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SIM Card Setup

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What’s an eSIM?

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 you can remove, 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 the phone you love 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

  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11 series and newer
  • iPhone SE 3 (2022)
  • iPhone SE 2 (2020)
  • 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:

  • Many Samsung devices launched 2022 and later (not all-inclusive)
  • Googe Pixel 6 & newer

Second, ensure you are connected to WiFi.

Lastly, bring your own device (BYOD) by activating service online at cricketwireless.com or go to any Cricket Retail Store. You can activate using an eSIM and start enjoying unlimited talk and text with no annual contracts and no hidden fees faster than it takes to receive a physical SIM.

Can I activate my eSIM online?

Yes.Only iPhones that are eSIM capable can be activated at this time via online at cricketwireless.com. This includes both iPhones purchased at Cricket and BYOD iPhones that are eSIM capable. If your phone is an Android listed above, you cannot activate online, but can visit any Cricket Retail Store to activate.

Activate your eSIM iPhone device

Not sure if your BYOD is eSIM compatible or eSIM only? Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eligible for online activation.

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 devices does Cricket support?

Apple, unlocked, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer are compatible with the Cricket network. This includes the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.

Android Devices:

  • Many Samsung devices launched 2022 and later (not all-inclusive)
  • Google Pixel 6 & newer

Supporting additional devices is in the works. Stay tuned.

eSIM Troubleshooting FAQs

Accidents happen. If this occurred after a “hard reset” of your phone, upon re-start, be sure to choose "Keep Your SIM" or "Keep Your Cellular Plan" shown on your device in order to retain your eSIM profile. Do not choose “Delete All” or it will delete your eSIM and you might have to purchase a new one. If you need further assistance, please contact Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or dial 611 to have a new eSIM downloaded to your phone and activated. You can also visit a Cricket Retail Store and purchase a physical SIM card (pSIM).

If both devices are an unlocked iPhone XS or newer, you can transfer your eSIM during setup. First, make sure your iPhone features the most current iOS software. Get the details from Apple Support.

At this time, you cannot transfer your eSIM from one Android device to another Android device and you cannot transfer between an Apple device and an Android device.

If you’re bringing your own device, please make sure it:

  • Works on the Cricket network.
  • Hasn’t been reported lost or stolen.
  • Is eSIM-capable and unlocked from the previous carrier.
Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eSIM capable and if it will work on our network.

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. Get the details from Apple Support.

Please contact Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or dial 611 for assistance.

One of these could be the issue:
  • 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.
Still need help? Contact 1-800-CRICKET

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