How to Unlock Cricket Phone – Unlocking Process

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Cricket phone started its journey in March 1999. Since then, it is now providing services to 10 million subscribers in America. This wireless mobile network has 5000 retail stores having 221 employees in total. During the 21 years from the beginning of the journey, cricket wireless phone unlock have gained vast popularity among their subscribers for their low prices and wide coverage.

Cricket Wireless mainly offers four plans: two unlimited plans and two fixed-data plans. The cheapest plan starts at $30. Keeping pace with the 3G and 4 G network, Cricket Wireless launched its 5G nationwide network in August of 2020. AT&T is the owner of the carrier. Though it provides a wide coverage network, in some areas roaming coverage may be different.

When comparing with other carriers, Cricket Wireless has simple plans with fewer perks. Though for a limited time, Cricket started offering a 30-day free trial of HBO Max in August of 2020. Features of the cricket wireless network depend on the plan. For instance, the Cricket More unlimited data plan offers 15 GB of the mobile hotspot, which is an extra charge with the cheaper Cricket Core unlimited plan.

Both of the unlimited plans offer video streaming SD quality, not HD. And Cricket Core and Cricket More include usage in Mexico and Canada with unlimited messages from the US to a few dozen countries. Before using a cricket phone, it is very important to unlock it. Unlocking a cricket phone is not difficult if the device meets the requirements fully.

Cricket unlock policy is maintained to unlock the cricket phone. There is a programmed lock-in cricket phone, which prevents it from operating with other compatible networks. Cricket will provide the unlock code when requested, Cricket has the unlock code, or it can be got from the manufacturer.

Table Of Contents
  1. When Can I Unlock My Cricket Phone
  2. How to Unlock Cricket Phone – Easy Unlocking Process
  3. How do I Unlock my Cricket Phone
  4. Will my Unlocked Cricket Cell Phone Work on Another Network
  5. How can I Know if My Cricket Phone is Unlocked or Not
  6. Recap
  7. Don't Miss It:
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Unlock My Cricket Phone

To unlock the cricket phone, some requirements must be met. They are as follows:

  • The device you want to unlock should be active for at least six months of paid service on that device.
  • The device should be designed for use on, and It should be locked to Cricket’s network.
  • Cricket Phone devices should not be reported lost or stolen.
  • The device should not be associated with a fraudulent account.

If you’re an active Cricket customer and meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you have to log in to your account from the official website to unlock your phone. Some Android phones have to be unlocked using the MyCricket app. Non-Cricket customers have to call Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538).

Inconsistent with the unlock policy, Cricket will unlock one device for active and deployed military personnel as they are unable to meet the six-month service requirement. In this case, documentation should be sent to, including name, phone number, email, and directions where it is to be unlocked.

How to Unlock Cricket Phone – Easy Unlocking Process

1. Using the My Account

After meeting the criteria for unlocking the cricket phone, you have to sign in to My Account and visit Account Settings, and Select Get Code. You have to follow the prompts to receive your unlock code. Then you will have to enter this code on your phone to unlock it. In the case of Non-Cricket customers, you have to call Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538).

My Account:

  • You have to Sign in and visit Account Settings and select ‘Get Code’.
  • Then you have to scroll down to locate the number of the phone you’d like to unlock.
  • After that, you have to select ‘Request Unlock’.
  • The unlock-code for eligible Android phones will be displayed on the screen and also will be texted on your cell phone. Eligible iPhone users will receive their unlock-code via text message.

2. Using the MyCricket App

Some Android phones can be unlocked by using the MyCricket app. If you have tried to unlock your phone in My Account but failed, you have to follow some steps to unlock your phone using the myCricket app:

  • At first, Open your myCricket app.
  • Make sure that you are logged out of the app.
  • Then tap Unlock Device on the app’s sign-in screen.
  • Then Tap Unlock at the bottom of the screen.
  • Once your phone is successfully unlocked, then restart it to complete the process.

3. Using a third-party Service

Don’t use any third party services for the purpose of unlocking your device. These websites may be breaking the law by operating within the US. It might be tempting to pay a third-party when you want to switch to a different carrier, but ultimately your carrier will almost always unlock your phone for you if you meet their requirements, which isn’t too hard to do.

In comparison with the other network operators in the USA, the unlocking process is fairly simple in Cricket phones because all of its devices are offered on a no-contract basis. As you’ve paid for the phone in full upfront, the network carrier will allow you the freedom to switch to another network after a defined duration. However, there can be instances if you’re unable to unlock your Cricket Wireless phone using the official unlocking process.

