Cricket Wireless – What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a cheap, reliable phone plan without a contract, Cricket Wireless is often the first name that pops up. Owned by AT&T, it uses the same large network but sells prepaid plans that are simple to understand. You pay each month, no surprise bills, and you can switch phones whenever you want. Below we break down the basics, help you pick the right plan, and show you how to unlock a Cricket phone if you need it.

How to Choose a Cricket Wireless Plan

Cricket offers three main plan tiers: Unlimited Basic, Unlimited Extra, and Unlimited Pro. All three give you unlimited talk and text, but they differ in data speed and hotspot allowances. The Basic tier caps 5 GB of 4G LTE data at full speed and then slows you down. Extra adds 10 GB before throttling, while Pro gives truly unlimited high‑speed data.

Pick a plan based on how much you stream video or play games on your phone. If you’re mainly on social media and occasional video calls, the Basic plan usually covers you. If you binge Netflix on your phone or need a reliable hotspot for a laptop, step up to Extra or Pro. Prices range from $30 to $55 per month, and you can add a line for about $15 each.

Unlocking Your Cricket Phone Made Easy

Sometimes you’ll end up with a Cricket phone that you want to use on another carrier. The process is straightforward if you meet a few conditions. First, the phone must be fully paid off and have been active on Cricket for at least 60 days. Second, your account should be in good standing – no overdue bills.

Once those boxes are checked, log into your Cricket online account, go to the “Device Unlock” section, and submit a request. Within a day you’ll get an unlock code via email or text. Enter the code on the phone, and it’s ready for a new SIM. If you’re dealing with an older LG Cricket phone, the steps are the same, just make sure you have the right cable to connect it to a computer for the code entry.

Why bother unlocking? It lets you travel abroad and use cheap local SIMs, or it gives you freedom to switch carriers if you find a better deal. Keep the phone’s IMEI handy – you’ll need it for the request. And remember, unlocking doesn’t void your warranty; it’s a built‑in right after you meet the criteria.

Cricket also runs regular promotions, like free iPhone upgrades or discounted accessories. When you sign up, watch for coupon codes that can shave off a few dollars off the monthly price. If you’re a student, there’s often a “student discount” page that applies automatically at checkout.

Coverage is a big question for many new users. Because Cricket rides on AT&T’s towers, you get solid coverage in most urban areas and many rural spots. The company’s coverage map on their site lets you type in your zip code to see signal strength. If you’re on a border town, you might see a few dead zones, but generally the network holds up well.

Lastly, manage your account through the Cricket app. It shows data usage in real time, lets you pay your bill, change your plan, and even add an extra line on the fly. The app also offers a “Data Boost” feature you can buy for a day if you run out of high‑speed data while traveling.

Overall, Cricket Wireless balances cost and convenience. Whether you’re a first‑time smartphone user, a traveler who needs an easy unlock, or someone who just wants a straightforward plan, Cricket gives you enough options to stay connected without breaking the bank.