A Step By Step Guide To Changing Your Cricket Wireless Number Quickly And Easily

Changing your phone number can feel like a daunting task, especially if you rely on it for work, banking, social media, or staying in touch with loved ones. But with Cricket Wireless, the process is designed to be straightforward and accessible—provided you know the right steps. Whether you're looking to ditch an old number that's no longer secure, avoid spam calls, or simply start fresh, this guide walks you through every phase of switching your number efficiently and without service disruption.

Cricket Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, offers millions of customers affordable prepaid plans with solid nationwide coverage. While their services are user-friendly, navigating account changes like a number switch requires attention to detail. This article breaks down the entire process—from eligibility checks to post-change updates—so you can complete the transition smoothly and confidently.

Why Change Your Cricket Wireless Number?

There are several legitimate reasons why you might want to change your number:

• Privacy concerns: If your current number has been exposed online or shared widely, changing it can reduce spam calls and unwanted messages.
• Security risks: After a scam attempt or phishing attack, getting a new number adds a layer of protection.
• Personal rebranding: Some users prefer a cleaner digital slate when starting a new job, moving cities, or ending relationships.
• Unwanted contacts: Escaping persistent callers or harassment is a common motivation.

Whatever your reason, Cricket allows number changes under specific conditions—and doing it correctly ensures minimal downtime and seamless continuity across your devices and accounts.

Tip: Consider porting your old number to a secondary device or Google Voice before deleting it, just in case someone still needs to reach you temporarily.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Number

The process of changing your number with Cricket Wireless involves preparation, verification, execution, and follow-up. Follow these steps carefully to ensure success.

1. Check Eligibility: You must have an active Cricket account in good standing. Accounts that are suspended, canceled, or past due may not qualify. Additionally, your line must have been active for at least 30 days.
2. Gather Account Information: Have your account number, password, and government-issued ID ready. You’ll also need the IMEI of your device, which can be found by dialing *#06# on your phone.
3. Back Up Your Data: Before making any changes, back up contacts, messages, and call logs using Google Sync (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
4. Log In to Your Account: Visit cricketwireless.com and sign in to your My Account portal.
5. Navigate to “Manage Lines”: Under your account dashboard, select the line you wish to update and click “Change Phone Number.”
6. Select a New Number: Choose from available local numbers or use the area code filter to find one that matches your preference.
7. Confirm the Change: Review the details and submit your request. You’ll receive a confirmation message via SMS or email.
8. Reboot Your Device: Once confirmed, restart your phone to activate the new number. Service should resume within minutes.

Note: The number change is free of charge, but only one per line is allowed every 30 days unless approved by customer support for exceptional circumstances.

What Happens to Your Old Number?

Once you change your number, your old one is deactivated and returned to Cricket’s pool of available numbers. It may be reassigned to another customer after a cooling-off period, typically within 30–60 days.

This means:

• You will no longer receive calls or texts on the old number.
• Others trying to contact you via the old number will get a disconnected message or be routed to voicemail (briefly).
• Some automated systems (banks, delivery apps, etc.) may still try to send alerts to the old number until updated.

“Changing your number isn’t just about getting a new digit—it’s about managing digital continuity. The real challenge lies in updating linked accounts before they lock you out.” — Jamal Reed, Mobile Security Consultant

Essential Post-Change Checklist

After successfully switching numbers, take these critical steps to maintain access and security:

✅ Action Checklist: Update These Services Immediately

• Two-factor authentication (Google, Apple ID, Microsoft)
• Banking and financial apps (Chase, PayPal, Venmo)
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X)
• Ride-sharing and food delivery (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash)
• Email accounts where your phone is a recovery method
• Workplace communication tools (Slack, Teams)
• Medical portals and appointment reminders

Set aside 20–30 minutes to go through each app and website where your phone number is used as a login, recovery option, or notification channel. Missing even one could result in being locked out during a password reset.

Do’s and Don’ts When Changing Your Number

Do’s	Don’ts	Reason
Notify close contacts in advance	Wait until the last minute to inform others	Prevents missed calls and confusion among family and coworkers
Use auto-reply SMS to redirect callers	Delete all contacts before backing up	Losing contacts mid-transition creates unnecessary stress
Verify new number works before disconnecting old	Assume all apps will auto-update your number	Most services require manual input; don’t risk missing alerts
Keep old SIM briefly as backup	Throw away old SIM immediately	Helps recover data or verify identity if issues arise

Real-World Example: How Sarah Avoided a Digital Lockout

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer in Austin, decided to change her Cricket number after receiving relentless spam calls following a data leak. She followed the online process seamlessly but forgot to update her Google Account recovery settings.

Two days later, she tried logging into her laptop after a system crash—and couldn’t remember her password. Google sent a verification code to her old number, which was already inactive. With no alternate email set up, she was locked out for 72 hours while waiting for account recovery.

Her lesson? Update critical accounts first. Now, she keeps a master list of all services tied to her phone number and reviews it quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my existing service plan when changing my number?

Yes. Changing your number does not affect your current plan, rate, or billing cycle. All features, data, and minutes remain unchanged.

Will I lose my text messages and call history?

The change itself doesn’t erase data stored on your device. However, if you don’t back up your phone beforehand, a network refresh could lead to accidental deletion. Always sync with cloud services before proceeding.

Can I change my number using the Cricket app?

Yes. The Cricket Wireless app (available on iOS and Android) allows you to change your number directly from the “Account” section. The steps are identical to the web version and often faster due to saved login credentials.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

To make your number change as painless as possible, consider these additional strategies:

• Schedule the change on a weekend or day off: This gives you time to troubleshoot and update accounts without work interruptions.
• Send a group message: Use your old number to broadcast your new one to key contacts before switching.
• Test calling and texting: After activation, call a friend and send a test message to confirm full functionality.
• Monitor for missed verifications: For a week after the change, check spam folders and alternate emails in case any service tried to reach you on the old number.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder to double-check critical accounts (like banking and email) three days after the change—just to be safe.

Take Control of Your Communication Identity

Changing your Cricket Wireless number doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, the right tools, and a clear checklist, you can complete the switch in under 15 minutes—and enjoy a fresh start without losing connectivity. The key is preparation: back up your data, update your accounts, and communicate the change proactively.

Your phone number is more than just digits—it’s a gateway to your digital life. Treat the transition with care, and you’ll emerge with better privacy, fewer distractions, and renewed control over how you connect.

💬 Have questions about changing your Cricket number? Share your experience or ask for advice in the comments below—helping others navigate the process with confidence!