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How to activate your Cricket Wireless eSIM
eSIMs are catching on with carriers, even budget-minded providers like Cricket Wireless. Here’s how to activate a Cricket eSIM, transfer one to a new phone, or convert a physical SIM card.
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Once you've got a compatible iPhone and a Cricket plan, go to cricketwireless.com/activate and follow appropriate links based on whether or not you bought direct from the carrier.
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Cricket Wireless eSIM supported devices
Cricket only supports the eSIM format on iPhones, specifically the XS, XR, or newer. Those models were released in 2018, so if you’ve bought anything since, you’re probably good.
Unfortunately, while many Android phone makers are adopting eSIMs, it’s not uncommon for carriers to limit their support of the technology to Apple devices.
Note that iPhones must also be unlocked and running iOS 16.0.2 or later.
How to activate a Cricket Wireless eSIM
Typically you’ll need to visit Cricket’s activation webpage. There are separate activation paths based on whether or not you bought your iPhone direct from the carrier. If you’d rather let someone else handle the gritty details, you can take your phone to a Cricket retail shop.
How to transfer your Cricket Wireless eSIM to a new phone
You’ll need to use the eSIM transfer process built into iPhones. Be sure both your old and new ones are at hand and powered on. If the old one is already gone, you’ll need to contact Cricket for help.
- Once basic setup is complete on the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Select the plan you want to transfer, or else Transfer From Another Phone if it’s not listed.
- On the old iPhone, you’ll be prompted to confirm the transfer by tapping Transfer or entering a verification code displayed on the newer device.
- When the transfer is complete, you’ll see a notification on the new iPhone prompting you to finish setup. Tap it, and you should be taken to Cricket’s website to finish up.
How to convert your Cricket Wireless SIM to eSIM
If your iPhone still has a physical SIM card, you can free up that SIM slot — say, if you want to use it while traveling — by converting your Cricket SIM into an eSIM.
- On your iPhone, select Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Convert to eSIM. If the option is missing, you’ll need to talk to Cricket about workarounds.
- Next, tap Convert Cellular Plan, then Convert to eSIM again.
- When the process completes, remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone.