eSIM stands for “embedded SIM”, which means it’s already inside your phone, allowing you to switch to Cricket and activate your service more quickly than with a physical SIM (pSIM). No more waiting for a pSIM to arrive and manually inserting it before you can start making calls, sending texts, and using data.
What are the advantages of an eSIM?
- More flexibility. Using digital technology, an eSIM lets you conveniently activate service without purchasing or waiting for a pSIM.
- More secure. Unlike a pSIM you can remove, an eSIM is embedded, making it difficult to be lost or stolen.
- Easy to install. Just download a Cricket eSIM to your phone and activate it.
How do I activate Cricket service using an eSIM?
An eSIM makes it easy to bring your own device Cricket.
First, make sure you have an unlocked phone, that is eSIM capable, and compatible to work with eSIM on Cricket Wireless. Check eSIM capability with our Cricket Compatibility Checker. Currently, we support these devices.
Apple Devices:
Phones
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 series and newer
- iPhone SE 3 (2022)
- iPhone SE 2 (2020)
- Note: iPhone X not supported
iPads
- iPad Pro 11" (1st Gen or later)
- iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad Air (3rd Gen or later)
- iPad (7th Gen or later)
- iPad mini (5th Gen or later)
Android Devices:
- Many Samsung devices launched 2022 and later (not all-inclusive)
- Googe Pixel 6 & newer
Second, ensure you are connected to WiFi.
Lastly, bring your own device (BYOD) by activating service online at cricketwireless.com or go to any Cricket Retail Store. You can activate using an eSIM and start enjoying unlimited talk and text with no annual contracts and no hidden fees faster than it takes to receive a physical SIM.
Can I activate my eSIM online?
Yes.Only iPhones that are eSIM capable can be activated at this time online. This includes both iPhones purchased at Cricket and BYOD iPhones that are eSIM capable.
Online Activation for BYOD iPhone
Not sure if your Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phone is eSIM compatible or eSIM only? Use the Cricket Compatibility Checker to confirm if your phone is eligible for online activation.
Activate your BYOD iPhone
If you have already ordered your Cricket device you can activate here.
Activation for Android
If your phone is an Android listed above, you cannot activate online, but can visit any Cricket Retail Store to activate.
Note: iOS software version 16.0.2 is needed to activate with eSIM. You are not required to update to the most current iOS software version to activate eSIM. Android must be updated to most current software to activate with eSIM.
Which eSIM-enabled devices does Cricket support?
Apple, unlocked, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer are compatible with the Cricket network. This includes the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation.
Android Devices:
- Many Samsung devices launched 2022 and later (not all-inclusive)
- Google Pixel 6 & newer
Supporting additional devices is in the works. Stay tuned.
eSIM Troubleshooting FAQs
- Works on the Cricket network.
- Hasn’t been reported lost or stolen.
- Is eSIM-capable and unlocked from the previous carrier.
- Scan your QR code one. Follow the prompts on the device to download your eSIM.
- If you do not see the prompts, look in your device Settings under Cellular or Mobile Networks for a notice to install your eSIM.
- Ensure you are scanning the QR code with the correct device.
- Each QR code is unique, can be used one time, and only for the device that was provided during the activation.
- Ensure your device is unlocked.
