What Phones Are Compatible With Cricket Wireless?

The choice of any carrier or MVNO is greatly inspired by affordability. That’s why you’ll find more people today drifting to small companies like Cricket wireless. This is one of the best wireless service providers across the United States. Its plans are not only affordable but also flexible. You can either subscribe to prepaid or post-pay services depending on your needs. Cricket wireless operates on the AT&T network which gives it a reputable national image. So, it is common to find people wondering where to get a phone compatible with this network. It is that gap we aim at closing with this in-depth article on the search for the best Cricket wireless compatible phones.

The good thing is that AT&T which is the Cricket Wireless network uses GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology. That translates to a wide pool of mobile phones that can work on Cricket Wireless. Basically, any phone compatible with the two GSM carriers i.e., AT&T and T-Mobile are compatible with Cricket. Actually, even your current phones may be compatible with Cricket wireless. So, before engaging in a frantic search for a Cricket compatible phone, check out our curated list. It contains pocket-friendly to mid-level phones but with awesome capabilities. That however doesn’t mean there are no top-notch Cricket wireless compatible devices.

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible With Cricket Wireless?

There are many carriers in the USA. All you do is choose yours depending on coverage, preference and availability. The 4 main ones include AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. The others referred to as MVNO include Cricket Wireless, Straight Talk etc. It is an MVNO under AT&T carrier. So, how can you check whether your phone is compatible with Cricket Wireless?

First of all, you need the device IMEI. There are different ways of obtaining your mobile phone IMEI. Some sellers will stick it on the product box or on the receipt. Other phones come with IMEIs printed at the back and you can access it by removing the battery. Others have none of those. If your device is one of such, dial *#06# to get the IMEI.

After getting the IMEI, head to the cricket wireless website. Select your mobile type; either Android or iPhone. You’ll be prompted to enter the IMEI. Fill in the spaces and click Check My Phone. The online checker should respond within a minute. However, the checker may not be able to verify all devices. If the online checking doesn’t work for you, you can call customer care or inquire from their local store.

7 Best Cricket Wireless Compatible Phones Review

1. Apple iPhone 12 Series

If you are an Apple fanatic and want the latest iPhone generation, iPhone 12 series is among the best deals. The phones under this series have all the features of a powerful top-notch Cricket Wireless compatible phone. Therefore, whichever model you settle for, you are assured of the best performance. All come with powerful cameras, versatile ecosystem of applications and accessories.

Besides iOS being a complex operating system for geeks, these phones have simplified them. Today, you can easily play games, edit videos with little struggle. Thanks to Apple’s performance processors.

This is a bunch of 4 types of iPhones, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, pro and Pro Max. All feature a level of advancement from the previous versions. In short, you have no shortage of options. Their major differences come in cameras, storage and processor powers. Overall, these are the best Cricket wireless compatible phones you can get today.

2. Samsung Galaxy A51 5G

It may not be one of the most feature-rich devices, but Galaxy A51 5G is a good buy. If you are working on a budget in your pursuit of Cricket Wireless compatible phones, you should have a look at this device.

Featuring a big and beautiful OLED screen, this phone is a good bargain. Its display is 6.5”. The powerful battery is it’s another strength. Rated at 4,500mAh you are guaranteed hours of service without recharging. Other than for communication services, with such a battery, you can play games and watch movies for long. Also, if you are a fan of photos and videos, the powerful quad cameras on this phone will serve you right. With a storage capacity of 128GB, you can save a lot of personal data on this phone.

In terms of design, you have nothing to worry about. Galaxy A51 5G is a small, well-rounded device bringing out an impressive finish. With a 4GB RAM and Exynos 9611 processor, this phone is a cool mid-range buy.

3. LG K92 5G

This is the latest Cricket LG entrant and it’s among the leading contenders. Equipped with a pretty capable Snapdragon 690 5G processor and 6GB RAM, it is a comfortable mid-table phone. It may not be among the fastest but works fine for people working under a budget.

