Does Cricket support eSIM technology?
Yes, Cricket Wireless offers eSIM technology for a wide range of compatible iPhone and Android phones, allowing you to activate your mobile plan without inserting a physical SIM card. But what is an eSIM? An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into most recent phones, doing the same job as a physical SIM card without the need to insert a plastic chip. This technology makes it easy to switch between service providers and helps you avoid expensive roaming fees when traveling. As long as your phone has eSIM functionality and is eligible for Cricket’s network, you can activate your line digitally in just a few steps.
Cricket Wireless coverage and data speeds
Cricket Wireless operates primarily in the U.S., providing nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage through AT&T’s network. The coverage, 5G availability, and overall mobile experience depend on your location, the device you’re using, and the Cricket plan you choose. Combined, these elements shape your everyday data speeds and network performance.
Does Cricket Wireless offer a free trial eSIM?
Yes, Cricket Wireless offers a free 14-day eSIM trial for eligible, unlocked eSIM-compatible devices, allowing you to test its network before committing to a paid plan. During the trial you’ll get unlimited talk and text, 3 GB of data, and access to Cricket’s 5G network, where available, on supported phones. Cricket also assigns you a temporary phone number so you can try the service without affecting your current mobile plan or number.
Cricket Wireless eSIM plans and costs
Picking out an eSIM for the U.S.A. comes down to finding a plan that fits your budget and data needs. You get all the standard benefits of an eSIM — like an instant digital setup — without having to visit a store. The table below compares Cricket Wireless’ current phone plans, making it easy to see what each plan includes and how much it costs.
Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Cloud storage |
|---|
Sensible 10GB | US$35/mo | 10 GB high‑speed | — | — |
|---|
Select Unlimited | US$40/mo | Unlimited | Add‑on 10 GB | — |
|---|
Smart Unlimited | US$50/mo | Unlimited | 15 GB | 100 GB |
|---|
Supreme Unlimited | US$60/mo | Unlimited high‑speed | 50 GB | 150 GB |
|---|
3‑Month Unlimited | US$15/mo (prepay US$45, for new customers, first three months only) | Unlimited | Not available | 2 GB |
|---|
12‑Month Unlimited | US$25/mo (when you prepay US$300) | Unlimited | Not available | 2 GB |
|---|
The information provided in the table was collected from the Cricket website on July 7, 2026.
Plans starting at US$40 a month let you use your Cricket service in both Mexico and Canada without needing a different SIM card. You can save US$5 a month by enrolling in the Auto Pay service on eligible monthly plans starting at US$35. The Smart Unlimited and Supreme Unlimited plans also include international texting from the U.S. to over 200 countries and territories. A Saily eSIM for the U.S. is a solid alternative because plans start at US$3.99 and include unlimited hotspot sharing. It’s a great idea to compare both options so you can pick the setup that best fits your travel style.
What devices are compatible with the Cricket Wireless eSIM?
To get started with an eSIM, your current phone needs to be unlocked and network compatible. You can quickly check your exact model by entering its IMEI into the compatibility checker available on the official Cricket Wireless website. For a quick look at what works on Cricket’s network, the general list of supported models includes:
Apple devices. Unlocked iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and all newer models, including the second- and third-generation iPhone SE, are eSIM compatible.
Android devices. Samsung devices launched from 2022 onward, and Google Pixel 6 or newer models generally support eSIM activation, though exceptions exist.
If you use Android, remember that Cricket does not currently allow transferring an active eSIM between Android devices or between Apple and Android. Because phone compatibility can change, it is always a smart move to verify whether your exact model will work with a Cricket eSIM on the official Cricket Wireless website before you buy a plan.
How to activate a Cricket Wireless eSIM
Getting started with a Cricket Wireless eSIM is straightforward on a compatible eSIM-enabled phone. You can complete the activation online through Cricket’s website or visit a Cricket retail store. Once your service is active, you can finalize the eSIM setup in just a few steps:
Apple iOS setup
Go to “Settings” and tap “Cellular” (or “Mobile data”).
Tap “Add cellular plan,” followed by “Add eSIM.”
Follow the on-screen prompts to download the profile.
Android setup
Go to “Settings” and tap “Network & internet.”
Tap “Add mobile plan,” followed by “Add eSIM” (or “Download eSIM”).
Follow the on-screen prompts to download the profile.
If you need additional assistance, Cricket provides detailed activation guides for supported iPhone and Android devices, and customer support is available to help if you run into any issues during installation.
How to transfer a Cricket Wireless eSIM to a new phone
Transferring your Cricket Wireless eSIM to a new phone is generally clear, but the process depends on which models you’re switching between. If both devices are an unlocked iPhone XS or newer, you can transfer your eSIM during setup, provided both devices are running the latest version of iOS. For model-specific steps, you can check out Apple support. If you want to transfer an eSIM from Android to an iPhone, an iPhone to an Android device, or an Android device to an Android device, Cricket currently does not support direct eSIM transfers.
How to convert a Cricket SIM card to a Cricket Wireless eSIM
Converting your SIM to an eSIM lets you keep the same mobile service without using a physical SIM card. This eliminates the need to insert or replace a traditional plastic chip. Before you begin, make sure your device supports eSIM technology and has a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection. The exact process may vary depending on your device and whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device. On eligible iPhones, the conversion can be completed directly in your cellular settings, while Android users may need to follow Cricket’s standard activation process for setting up an eSIM.
Should you switch to a Cricket Wireless eSIM?
Deciding if a Cricket Wireless eSIM is your best bet depends entirely on how you use your phone and what you need from a mobile plan. While it offers the convenience of digital activation and access to Cricket’s nationwide network, it’s a good idea to check out the pricing, plan choices, and features before making the switch.
Pros of a Cricket Wireless eSIM
The Cricket Wireless eSIM offers a simple way to activate your mobile service without needing a physical SIM card. Its main advantages include:
Quick digital activation.
No physical SIM card required.
14-day free trial for eligible devices.
Nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage in the U.S.
Works with many recent iPhone and Android devices.
Range of prepaid plans to suit different needs.
Cons of a Cricket Wireless eSIM
Like any mobile service, the Cricket Wireless eSIM might not be the right fit for everyone. Consider the following factors before making the switch:
It’s primarily designed for use in the U.S.
It requires an eSIM-compatible device.
Some features vary by plan.
Not all devices qualify for the free trial.
It provides limited international coverage compared with travel eSIM providers.
It offers no official Android SIM to eSIM conversion guide.
eSIM transfers between Android devices aren’t currently supported.
Best alternative to the Cricket Wireless eSIM for the U.S.
While Cricket Wireless is a great domestic U.S. carrier, Saily is a better choice for visitors who want to avoid expensive roaming in the U.S.A. It makes a great alternative because it:
Has flexible plans. It provides dependable internet while traveling, with regional, Global, and unlimited options that work the moment you land.
Is completely digital. You won’t need to worry about hunting down prepaid SIM cards for the U.S.A.
Offers a U.S. phone number. You can add a dedicated U.S. phone number right in the app, giving you the option to top up calls and text messages whenever you need them.
Enables quick setup. You simply download the eSIM app to get started right away.
Adds security. It is an affordable way to stay connected, and it offers security perks to help you avoid unsafe public Wi-Fi, block ads, change your virtual location, and browse safely.
Because Saily’s U.S. data packages start at only US$3.99, it’s a cost-effective way to stay connected during your trip.
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!
The trademarks displayed are for illustration purposes only. Saily is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by their owners.
