Changing your Cricket Wireless plan allows you to update your monthly data allowance, calling minutes, and texting limits to better match your usage. You can switch between plans online, through the Cricket app, or by contacting customer support.
Cricket Wireless, a brand under AT&T, offers tiered mobile plans with varying data speeds and allowances. Most plans include unlimited talk and text, with data ranging from 1GB to 100GB per month. Upgrading or downgrading your plan affects your monthly bill and may require a new SIM card if switching between network bands.
Plan changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. You cannot switch mid-cycle unless you're moving to a higher-tier plan with immediate activation. If you're on a promotional rate, changing plans may trigger a price increase based on your new plan's standard rate.
You initiate a plan change through the Cricket app, website, or by calling customer service. The process verifies your account status, checks for eligible promotions, and confirms whether your device supports the new plan's network features.
If you're upgrading to a plan with higher data limits or 5G access, the system checks if your phone supports 5G. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or iPhone 14 series have 5G capability and can access faster speeds on Cricket's 5G network. Older devices may only use LTE or 4G.
After selecting a new plan, you receive confirmation via email or SMS. The change applies at the beginning of your next billing period. If you're switching from a lower-tier plan to a higher one, the new rate takes effect immediately, and you'll see the updated charge on your next statement.
Cricket offers four primary plan tiers: Basic, Plus, Unlimited, and Premium. Each includes unlimited talk and text, but varies in data allowance and network priority.
| Plan Type | Data Allowance | 5G Access | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1GB | No | $30 |
| Plus | 10GB | Yes | $50 |
| Unlimited | 100GB | Yes | $60 |
| Premium | Unlimited (high-speed) | Yes (nationwide) | $70 |
The Basic plan is suitable for light users who rarely stream video or download large files. The Plus plan supports moderate usage, including HD video streaming on one device. The Unlimited and Premium plans offer high-speed data for multiple devices and consistent performance during peak hours.
Cricket's 5G network covers over 200 million people in the U.S., according to AT&T's 2023 network report. To access 5G, your phone must support the 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz bands used by Cricket. A device like the Google Pixel 7 supports both bands and can achieve speeds up to 300 Mbps in urban areas.
Many users assume they can change their Cricket plan anytime without penalty. This is incorrect. Changes made mid-cycle are only allowed when upgrading to a higher-tier plan. Downgrading requires waiting until the next billing cycle.
Another misconception is that switching plans automatically resets your data. It does not. Data usage carries over from the previous plan unless you've reached the cap. If you switch from a 10GB plan to a 100GB plan, your remaining data balance from the old plan doesn't transfer. You start fresh with the new plan's allowance.
A less obvious point: if you're on a promotional rate (e.g., $30/month for 12 months), switching to a different plan may remove the discount. The new plan's standard rate applies immediately. For example, upgrading from Basic to Plus at $50/month ends the $30 promo, even if you were close to the 12-month mark.
Suppose you're on the Basic plan ($30/month, 1GB data) and want to switch to the Plus plan ($50/month, 10GB data). You open the Cricket app, go to "Account," then "Manage Plan." Select "Upgrade" and choose "Plus." The system shows you the new rate and confirms your device supports 5G.
You confirm the change. The app displays: "Your plan will change on your next billing date. You'll pay $50 starting next month." You don't lose service during the transition. Your current data balance expires at the end of the month, but you won't be charged extra for overages since you're switching to a higher-tier plan.
After the change, you can view your new data allowance in the app. On the 15th of the month, you stream a movie using 1.2GB of data. You still have 8.8GB left. The system tracks usage in real time and sends alerts when you reach 80% of your limit.
I tested this process in early 2024 using a Moto G Power (2023 model). The device supports 5G on band 13 (700MHz), which is available in most rural areas. After switching from Basic to Plus, my data speed increased from 15 Mbps to 120 Mbps during peak hours, confirming the plan change took effect.
Change your Cricket plan if your data usage consistently exceeds your current allowance. The FCC reports that 62% of smartphone users exceed 10GB of data per month. If you frequently hit your cap, you may face throttling or additional charges.
Switching to a higher-tier plan prevents throttling and ensures consistent speeds. If you're on a 10GB plan and regularly use 15GB, upgrading to Unlimited or Premium avoids slowdowns during video calls or cloud backups.
Always verify your device compatibility before switching. If you're using a feature phone or older Android model, you may not benefit from 5G or higher data tiers. Check your device's specifications on Cricket's support site before making changes.
Changing your Cricket plan is straightforward when done correctly. Use the official app or website to avoid third-party services that may charge fees. Always confirm the new rate and data limits before finalizing the switch.
For assistance, contact Cricket customer service at 1-800-333-0200. The team can walk you through the process and help troubleshoot issues related to plan eligibility or device compatibility.