When you get yourself a brand-new Cricket Wireless phone with full payment, you need to activate the phone with a valid Cricket Wireless SIM first. Inserting the SIM for the first time may begin the 60-day usage period. After the usage period, the phone can be officially SIM unlocked.

If you purchase a phone from Cricket Wireless without inserting a working Cricket SIM in it, the phone will be locked even after the 60-day period. In such cases, your hope is to get the Cricket Wireless locked device working on another network SIM is to seek the help of a third-party service that unlocks the device, namely DirectUnlocks.

Steps for Unlocking Cricket Phone With Third-Party Service ‘DirectUnlocks’ is Given Below:

In this case, at first, you need to get your IMEI number. It is a unique code that is fingerprinted to your phone, acting as an identifier. To get the IMEI number, you have to follow the following steps:

  • At first, open the Phone app on your mobile phone.
  • Then you have to bring up the dialler and enter the following code – *#06#*
  • Pressing the dial button, you will be able to see a pop-up window with the IMEI number on your device screen.
  • Write the IMEI code shown on the screen as you will need it later.

4. Using the DirectUnlocks SIM Unlock Service

After getting the IMEI Number, you have to head on to DirectUnlocks service provider using the web link – DirectUnlocks. Then you have to find the region from where you’ve purchased your phone, which must be the USA in the case of the Verizon network. Based on the country, you need to pick the Network Carrier as Cricket Wireless and continue.

Here you will get to know the unlocking fees that DirectUnlocks charges for each of the network operators. According to the network carrier name, you will be asked to choose the Model as well. Then you will be asked to enter the IMEI Number, so type the code that you got before on your device.

The next screen will give you other details and ask you to confirm the IMEI number you have typed in. You will be informed about the Average Timeframe mentioned by DirectUnlocks to complete the unlocking process.

Then the SIM unlocking process will begin, and the service will give you the ability to track the unlock progress via email. Once the unlocking process is completed, the unlock code will be emailed to you, then you have to verify it.

How do I Unlock my Cricket Phone

To request a Cricket Mobile Device unlock, you have to contact Cricket’s customer service (via chat or calling) or visit a Cricket store. If your request regarding unlocking is approved, you’ll receive an unlock code. This unlock code will enable you to take your phone to another network.

Then you have to be ready for some information when you ask for an unlock code. The information is as follows:

  • The phone number of the handset that you are unlocking.
  • The name on the account.
  • The account billing PIN.

Will my Unlocked Cricket Cell Phone Work on Another Network

Well, that actually depends. Unlocked phones must use the same type of network. Having an unlocked phone does not mean that it will work with all the features with all the networks. Basically, whichever type of carrier the phone is connected to, it can only connect to other carriers using the same network type.

There are two network types in the USA; they are GSM and CDMA. Cricket uses the AT&T network, which is a GSM carrier. It will be no wrong if a cricket phone is called an AT&T phone. On the other hand, Sprint and Verizon are CDMA carriers.

It’s easy to take a phone from Sprint to Verizon because, in this case, jumping of networks is not evident, whereas it is difficult to take a phone from Sprint to AT&T. Swapping phones on GSM networks is easier as GSM-compatible phones use SIM cards.

Both CDMA and GSM use 3G technology. However, it’s important to ensure a great 3G frequency compatibility in your device as it is the network your phone will jump on if the 4G network is not present. LTE network has made switching carriers easier. However, the LTE network working ability depends on the specification of the phone.

How can I Know if My Cricket Phone is Unlocked or Not

If you’re confused if your phone is unlocked or not, the easiest and most important thing to do is to call Cricket. A customer care representative should be able to give you an answer straight away. Another way to test whether the cricket phone is unlocked or not is to insert a sim card from another carrier. To test a new sim card, you have to remove the sim card and place another sim card of the same size.

Changing the sim card also changes the network name on the device. Nevertheless, if it is still unclear, then you have to turn the device off and back on. Rebooting the device may also help in this context.

Recap

This summarises our guide on how to unlock Cricket phones and the different ways to achieve this. Going through Cricket unlock via the legal process is always acceptable; however, considering the downsides of this and the fact that this doesn’t guarantee the carrier lock will be removed, it’s much better to use a service like DirectUnlocks.

DirectUnlocks is an effective and quicker process to unlock the cricket phone. After reigning in the mobile network in terms of connection and pricing, AT&T could not keep up the stronghold with the emergence of other brands. In an attempt to attract the customers who wanted an affordable agreement when buying a mobile phone and network, the telecom giant took Cricket Wireless under its way.

The plans offered by Cricket Wireless are quite affordable and with the hard feeling of switching your network carrier. This network will satisfy and give you relief whenever you travel internationally.

Don’t Miss It:

Frequently Asked Questions