Online Activation for BYOD iPhone
You can activate your BYOD iPhone here. Not sure if your Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phone is eSIM compatible or eSIM only? Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eligible for online activation.
Activation for Android
If your phone is an Android device with eSIM, you can activate online or visit any Cricket Retail Store to activate.
Note: iOS software version 16.0.2 is needed to activate with eSIM. You are not required to update to the most current iOS software version to activate eSIM. Android must be updated to most current software to activate with eSIM.
Which eSIM-enabled iPhones does Cricket support?
- See above for a full list of eSIM enabled devices available at Cricket.
- Most new Android devices can be activated using eSIM.
eSIM Troubleshooting FAQs
- Works on the Cricket network.
- Hasn’t been reported lost or stolen.
- Is eSIM-capable and unlocked from the previous carrier.
- Scan your QR code one. 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.
- Ensure you are scanning the QR code with the correct device.
- Each QR code is unique, can be used one time, and only for the device that was provided during the activation.
- Ensure your device is unlocked.
