How Hard Is It To Switch From Cricket Wireless To Google Fi - Complete Guide

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Switching from Cricket Wireless to Google Fi is surprisingly straightforward, but before you make the jump, there's something important to consider. While Google Fi only scores 5.5/11 in our carrier rankings, there are much better alternatives that are just as easy to switch to – like Visible (10/11) or Tello (9.5/11).

How Difficult Is the Actual Switch?

The technical process of switching from Cricket Wireless to Google Fi is refreshingly simple. Google has streamlined their onboarding to make carrier switching as painless as possible.

The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes of active work, with the actual number transfer completing within 2-4 hours. You'll need your Cricket account number and PIN, which you can find in your Cricket account online or by calling customer service.

Google Fi handles the port-out request automatically once you initiate the switch, meaning you don't need to coordinate timing between carriers or worry about service gaps. Your Cricket service remains active until the moment your number successfully transfers to Google Fi.

The most challenging part isn't the switching process itself – it's deciding whether Google Fi is actually worth switching to. At 5.5/11 in our rankings, it's one of the worst-value carriers we track.

Step-by-Step Switching Process

Getting Your Cricket Account Information

Before starting, gather your Cricket account details. Log into your Cricket account online and locate your account number (usually 10-12 digits) and account PIN. If you can't find these online, call Cricket customer service at 1-800-CRICKET. They'll provide this information after verifying your identity.

Write down your current Cricket phone number exactly as it appears on your bill. Any discrepancy can delay the transfer process.

Starting Your Google Fi Account

Visit the Google Fi website and select "Join Fi." You'll create a Google account if you don't already have one, then choose your plan. Google Fi offers three main options: Simply Unlimited ($50/month), Unlimited Plus ($65/month), and Flexible ($20 base + $10/GB).

During signup, you'll indicate that you want to transfer your existing number. Google Fi will ask for your Cricket account number, PIN, and the phone number you're transferring. Double-check this information – errors here cause the most switching delays.

The Number Transfer Process

Once you submit your transfer request, Google receives your new SIM card (or activates your eSIM), and Cricket receives the port-out request. This triggers an automatic process where Cricket verifies the account information and releases your number to Google Fi.

The transfer typically completes within 2-4 hours for wireless-to-wireless transfers. During this time, your Cricket service continues working normally. You'll receive confirmation texts from both carriers when the transfer completes.

Your Cricket service automatically cancels when the number transfer finishes – no additional steps required. Any remaining Cricket account balance becomes non-refundable once the transfer completes.

Why You Shouldn't Switch to Google Fi

Here's where we need to have an honest conversation about Google Fi's value proposition. Despite the easy switching process, Google Fi scores just 5.5/11 in our comprehensive carrier analysis – making it one of the worst values in the prepaid market.

Pricing Problems

Google Fi's plans are significantly overpriced compared to better alternatives. Their Simply Unlimited plan costs $50/month for a single line, while Visible offers unlimited data on Verizon's superior network for just $25/month – literally half the price.

Even Google Fi's "budget" Flexible plan starts at $20/month before adding any data. With data costing $10/GB, you're looking at $40/month for just 2GB of usage. Meanwhile, Tello offers unlimited data for $25/month on the same T-Mobile network that Google Fi uses.

Network Limitations

Google Fi primarily uses T-Mobile's network with limited access to US Cellular in specific areas. This gives you T-Mobile's coverage – which is good but not as comprehensive as Verizon's network that carriers like Visible and US Mobile offer.

If you're currently happy with Cricket's AT&T network coverage, switching to Google Fi's T-Mobile-based service might actually worsen your experience in rural or suburban areas where T-Mobile has weaker coverage.

Feature Deficiencies

Despite Google Fi marketing itself as a premium service, it lacks many features that cheaper alternatives include. There's no mobile hotspot on the Simply Unlimited plan, international roaming is expensive outside of select countries, and customer service consistently receives poor reviews.

Compare this to carriers like Tello, which includes unlimited mobile hotspot at no extra cost, or Visible, which includes hotspot and 5G at half Google Fi's price.

Better Alternatives to Consider

Instead of switching to Google Fi, consider these superior alternatives that are just as easy to switch to:

Visible: Our Top Recommendation (10/11)

Visible offers unlimited everything for $25/month on Verizon's network – the best coverage in the US. The switching process is identical to Google Fi's process, but you'll get better coverage and save $25/month compared to Google Fi's Simply Unlimited plan.

Visible includes unlimited mobile hotspot (capped at 5 Mbps), unlimited talk and text, and no data caps. They've never had a major data breach, unlike many competitors, and their customer service has improved significantly over the past year.

