How to get and activate a Cricket eSIM in the USA

Cricket Wireless, wholly owned by AT&T, is a USA mobile operator that offers various plans that work wth an eSIM.

This guide tells you everything about how to get a Cricket eSIM, available plans, compatibility, and how these work when traveling abroad.

We also explore alternatives you can use when traveling to the USA and other destinations, such as the Holafly travel eSIM, which works with local and regional plans.

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Does Cricket support eSIM?

Yes, you can get an eSIM from Cricket. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone that works on Cricket’s network.

Manually check if your device works with the Cricket eSIM by entering its IMEI in the Cricket Compatibility Checker. Make sure to do this before purchasing any of the available plans.

Cricket Wireless eSIM plans for locals

Cricket Wireless offers two different plans for locals, both of which can be used with an eSIM. These are:

• Phone plans
• Data only plans

Let’s explore what each one offers, what they include, and how much they cost.

Cricket Wireless eSIM prepaid plans

Cricket Wireless offers four prepaid plans, and you have the option to get a free Cricket eSIM trial.

Plans include data, texting, calls, and, depending on which one you choose, there are add-ons included at no extra cost:

• Sensible: For $35/month, you get 10 GB of high-speed data and 5G coverage. Hotspot data, free roaming in Mexico and Canada, cloud storage, and other add-ons aren’t available in this plan.
• Unlimited: For $40/month, you get unlimited data, 5G coverage, hotspot available as an add-on, and unlimited calling and texting in Mexico and Canada. Cloud storage, international texting, and free HBO aren’t included in this plan.
• Smart Unlimited: For $50/month, you get unlimited data, 5G coverage, 15 GB of hotspot data, 100 GB of cloud storage, free roaming in Mexico and Canada, and free texts to over 200 destinations. HBO isn’t included with the plan.
• Supreme Unlimited: For $60/month, you get unlimited data, 5G coverage, 50 GB of hotspot data, 150 GB of cloud storage, free roaming in Mexico and Canada, free texts to over 200 destinations, and HBO Max with ads.
• Free trial: Get a 14-day trial using the TryCricket app. You get unlimited data, texts, and calls in the US, HD Voice and Wi-Fi Calling, and Cricket Call Defense.

All plans purchased in-store incur two additional fees: the Non-Compliant Return Fee and the Activation Fee. This means you’ll pay $50 in addition to your plan for any in-store purchases.

Note: Cricket Wireless offers a $5 discount on all plans if the auto-pay option is selected. You can manage this on the website or through the MyCricket App.

Cricket Wireless eSIM data only plans

You can purchase an eSIM from Cricket Wireless with data-only plans, offering a simpler way to access mobile internet in the USA. 

Cricket offers three monthly plans that include hotspot access and free usage in Mexico and Canada:

• 20GB Simply Data Plan: $35/month
• 100 GB Simply Data Plan: $55/month
• 150GB Simply Data Plan: $90/month

If you’ve spent all your data, Cricket allows you to purchase 5 GB for $10 on top of your monthly plan. 

Note that the Non-Compliant Return Fee and the Activation Fee are also included in these plans if bought in-store.

How to get a Cricket eSIM

If you want to get any of the available Cricket plans, here’s what you should know about where to buy, how to activate, and how to transfer them.

Where to buy

To buy any of the available Cricket Wireless plans, you can do so online or in-store.

If you buy a plan in-store, keep in mind the additional fees that apply to your preferred cellular plan. 

If you buy online, double-check the device’s compatibility and make sure your phone is unlocked so it can work with the Cricket Wireless network.

How to activate

If you purchase your Cricket Wireless eSIM plan in-store, you’ll be able to activate it with the help of a customer support agent.

For online purchases, the process is a bit different, and here’s what you need to consider:

1. Upon completing the purchase, you’ll receive an Order Number that you must enter on the “Activate” site, along with your phone number. 
2. You’ll be given a one-time verification code you’ll need to add before proceeding.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions on your iPhone or Android device to add the eSIM plan.
4. Once completed, the Cricket Wireless eSIM will start working.

Note: If you purchased your phone from a Cricket retail partner, you’ll need to complete the device activation process before activating the eSIM online.

How to transfer

Cricket eSIM transfer is only compatible with Apple devices. This means you can’t transfer an eSIM between Android devices or from an Apple device to an Android device.

Before transferring your Cricket Wireless eSIM, check that:

• Both devices have to be signed in to your Apple Account.
• Both devices need to have iOS 18.4 or newer.
• Bluetooth has to be enabled on both devices.
• You have an iPhone XR or newer.

Next, follow these six steps:

1. Go to the device settings on your new iPhone.
2. Tap “Cellular,” and then “Add eSIM.”
3. Choose to transfer the eSIM from a different iPhone. If you don’t see a list of numbers, then tap on “Transfer From Nearby iPhone” to continue.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions on your older iPhone to add your plan to your new device.
5. Upon completing this, the eSIM will stop working on your previous device, and the “Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan” will appear.
6. Tap it, and you’ll be redirected to the Cricket Wireless site to complete the eSIM transfer.

Companies also offering eSIM in the USA

If you’re exploring other mobile operators to use your cell phone in the USA, here are a few worth checking:

• AT&T eSIM
• T-Mobile eSIM
• Verizon eSIM
• Holafly travel eSIM

Holafly Plans

As an alternative to Cricket Wireless plans, you can use Holafly Plans, which works as a data-only monthly subscription.

These plans only require an eSIM phone, and you’ll get up to unlimited data for as long as you need, with no contracts attached, no extra fees, and easy activation via a QR code.

Prices range from $49.90 to $64.90 per month, and you can get up to unlimited hotspot data, coverage in over 170 destinations, a local number to receive text messages, and 5G data speeds.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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