What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Cricket Wireless includes 5G on all its plans, but service depends on two separate checks: whether Cricket has coverage where you use your phone and whether your exact phone is unlocked and compatible. Check both before switching; a 5G label or an unlocked status alone does not guarantee Cricket 5G access.
Does Cricket Wireless have 5G coverage where you live?
Cricket says its 5G runs on the AT&T network and is included on all Cricket plans at no additional 5G charge. You still need a compatible device and coverage in the places you use it. Cricket describes 5G+ as enhanced coverage in larger cities and event venues; check the map and your device rather than assuming it is available at a particular address. Cricket Discover 5G
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Start with Cricket’s coverage map. Search the places that matter—home, work, and regular travel routes—not just your ZIP code. Cricket calls the map “a high-level approximation of wireless voice and data coverage.” It is not a prediction or guarantee of actual reception or performance.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSmall gaps may not appear on the map. Terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and construction, signal strength, busy periods, equipment, and other conditions can affect service. Indoor reception and real-world performance may differ from what the map suggests.
Will your phone work with Cricket 5G?
Cricket’s BYOD eligibility is device-specific. The phone must be unlocked and compatible, and Cricket warns that not every 5G device from another carrier can access Cricket 5G. Use the IMEI compatibility checker on Cricket’s BYOD FAQs page for the exact device you plan to use. A brand name, model family, or “5G” marking is not enough to establish compatibility.
#1 Best Overall
- Carrier Compatibility: This device is locked to Cricket only and not compatible with any other carrier
- Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility before purchase
- Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier, then turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card, but it does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable
- Battery Health: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Cricket’s smartphone catalog lists the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G as one example of a 5G phone it offers. That listing does not prove that every regional or carrier variant of that model will work when brought from elsewhere. Check the exact phone’s unlock status and IMEI before buying or switching. International phones may use different frequency bands, which can limit service.
How to bring your phone to Cricket
- Confirm it is unlocked. If the phone is locked to a carrier, contact that carrier or the seller about its unlock eligibility.
- Check the IMEI with Cricket. Find the phone’s IMEI and enter it in the compatibility checker linked from Cricket’s BYOD FAQs. Use the result for the exact device, not a similar model.
- Check coverage separately. Look up home, work, and regular travel areas on the Cricket coverage map. Compatibility does not mean coverage is available where you need it.
- Choose a SIM and activation route. Cricket’s BYOD process supports a physical SIM or, for eligible devices and activation routes, eSIM. Cricket says eSIM-capable devices can be activated online; check the current eSIM activation instructions and device eligibility. If you use a physical SIM, confirm the required SIM type and activation process with Cricket.
- Select a current plan and activate. Review Cricket’s plan page for current prices, data treatment, hotspot features, included extras, and eligibility conditions. These terms can change.
How to keep your number when switching
If you want to transfer your number, have your current carrier account number and Number Transfer PIN ready, along with any other account or billing details Cricket requests. Keep your current service active until the Cricket SIM or eSIM is available and Cricket service is ready. Follow Cricket’s live transfer instructions for your specific activation; do not cancel the old service first. See Cricket’s Bring Your Own Phone page.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Large 6.8-inch HD+ display offers an immersive viewing experience for streaming, gaming, and more.
- Capture stunning photos and videos with the 48MP triple rear camera system and 13MP front-facing camera.
- Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor for lightning-fast performance and 5G connectivity.
- 64GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, videos, and files (expandable via microSD card).
- Long-lasting 4,750mAh battery keeps you going all day on a single charge.
Bring your current phone or replace it?
Compare the practical requirements before spending money on a replacement:
- Compatibility and 5G access: Check the exact IMEI with Cricket.
- Unlock status: Resolve any carrier lock before activation.
- Coverage: Check the places you use the phone, separately from device eligibility.
- SIM support: Confirm whether your device and activation route use eSIM or a physical SIM.
- Total device cost: If your phone fails the compatibility check or lacks the 5G capability you need, compare the cost of an eligible unlocked 5G smartphone with keeping your current device.
For a replacement, Cricket’s catalog offers the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G as one example. Verify the exact unlocked model and IMEI with Cricket before purchase; catalog presence and a 5G label do not guarantee BYOD compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- How it works: Keep your number or get a new one. Easy activation on your phone or online. Simply insert the SIM card that matches your phone and activate. See the enclosed Activation Guide or visit activate.cricketwireless.com for details. Requires unlocked phone.
- Why Cricket?: People who come to Cricket, stay with Cricket. No credit checks. No Annual Contracts. Nationwide 5G network.
- Savings: Unlimited Talk & Text plans starting at $30/month. All plan taxes are included. See all rate plans at CricketWireless.com/rateplan. No-contract monthly service plan required for activation (sold separately).
- Plans starting at $30/month. See all rate plans at CricketWireless.com/rateplans
- Coverage: Fast, Nationwide 5G on all plans. Works with compatible phones, tablets & hotspots (see CricketWireless.com/check). Cricket 5G requires a compatible device and is not available everywhere (see CricketWireless.com/map for coverage details).
Rank #4
- This device is locked to Cricket only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- This device is locked to Cricket only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
