To activate a new Cricket phone, visit cricketwireless.com/activate and follow the online steps. Whether you bought your phone from Cricket, a retailer, or are bringing your own device, the activation process requires specific information based on your purchase method.
Before you activate your new Cricket phone
What you need depends on where you bought your phone:
- Cricket.com purchase: If you purchased your phone or SIM card directly from cricketwireless.com, you will need your order number and the phone number associated with the order to activate.
- BYOD or retailer purchase (Amazon, Walmart, Target): If you are bringing your own device (BYOD) or purchased a SIM card from a non-Cricket retailer (like Amazon, Walmart, or Target), you will need your Device ID Number (IMEI) and SIM Card number (ICCID).
- eSIM: The SIM is already inside the phone, allowing activation without an external SIM card.
If you are transferring a number from another carrier, gather your current wireless account number, account PIN or password, and the last four digits of the account holder's Social Security Number. Ensure the information exactly matches your current bill. Do not cancel your old wireless service before initiating a number transfer, as the transfer process will not begin until your Cricket service is activated.
How to activate your new Cricket phone online
The primary method is visiting cricketwireless.com/activate. Enter the required information based on your purchase path (order number and phone number, or IMEI and ICCID), then follow the on-screen steps. For eSIM customers, no physical SIM entry is needed.
Insert your Cricket SIM card (physical SIM only)
- Locate the SIM card slot on your phone (usually on the side or back).
- Insert the Cricket SIM card into the slot, ensuring it fits securely.
- Power on your phone.
The ICCID (SIM card number) is typically found on the larger card that came with your SIM or on the device's box, and can be up to 22 digits long. The IMEI (Device ID Number) is a 15-digit number usually found in your phone's settings (Settings > General > About on iPhone; Settings > About Phone/Tablet > Status on Android), on the device box, or by dialing *#06#.
Complete activation and set up your account
After online activation, your phone may need time to connect to the Cricket network. Once the activation is complete, you will receive a confirmation message or notification. After activation, you may need to register your account online or via the myCricket app by entering your Cricket phone number and a temporary passcode sent via text.
Activate by contacting Cricket customer support
As an alternative method, you can activate by contacting Cricket customer support. For further assistance, Cricket customer support can be reached by calling 1-800-CRICKET (274-2538) or 611 from a Cricket phone, or by using their online chat service. Have your phone's details and SIM card information ready when contacting them.
Troubleshooting common activation problems
- SIM card not working: Double-check that it is properly inserted. Try removing and reinserting the SIM card.
- No calls or data: Check your phone's signal strength and ensure you are in an area with good network coverage. Try restarting your phone or removing and reinserting the SIM card. Verify that your data plan is active.
- Phone not compatible message: Check device compatibility on Cricket's website or contact customer support. Verify your IMEI by dialing
*#06#. - Forgotten voicemail password: Contact Cricket customer support to guide you through resetting your voicemail password.
- Lost or stolen phone: Immediately contact Cricket customer support to report the incident. They will assist in suspending your service and blocking the phone.
For activating phones and SIM cards on any carrier, Cricket's customer support team can provide personalized assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to activate a new Cricket phone?
The activation process usually takes a few minutes, though in some cases it may take up to 24 hours for the phone to be fully activated and for all features to be functional.
Can I activate my new Cricket phone online?
Yes, you can activate your new Cricket phone online by visiting cricketwireless.com/activate and following the instructions.
What do I do if I want to transfer my old number to my new Cricket phone?
You can transfer your existing phone number during the activation process. Provide the necessary information from your current carrier (account number, PIN, and last four digits of SSN) and follow the on-screen prompts. Do not cancel your old service first.
Can I activate a used Cricket phone?
Yes, you can activate a used Cricket phone as long as it is compatible with the Cricket network. Before activating, make sure the phone is unlocked and can be used with any carrier. You may need to contact Cricket or check their website to verify compatibility.
Related reading: T-Mobile: How To Activate A New Phone and How To Activate New Phone Verizon.
