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Yes. Cricket Wireless is an AT&T-owned prepaid wireless brand. AT&T says it acquired Leap Wireless, then the operator of Cricket, in 2014. Cricket also says its service uses the AT&T network, but ownership and network access are separate facts.
Who owns Cricket Wireless?
AT&T’s corporate history records: “In 2014, AT&T acquired Leap Wireless (operator of Cricket Wireless), expanding access to mobile Internet services for customers in the rapidly growing prepaid market.” That acquisition is the direct basis for saying Cricket is an AT&T company. AT&T corporate history
Cricket is the prepaid brand and service; it is not simply another name for AT&T’s standard wireless plans. Cricket offers its own plans, devices and service terms.
Does Cricket use AT&T’s network?
Yes. Cricket advertises nationwide 5G service on the AT&T network. That describes the network Cricket uses; it is distinct from the corporate ownership relationship. Cricket Wireless
#1 Best Overall
- Ceramic Shield front, Glass back and aluminum design
- Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
- Dual-camera system
Cricket says 5G requires a compatible phone and that coverage is not available everywhere. Check the coverage for the places you use your phone before switching; a nationwide network description does not guarantee service at every address. Cricket coverage and service information
Can you use an AT&T phone on Cricket?
Possibly, but an AT&T phone is not automatically guaranteed to work. Cricket’s bring-your-own-device guidance says a phone from AT&T or another carrier must be paid in full and used with a compatible Cricket plan. Compatibility depends on the specific device, so check its IMEI through Cricket’s device compatibility flow before choosing a plan. Cricket compatible phones
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Cricket also describes switching with an unlocked, compatible phone and supports eSIM activation on eSIM-capable devices. Confirm that your exact model is eligible and follow Cricket’s activation instructions; “unlocked” alone does not establish compatibility. Cricket BYOD information
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Verizon, which means this device can only be used on the Verizon wireless network. A Verizon plan is required to activate this device. Activating is easy, upon receipt go to the Verizon Website and select “Activate” and follow the prompts. **NOT COMPATIBLE WITH VERIZON POST PAID**
- POWER THROUGH YOUR WEEKEND – Free yourself from the outlet with a massive 5000mAh battery designed to last up to 3 days on a single charge. Stream, game, and chat for hours on end without worrying about your battery life.
- CAPTURE STUNNING PHOTOS – The advanced 50MP camera system with Quad Pixel technology lets you shoot incredibly sharp and vibrant photos, even in low light. Get creative with the Macro Vision lens for amazing close-up details and capture professional-looking portraits.
- SMOOTH & IMMERSIVE DISPLAY – Your favorite content looks brilliant on the expansive 6.6” HD+ display. Experience ultra-smooth scrolling and seamless gaming with a fast 90Hz refresh rate that makes every swipe and tap feel incredibly fluid.
- RELIABLE 5G PERFORMANCE – Experience the speed you need for buffer-free streaming and lag-free gaming on Verizon's award-winning 5G network. With an octa-core processor and 128GB of internal storage (expandable to 1TB), you have the performance and space for everything.
Rank #4
- Go longer on a single charge with a 4000 mAh battery
- 48MP quad camera system: Showcase your creativity from every perspective, from ultra-wide angle shots to detailed close-ups and everything in between
- 128GB of storage and up to 1TB expandable with microSD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor, and 4GB of RAM; 6.8” FHD plus Max Vision Display
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Total Wireless, which means this device can only be used on the Total Wireless network
- Unlimited Talk, Text and Data plans starting as low as dollars25/month
Rank #3
- This device is locked to Cricket Wireless 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%.
What to check before switching
- Check local coverage: Use Cricket’s coverage information for your home, work and usual travel routes. Service availability can vary by location. Cricket coverage information
- Verify the phone: Run the phone’s IMEI through Cricket’s compatibility checker, and confirm it is paid in full and unlocked if required.
- Review current plan terms: Cricket lists monthly and prepaid multi-month options, as well as a bring-your-own-device path. Plan prices, promotions, eligibility and service terms can change, so consult the live plan listing rather than relying on an old price. Cricket phone plans
- Check 5G requirements: To use Cricket 5G, you need a compatible 5G phone and coverage where you intend to use it. Cricket 5G information
Cricket and AT&T: the distinction
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who owns Cricket? | AT&T acquired Leap Wireless, the operator of Cricket Wireless, in 2014. AT&T corporate history |
| What network does Cricket advertise? | Cricket says its 5G service is on the AT&T network. Cricket Wireless |
| Are Cricket and AT&T the same service? | No. Cricket is a distinct prepaid brand with its own plans and compatibility requirements. |
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