If you want a phone with a versatile camera system, LG K92 5G is a good pick. Mounted with 4 lenses, you can be sure of clear steady videos and photos. Its main sensor also has an ultra-wide, macro and high depth shooter.

If nothing can persuade you so far, its battery then may do it. The phone’s 4000mAh battery is enough to serve you for several hours. Its 128GB internal storage memory is also a good pillar for this new LG model. You can also extend the storage with an SD card.

4. LG Stylo 6 – Cricket Wireless Compatible Phones

LG Stylo 6 it’s more like a Samsung Galaxy Note version. It offers big displays and stylus capability for better interactivity. Although, LG Stylo is lower in terms of usability and performance. Thus, it’s a cheaper price. You’ll realize that there are lots of internal differences between the two when you interact with it.

For instance, Stylo’s stylus operation isn’t the same as Samsung’s Galaxy. It is very rigid and low version as it can’t even connect through Bluetooth. If you want a hefty phone at a pocket-friendly price, Stylo 6 is your phone. You forgo the complex features but carry a skeleton of a superior phone.

Powered by Android 10, Stylo 6 can perform all the basic functionalities of a phone. Its quad-camera system of up to 13MP can give you very clear videos and photos. In terms of the battery, you are also not badly off with this phone. Its battery is 4000mAh which can take you a long time to recharge.

5. Samsung Galaxy S10

This is one of Cricket’s premium phones from Samsung. And since perhaps you are out to minimize expenses, you may not want to look at the other option. The Samsung Galaxy s20 is very expensive to fit the cricket’s standards. So, down to our pick Galaxy S10; it goes at a cheaper price. Basically, you’ll get all the standard functionalities most users yearn for. Featuring 3 rear cameras, a powerful processor and 128GB storage, what else would you ask for? Besides, upgrading is still ongoing. So, we’ll definitely have much coming up in the next days to come.

If you are in search of a low budget Android Cricket phone, don’t hesitate to get this one. Its value and price tag are a match.

6. Apple iPhone SE

Shopping for a premium iPhone at price points? iPhone SE is one of the top options you can go for. The phone already retails at Cricket shops at affordable prices. Imagine accessing the pride of Apple at less than thousands of dollars. The phone features a signature glass and metal design lastly used on iPhone 8. Although, isn’t a lesser iPhone. Its cameras are very powerful giving you an opportunity to capture memories.

In terms of the processor, Apple hasn’t been mean to iPhone SE. It also uses the same pretty good Bionic processor used on A13 and iPhone 11 models. The other strengths of this phone include wireless charging and an IP67 rating. These are top features only available in high-end Apple products.

7. Motorola Moto G7 Supra

Cricket has come through for Motorola fanatics with a disguised Moto G7 Power. The phone retails very cheaply at Cricket. So, for low-budget shoppers, you can check this member of G7. The phone’s massive 5000mAh battery is its major strength. Coupled with a crystal-clear LCD display, you are assured of up to 48hours of service. Actually, you can even attain more days if you are not using it intensively.

With octal core processing capability, you can be sure of faster speeds. The 4g LTE also guarantees a strong connection and performance.

How To Bring Your Own Phone Work With Cricket Wireless

In our collection of the best Cricket phones, we’ve only highlighted the phones you can buy. Now, that doesn’t mean your phone isn’t acceptable in Cricket Wireless. Under the BYOD program, Cricket allows people to switch carriers for their phones. Actually, they offer hefty bonuses and deals for such customers. However, your phone must be unlocked to work with all carriers or some; Cricket being one of them.

So, instead of rushing to the store to buy a new device, just confirm. You may find that you don’t need to spend any extra cash.

