SIM Cards

A SIM card is a small, removable smart card that connects your wireless device to the Cricket network. SIM cards come in three sizes: Standard (Mini), Micro, and Nano.

The Universal SIM Card Kit gives you everything you need to activate your unlocked, compatible phone on the Cricket network. Each kit includes pop-out SIM cards in all three sizes. The image below shows how the three different SIM cards compare to the size of a penny.


How to Activate a New SIM Card

Activate an online order (from >

Activate a SIM card you purchased somewhere else >

How to Insert a SIM Card

1. Turn off your phone.

2. Locate your SIM card slot:

  • For most smartphones and Cricket Turbo Mobile Hotspot: remove the back panel and battery from your phone and you should see a SIM card slot.
  • For iPhones and some other phones: look for the slide-out SIM tray on the top or side of your phone. Insert the tip of a SIM tray tool or a small paper clip to open it.
  • If you need help, follow the directions that came with your phone to find your SIM card slot.

3. Insert your SIM Card:

  • If you have a new Cricket phone: look for the missing corner on your SIM card. Match it with the missing corner on the SIM card slot and carefully insert your SIM card.
  • If you brought your own phone and have a Universal SIM Card Kit:

  1. Remove your current SIM card from the SIM card slot if needed.
  2. Match your SIM card size to the Standard SIM, Micro SIM, or Nano SIM in the Universal SIM Card Kit.

Standard, Micro, and Nano SIM cards: mini or standard SIM card is 25mm x 15mm, micro SIM card is 15mm x 12mm, and nano SIM card is 12.3mm x 8.8mm

  1. Pop out the correct size SIM card from the credit card-sized plastic card. If you happen to pop out a size that is too small, you can always push it back into the larger size you need.

  1. Look for the missing corner on your SIM card. Match it with the missing corner on the SIM card slot and then carefully insert your SIM card.

Did You Get a SIM card Error Message? Try these steps:

  1. Turn the device off.
  2. Remove the SIM card.
  3. Make sure the SIM card says Cricket on it.
  4. Look for damage to the SIM card including liquid damage. Clean with a soft cloth if needed.
  5. Reinsert the SIM.
  6. Turn the phone back on.

If these steps didn't help, please call or chat with a Cricket Customer Support or visit a Cricket store

Understanding IMEI and ICCID numbers

The International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a 15-digit number used to identify phones that work on certain mobile or wireless cellular networks. The IMEI is only used for identifying the phone and is not tied to a phone number or account.

An Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) is an identification number for SIM cards. Each Cricket SIM card has a unique 20-digit ICCID number. It's stored in the card's memory and printed on the card.

Bring Your Own Device to Cricket

Find out if your device is compatible on our network. Get Started >