How Cricket Wireless Works and What to Know Before You Switch

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid carrier that runs on AT&T's network

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid mobile service owned by AT&T. Instead of signing a contract, you pay for service in advance—usually monthly—and use it until your balance runs out. The service runs on AT&T's existing network infrastructure, which means coverage is the same as AT&T's, but the cost is typically lower because you're not paying for contract terms or postpaid billing.

You can bring your own phone to Cricket or purchase one from them. If you bring a phone, it must be unlocked and compatible with AT&T's network. Cricket also sells phones outright, with prices ranging from budget models to newer devices, though you pay the full price upfront rather than spreading it across a contract.

Key Takeaways

• Cricket charges month-to-month with no contract, and service stops when your balance runs out unless you add more funds.
• You can bring an unlocked phone or buy one from Cricket, and coverage uses AT&T's network across South Carolina and nationwide.
• Plans include talk, text, and data in set amounts, and you can change your plan each month without penalty.
• Cricket offers a $5 credit toward your first month if you sign up online, and some plans include international calling to select countries.

How to set up service and activate a phone

To start Cricket service, you can visit a Cricket store, go to their website, or call their customer service line. You'll need a valid ID and a payment method. If you're bringing your own phone, have the phone's IMEI number ready (dial *#06# to find it). Cricket will check whether your phone works on their network before you complete the setup.

Once you've chosen a plan and paid, Cricket sends you a SIM card or activates one in your phone. Activation usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. You can then start using talk, text, and data right away. If you're switching from another carrier and want to keep your existing phone number, you'll need to provide your account number and PIN from your old carrier during setup.

Cricket plans and what they include

Cricket offers several monthly plans with different amounts of data, talk, and text. Plans typically start around $25 to $30 per month for basic service and go up to $60 or more for unlimited data. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text; the main difference is how much data you get before speeds slow down. Once you reach your data limit, you can still use data, but at a slower speed, or you can pay extra to add more high-speed data.

You can change your plan each month without penalty, so if you need more data one month, you can upgrade and then downgrade the next month. Cricket also offers add-ons like international calling passes and mobile hotspot data if you need them beyond what your plan includes.

Costs and what happens when your balance runs out

Your monthly plan cost is due on your renewal date each month. You can set up automatic payments so your account renews without you having to remember, or you can pay manually each time. If your balance runs out and you don't renew, your service stops. You won't receive calls or texts, and you can't use data.

If you let your account lapse, you can reactivate it by adding funds and renewing your plan. Cricket doesn't charge a reactivation fee, but your phone number may be reassigned to another customer if you wait too long. The exact timeframe varies, so it's best to renew before your service expires if you want to keep your number.

Coverage and network quality in South Carolina

Cricket uses AT&T's network, so coverage in South Carolina matches AT&T's coverage map. In cities and along major highways, you'll have strong 4G LTE service. In rural areas, coverage depends on AT&T's infrastructure in that region. You can check coverage for your specific address on Cricket's website by entering your zip code or street address.

Network speeds and reliability are the same as AT&T's postpaid service, since you're using the same towers and infrastructure. The main difference is that during times of heavy network congestion, Cricket customers may experience slightly slower speeds than AT&T's postpaid customers, though this is not always noticeable in practice.

Bringing your own phone versus buying from Cricket

If you already own an unlocked phone, bringing it to Cricket saves you money upfront. Your phone must be unlocked (not tied to another carrier) and compatible with AT&T's network bands. You can check compatibility on Cricket's website by entering your phone's model. Phones from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google typically work, but older or international models may not.

If you don't have a phone or yours isn't compatible, Cricket sells devices ranging from budget Android phones to the latest iPhones and Samsung models. Prices are higher than you'd pay at a carrier store because you're paying the full retail price upfront, but there's no contract or financing involved. Some people find it cheaper to buy a used unlocked phone from a third-party seller and bring it to Cricket instead.

Customer service and support options

Cricket offers customer support by phone, online chat, and through their website. You can also visit a Cricket store in person in most South Carolina cities. Phone support is available during business hours, and wait times vary depending on call volume. Online chat is sometimes faster for simple questions like checking your balance or changing your plan.

If you have an issue with your service, Cricket's support team can troubleshoot problems, help you change plans, or process refunds if you were charged incorrectly. Keep your account number and phone number handy when you contact them, as they'll need it to look up your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Cricket from another carrier?

Yes. During setup, you'll provide your account number and PIN from your old carrier, and Cricket will transfer your number. The process usually takes a few hours to a day. Make sure you have this information before you start, and don't cancel your old service until the transfer is complete.

What happens if I run out of data before my month ends?

Your data slows to a much slower speed, but you can still use it. You can pay extra to add more high-speed data, or you can wait until your plan renews the next month. Some plans include the option to add data blocks for a set price.

Do I need a credit check to sign up for Cricket?

No. Cricket is prepaid, so there's no credit check. You just need a valid ID and a payment method. This makes it a good option if you have no credit history or poor credit.

Can I use Cricket's service outside the United States?

Yes, but you'll need to add an international pass or pay per-use rates, which can be expensive. Cricket offers passes for calling and texting to select countries, and data rates vary by destination. Check Cricket's website for rates to the country you're visiting before you travel.

What's the difference between Cricket and AT&T's regular service?

The main differences are that Cricket is prepaid with no contract, costs less per month, and may experience slightly slower speeds during network congestion. You get the same coverage and network quality otherwise. Cricket doesn't offer the same perks as AT&T's postpaid plans, like device financing or premium support.