Things to Know Before You Sign Up for Cricket Wireless

Despite Cricket’s ranking among the top prepaid wireless carriers, you need information. It is on basis of this knowledge you should decide to switch or not. Clark Howard, a money expert and a long-time Cricket customer alludes that Cricket is not actually the cheapest carrier. Its seasonal deals on plans and devices are their strength. To help you decide whether Cricket is your best deal, check the following key areas;

Plans

Cricket wireless provides 4 different plans; two with fixed data allocation and two unlimited. The cheapest plan goes at only $30 for a single line and has 2GB data. This price includes everything. So, there are no hidden charges at all. Also, you don’t tie yourself with contract thus you can abandon the deal anytime you feel uncomfortable.

The other plans include;

• 10GB plan at $40 per month
• Unlimited plan at $55 per month
• Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot at $60 per month

Looking at a single line plan, it’s expensive. Although, the Cricket multiple line promotion is very affordable. For instance, they offer a 4-line unlimited plan at $100 per month which is very cheap.

Network Coverage

Before starting, you need to check out the coverage map online. Although, the fact that the carrier uses AT&T network, you stand a chance for wider coverage. But, despite that, and AT&T launching its 5G network, some areas experience variations. For that reason, depending on your region, ensure that you will have better network coverage.

Extra features

Cricket provides several additional services depending on your plan. Therefore, make sure you’ll have full advantage of your money. For instance, if you subscribe to the unlimited plan, you receive 15GB of hotspot data. You also receive SD video streaming on both unlimited plans. Unlimited texting and international calling are other additional features. These serve countries like Mexico and Canada.

Phone Compatibility

Cricket wireless allows you to either BYOD or buys a new phone. Moreover, you can keep our phone number. This allowance seeks to bring flexibility and cut costs. After all, most of the company phones are cheap a mid-range. You can even get a free phone or be allowed to pay in installments under progressive leasing.

Customer service

Cricket wireless has several alternatives to sort out customer issues. Besides online solutions, they have hundreds of local stores. In case you have any problems, you can visit any of these for help.

The online live chat and customer care line are other options. Basically, you can be sure any issues arising will be attended to promptly.

FAQs – Frequently Ask Questions

How can one find their device IMEI number?

Different manufacturers hide device ID in different locations. Some have them printed inside the body chassis behind the battery slot. If you don’t see it there, dial *#06# on the key. A 15-digit number should appear. That’s your device IMEI.

On rare occasions, you may also have to navigate to the phone settings to see your IMEI. This will depend on the model of your phone.

What makes a device incompatible with Cricket wireless?

Variance in cellular technology is the major cause of incompatibility to most devices. Different devices use different network infrastructures. So, all devices cannot be compatible with all networks. That’s why you find some phones compatible with CDMA networks and others with GSMs.

Additionally, Cell phones are designed to work within specified frequency bands. These bands tend to differ from one place to another. So, these differences will automatically cause service limitations.

Can I get a free phone if I subscribe to Cricket?

Yes. However, you have to fulfill certain demands. One, you have to switch your old number to Cricket. And the number shouldn’t be an AT&T. After that, you have o sign up for a plan of not less than $30 depending on what phone you want. Note that the higher the value of the device, the higher the value of the plan per month.

What is Cricket’s network?

Cricket is an MVNO carrier under the AT&T service provider. So, it entirely relies on the AT&T network.

What phones will work with cricket?

All devices compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM networks are compatible with Cricket. These include phones like;

• Apple iPhone 12 Series
• Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
• LG K92 5G
• LG Stylo 6
• Samsung Galaxy S10
• Apple iPhone SE
• Motorola Moto G7 Supra

Final Recap

If you feel like your current carrier isn’t giving you what you pay for and want to switch Cricket wireless is a good stage. It is considered one of the best prepaid MVNO carriers. However, that decision comes with the responsibility of first establishing compatible phones.

However, before buying a new phone, you may want to check your phone. Cricket is compatible with several mobile phones. Therefore, you may actually find out that your phone is accepted on the Cricket network. If your current phone isn’t compatible, you can buy any phone we have reviewed here.