Cricket Wireless: Plans, Coverage & Deals

Cricket Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cricket Wireless?

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless brand owned by AT&T that runs on the AT&T network. Plans start at $30 per month and include unlimited talk and text with no annual contract or credit check.

Who owns Cricket Wireless?

AT&T owns Cricket Wireless outright, operating it as a wholly owned subsidiary under AT&T Mobility. AT&T gained the brand when it acquired Leap Wireless International in 2014, the company that founded Cricket. It is run as a separate brand rather than folded into AT&T's main service.

When was Cricket Wireless founded?

Cricket Wireless was founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, which launched it as one of the early no-contract prepaid carriers. AT&T acquired Leap in 2014 and has owned the Cricket brand since.

What network does Cricket Wireless use for coverage?

Cricket Wireless uses the AT&T network for coverage, including AT&T's 4G LTE and 5G. Because AT&T owns Cricket, the two share the same towers, though AT&T's own postpaid customers can get higher data priority during congestion.

Does Cricket Wireless have good coverage?

Cricket Wireless coverage matches AT&T's footprint, which is one of the largest in the country. Whether it works well for you depends on AT&T's signal in your specific area, so check the AT&T coverage map for your address before switching.

What features does Cricket Wireless support?

Cricket Wireless supports a broad set of features:

• VoLTE
• WiFi calling
• Visual voicemail
• MMS (multimedia messaging)
• eSIM
• Mobile hotspot
• Domestic roaming
• Cellular smartwatches
• Account management for multiple lines
• International calling (paid add-ons)
• Canada and Mexico roaming

Does Cricket Wireless support international calling or data roaming?

Cricket Wireless offers international calling through paid add-ons, and it supports roaming in Canada and Mexico. It does not support data roaming outside of North America, so it is not a good fit for overseas travel without a separate solution.

Does Cricket Wireless support hotspot devices?

Yes, Cricket Wireless supports hotspot devices. You can bring your own hotspot device or purchase Cricket's GoLink 5G hotspot for $89.99. Cricket has three hotspot plans:

• $35 for 20GB
• $55 for 100GB
• $90 for 150GB

Does Cricket Wireless support tablets?

Yes, Cricket supports tablets. You can get the Simply Tablet plan for $15/month, which comes with unlimited high-speed data for your tablet and roaming in Canada and Mexico. The tablet plan requires that at least one voice line on your account is on the Cricket Supreme Unlimited plan.

Does Cricket Wireless support smartwatches?

Yes, Cricket Wireless supports cellular smartwatches. The smartwatch plan is $10/month for unlimited data. It requires a compatible voice line to sign up.

What is Cricket Wireless's device unlock policy?

Cricket Wireless will unlock a device for free once it meets the criteria below. You request the unlock through your account or the myCricket app.

• The device has had at least 6 months of paid active service on Cricket.
• The device is designed for and locked to Cricket's network.
• The device has not been reported lost or stolen and is not tied to a fraudulent account.

Active-duty deployed military personnel can request one unlock before the 6-month mark with deployment verification.

How do you contact Cricket Wireless customer service?

You can reach Cricket Wireless customer service by online chat, by phone, or by visiting a Cricket store. Phone support is available by calling (800) 274-2538 or by dialing 611 from your Cricket phone.

What phones work on Cricket Wireless?

Cricket Wireless works with unlocked phones compatible with AT&T's bands, including recent iPhone and Android models. You can bring your own compatible device or buy one from Cricket Wireless, then activate with a physical SIM or eSIM.