Cricket eSIM not working: Causes and fixes in 2026

Why is my Cricket eSIM not working?

A Cricket eSIM can fail for several reasons — Cricket activation may not have completed, your line could still be associated with an old device, your phone may be locked to another carrier, or your device could simply be trying to use the wrong SIM for cellular data. 

Some of the most common causes are:

• Incomplete activation. The eSIM profile downloaded, but the Cricket line never finished activating.

• An unpaid or suspended service. Billing and account problems can prevent a line from connecting.

• A carrier-locked device. If your phone is still locked to another carrier, a Cricket eSIM may not work.

• A missing or deleted eSIM. The profile may have failed to download or been removed accidentally.

• Outdated settings. Old network or carrier settings sometimes interfere with cellular service.

• Incorrect phone settings. Airplane mode, cellular data, and roaming settings can all affect the connection.

• Network outage. Sometimes nothing is wrong with your phone. A Cricket or AT&T network outage can temporarily knock out service.

💡 Good to know: These issues aren’t unique to Cricket. If none of the obvious fixes work, it may help to look through other reasons why your eSIM might not be working.

Cricket eSIM problems usually fall into two categories — device-side issues and account-side issues. Device-side problems are those you can often fix yourself — like choosing the wrong data line or having outdated network settings. Account-side problems happen on Cricket’s end and typically require support. These include provisioning errors and some activation issues. Before calling Cricket support, check your service status, billing, and account details in the Cricket app to make sure your information is correct.

Why is my eSIM on but not working?

Seeing your Cricket eSIM switched on doesn’t necessarily mean the line is ready to use. It may not be selected for cellular data, Cricket service activation may not have finished, or incorrect network settings could be interfering with the connection. On some Android devices, APN settings can cause trouble too. An installed eSIM profile can remain on your phone even when provisioning didn’t finish correctly. 

Start with the easy fixes:

• Check that Cricket is selected as your cellular data line.

• Make sure data roaming is on.

• Turn airplane mode on, leave it for about 30 seconds, and switch it back off.

• Restart the phone and see whether service returns.

If you have a dual-SIM phone, check it carefully. Another physical SIM or travel eSIM can take priority and make the Cricket eSIM appear broken. If the Cricket eSIM connects but mobile internet still doesn’t work, these tips for cellular data not working may help narrow down the problem.

Why is my Cricket eSIM getting no service?

A “No service” message usually points to a broader network problem. The line may not be fully activated, the phone may be locked or incompatible with Cricket, or your Cricket plan may not have coverage or roaming access where you are.

In the US, Cricket runs on AT&T’s network. Abroad, eligible plans can use Cricket Passport in supported countries, while select plans include roaming in Mexico and Canada. If you lose service after landing, check your coverage before assuming the Cricket eSIM itself has failed.

Phones brought from another carrier also need to be unlocked and Cricket compatible. If your account is active and you think you should have coverage, install any available carrier or software updates. You can also reset network settings, although doing so removes saved Wi-Fi networks and other preferences. Still no luck? Call Cricket support.

💡 Good to know: Since Cricket uses AT&T’s network, some network-level fixes overlap with troubleshooting an AT&T eSIM not working.

How do I activate a Cricket Wireless eSIM?

Before you activate your Cricket eSIM service, make sure your phone is carrier unlocked and eSIM compatible. New customers can activate a new line online, while existing customers can switch devices or add a line. 

1. Check compatibility. Run your IMEI through Cricket’s compatibility checker and confirm that the phone is unlocked. If you have a compatible iPhone, you can also check which iPhones support eSIM technology.

2. Get on Wi-Fi. You’ll need an internet connection while the profile downloads.

3. Complete Cricket activation. Follow the online process for your account and device.

4. Install the profile. Follow the prompts on your phone or use the QR code Cricket provides.

5. Restart and test. Restart the phone, test cellular data, and start making calls to confirm the line is working. 

Moving your existing Cricket number to a new phone works a little differently. For an iPhone-to-iPhone transfer, keep both devices nearby and signed in to the same Apple Account, with Bluetooth turned on and current software installed. If the new iPhone is already set up, open your phone’s cellular settings and choose “Add eSIM.” Don’t delete the SIM or eSIM from the old device until the number transfer finishes. After a successful transfer, the old Cricket SIM card or eSIM deactivates. 

A Cricket eSIM transfer not working may point to an incompatible phone, outdated software, or an incomplete transfer. If you still can’t activate eSIM service, contact Cricket at 611 or 1-800-CRICKET, use support chat, or visit a Cricket store for further assistance. 

What if the new eSIM QR code doesn’t work?

First, make sure you’re scanning the QR code on the device associated with the activation. Cricket QR codes are device-specific. Each code is tied to one device and can only be used once.

If nothing happens after you scan it, check “Settings” > “Cellular” or “Mobile networks” for an eSIM waiting to be installed. If the code has already been used or the installation still fails, contact customer support. You can also temporarily turn off any VPN, refresh the activation page, or try another browser.

What should I use if my Cricket eSIM stops working abroad?

If your Cricket eSIM quits working outside the US, a travel eSIM can provide data without replacing your Cricket line or home number. First, check whether your plan qualifies for Cricket Passport. Eligible options currently include Smart Unlimited, Supreme Unlimited, and Multi-Month Unlimited plans. 

If your destination isn’t covered — or you prefer more predictable prepaid pricing — a travel eSIM may be a better fit. Saily is a prepaid travel eSIM offering plans in 200+ destinations, in-app installation, and 24/7 support. 

Saily also includes an ad blocker, web protection, and a virtual location feature with 115+ locations. Its standard plans are data only, so you can keep Cricket active for your regular number. If you need more than data, Saily also offers an optional US-based phone number add-on for SMS and local voice calls, but not international calling. 

How to prep your phone before you travel

Sorting out a few things before you leave is much easier than trying to troubleshoot your phone in an airport with no data.

• Check unlock status. Cricket devices purchased on or after July 1, 2026, generally require 365 days of paid service before they qualify for unlocking, while older phones may qualify after six months.

• Install your travel eSIM at home. Reliable home Wi-Fi provides a better environment for resolving setup issues than attempting to fix them while traveling.

• Keep account details secure. Store your Cricket account number, IMEI, and support details in an offline-accessible location. Keep passwords and PINs in a password manager.

• Keep both lines available. Use a travel eSIM for data while Cricket remains available for calls or SMS where supported. This dual-line approach ensures you can access affordable local data rates without losing your primary number for verification codes, emergency contacts, or calls from home.

• Update your phone. Install OS or carrier settings updates before your trip.

• Pause cloud storage syncing. Automatic backups can burn through a limited mobile data plan quickly.

If you travel frequently, the Saily Ultra plan includes unlimited data in 120+ destinations, plus additional travel and security benefits.

💡 Pro tip: Traveling to the USA? International visitors can compare options for roaming in the USA before relying on their home carrier. A prepaid eSIM for the USA can also provide mobile data without signing up for a domestic carrier plan.

We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but eSIM service provider prices, plans, and features can change quickly. If you spot something that seems outdated or incorrect, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] — we’d really appreciate the heads-up!