Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Ron D. Morgan
You have the option to bring an existing number to Cricket Wireless when joining the network. The process is called the number port-in process.
The port-in process allows you to transfer a number from any network to the Cricket Wireless network. Thankfully, it is easier now than ever to port a number to the Cricket network.
There are two methods available to port your number to the Cricket Wireless network. The first option is to visit any Cricket Wireless store near you and request to port your number.
The second option is to purchase a Cricket Wireless SIM park and complete the process online. This post will focus on this option.
At the end of this post, you will know all it takes to port a number to the Cricket network.
Prepare To Port Number To Cricket Wireless
Before you start the actual port-in process, there are several steps you need to take to make the process seamless. These are the steps to take before starting the actual process:
a. Keep Account Active With Current Network
One mistake some people make during the number port-in process is that they cancel their account with their current carrier before the port-out process is complete.
Doing so will stall the entire process. This is because your current carrier won’t release your number if your account is not active.
Ensure that your account with your current carrier remains active during and even after the port-out process is complete. Only cancel your account only after your number becomes active on the Cricket Wireless network.
b. Unlock Device
This only applies if you intend to bring your device to the network. Ensure that the device is not locked to any other network. You can’t activate a device locked to another network on the Cricket Wireless network.
If your device is locked to another network, contact the carrier to unlock your device. You may have to pay an unlocking fee if the device doesn’t meet the free unlocking requirements.
Also, download and update the firmware on the device. This applies to both new and old phones. The steps to update the firmware on your device depend on the phone’s make and brand.
But for most phones, this process works. Go to Settings> General> Software Update> Install Now> Passcode. For other phones, the process goes to Settings> About Phone> Install Software> Download and Install> Restart the phone.
Account Details You Need To Port Number To Cricket Network
Cricket Wireless will require you to submit some details during the port-in process. These are your account details from your current carrier.
The network will need this detail to complete your port-in process. Below is a list of account details you need to port a number to the Cricket network:
a. Account Number
This is the account number your current carrier assigned to you when you first activated your account. For most carriers, the account number is a 10-digit number and it is different from your mobile number.
To find your account number, check your monthly bill. You can find it at the top of the bill page, with your name and phone number.
Another place to find the account number is to check your online account or mobile app.
b. Account PIN
This is also known as the Transfer PIN or Port PIN. The transfer PIN is usually the 4-digit PIN you set up during the activation process on your previous network.
If you can’t find the PIN, contact your previous carrier’s customer support department to generate a new PIN for you.
c. ZIP Code
Cricket Wireless will request for your ZIP code to port your number to the network. This is the ZIP code you used when you first activated your number with your carrier.
d. Social Security Number
Finally, you also need to submit your Social Security Number during the process. The network requires you to submit just the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
How To Port Number To Cricket Wireless Online
How you port your number to Cricket Wireless online will depend on where you purchased your SIM card kit.
The Port process for a SIM kit purchased directly on the Cricket Wireless site is slightly different from those purchased from third-party platforms like Wal-Mart and Amazon.
Port Number To Cricket With SIM Card From Cricket Wireless
If you want to port your number with a SIM Card kit you purchased directly on the Cricket Wireless site, these are the steps to follow:
. Visit the Cricket online store and place an order for a SIM Card.
. During the checkout process, select the option to use an existing number.
. Enter the account number, transfer PIN, ZIP Code, and the last four digits of your SSN.
. Confirm your order and check out.
. Cricket Wireless will contact your current carrier to request to release your number with the details you submitted.
. Once your number transfer request has been approved, Cricket will ship a SIM Card Kit to your address.
. After you receive the SIM Card kit, activate the SIM card. If it’s an eSIM, you will receive an email notification to continue with the SIM Card activation.
. You will receive a confirmation email or SMS once your previous number becomes active on the Cricket Wireless network.
Port Number To Cricket With SIM Card From Amazon/Walmart
If you purchased the SIM Card kit from Amazon, Wal-Mart, or any other third-party retailer, follow the steps below to port your current number:
. Order for a Cricket Wireless third-party retailer.
. When you get the SIM Card Kit, click on the activation page to start the port-in process.
. Select your preferred language from ‘English’ or ‘Espanol’.
. Click on ‘Yes, Sign Me Up’.
. Enter ‘Device IMEI Number’ and ‘SIM Card Number’. Dial *#06$ to find the IMEI number. Check the back of the SIM card kit to find the SIM card number.
. Select a Plan and click on Continue.
. Select ‘Transfer Your Number’.
. Click on Check Out
. Enter your personal information and create a security PIN to create an account on the network.
. Enter your Credit Card details for payment.
. Fill in the account details from your previous carrier.
. Click on Place Order to complete the process.
. Insert the new Cricket Wireless SIM card into your device.
. Check your email for the activation email. Click on the activate link and follow the instructions to complete the activation process.
If you have an issue with the activation process, check this post on steps to resolve it.
How To Port Number To Cricket Wireless Offline
Visit any Cricket Wireless store in your location and request to port your number to the network. Remember to go with the phone you want to bring to the network, along with your account details from your previous carrier.
Also, go with a Credit Card because you will need to pay for a Cricket Wireless SIM card, activation fee, and plan.
What Type Of Lines Can You Port To Cricket Wireless?
You can port a mobile number to the Cricket Wireless network. On the other hand, you can’t port a Voice Over IP, International number, or Home Phone number to the network.
How Long Does It Take To Port Number To Cricket Wireless
All things being equal, the new number should be active on the Cricket Wireless network the same day you complete the process. If after 48 hours, the number is not yet active, contact Cricket Wireless for further instructions.
How Much Does It Cost To Port Number To Cricket Wireless?
The process of porting your number is free. But once you join the network, you have to pay a $20 activation fee. Also, you will need to pay for a plan during the activation process.
What To Do After You Port Number To Cricket Wireless?
Once your number is active on the Cricket Wireless network, it is advisable to contact your previous carrier one last time to ensure they cancel your account.
Also, if you have any pending bills or payment with the network, you will receive a final bill in the next billing period. Ensure you pay off the outstanding bill.
Hi, I’m Ron D. Morgan. TECODY IS MY BRAINCHILD. I’ve worked in a tech startup in the last 7 years. I decided to branch out and start TECODY as a side project to provide tech troubleshooting tips for readers.
Got my two friends who are Nerd Heads too and here we are. The aim here is to provide readers with accurate info to help them resolve basic troubleshooting issues with Network and devices. You can always reach out to us via our Contact Us Page.