Tello: Best Flexibility (9.5/11)

If you want plan flexibility that Google Fi promises but doesn't deliver, Tello is the answer. Plans start at $8/month for basic service, with unlimited data available for $25/month – the same price as basic Google Fi service but with actually unlimited data.

Tello uses T-Mobile's network (same as Google Fi) but offers better customer service, more plan options, and significantly lower prices. They also include unlimited international texting and competitive international calling rates.

US Mobile: Multi-Network Option (9.5/11)

US Mobile lets you choose between Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks, giving you more flexibility than Google Fi's T-Mobile-only approach. Their unlimited plans start at $25/month with taxes included, and you can switch networks anytime if coverage isn't meeting your needs.

This is particularly valuable if you're unsure about leaving Cricket's AT&T network. You can try US Mobile on AT&T first, then switch to Verizon or T-Mobile later without changing carriers again.

When Google Fi Might Make Sense

There are a few specific scenarios where Google Fi could be worth considering, despite its poor overall value:

Heavy International Travelers

If you frequently travel to countries where Google Fi includes free data roaming, the convenience might justify the higher cost. Google Fi includes free data in 200+ countries, which can save money for people who travel internationally monthly.

However, most people travel internationally once or twice per year at most. For occasional travel, buying a local SIM or using a travel eSIM service is much more cost-effective than paying Google Fi's premium year-round.

Deep Google Ecosystem Users

If you use Google services extensively and value tight integration, Google Fi does offer some convenient features. Your Fi usage appears in Google Pay, you can manage everything through Google's ecosystem, and features like spam call blocking integrate well with Android.

But these conveniences are minor compared to the significant cost savings and better network coverage you'll get with alternatives like Visible or US Mobile.

Technical Considerations for Switching

Phone Compatibility

Before switching to any carrier, verify your phone's compatibility. Google Fi supports most unlocked Android phones and iPhones, but some Cricket-locked devices won't work immediately.

If you have a Cricket-locked phone, you'll need to request an unlock from Cricket customer service. You're eligible for unlocking if your device has been active for at least 6 months and your account is in good standing.

eSIM vs Physical SIM

Google Fi supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards. eSIM activation is faster (often instant) but requires a compatible device. Physical SIM cards take 2-3 days to arrive but work with any unlocked phone.

Most newer iPhones and Android phones support eSIM, making it the faster option for switching. You can start the transfer process and have service active within hours rather than days.

Timing Your Switch

The best time to switch is early in your Cricket billing cycle to minimize overlap charges. Cricket typically doesn't prorate final bills, so switching right after your bill date maximizes the value of your last Cricket payment.

However, don't let billing timing prevent you from switching if you're unhappy with Cricket. The savings from switching to a better carrier quickly outweigh a few days of overlap charges.

What Happens to Your Cricket Service

Account Cancellation

Cricket automatically cancels your account when your number successfully ports to Google Fi (or any other carrier). You don't need to call Cricket or submit cancellation requests – the port-out process handles everything automatically.

Any remaining account balance becomes non-refundable once the port completes. Cricket also ends any device payment plans early, requiring you to pay the remaining balance immediately.

Final Bills and Charges

Cricket will send a final bill for any remaining charges, including device payments, overage fees, or partial monthly charges. Review this bill carefully, as Cricket occasionally adds incorrect final charges.

If you have Cricket equipment (like a mobile hotspot or signal booster) that you're renting, return it promptly to avoid additional charges. Cricket charges full retail price for unreturned equipment.

Best Phone to Pair With This Plan

If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with any carrier you choose, we recommend the Google Pixel 9a. It's our top budget phone pick for 2026:

• Works with all US carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T networks)
• Supports eSIM + physical SIM for easy switching
• 7 years of software updates
• Excellent camera and battery life
• Around $499 unlocked

View Pixel 9a on Amazon →

Making the Right Choice

The switching process from Cricket to Google Fi is straightforward, but the real question is whether it's the right move for your needs and budget. With Google Fi scoring just 5.5/11 in our analysis, you're likely better served by alternatives that offer superior value.

If you're primarily motivated by cost savings, Visible at $25/month on Verizon's network offers better coverage for half the price of Google Fi's comparable plan. For flexibility and low prices, Tello provides the same T-Mobile network as Google Fi but with much better pricing and customer service.

The switching process to any of these alternatives is just as easy as switching to Google Fi, but you'll end up with better service, lower prices, and superior network coverage.

The Bottom Line

Switching from Cricket Wireless to Google Fi is technically simple – the process takes about an hour and completes within 2-4 hours. However, with Google Fi scoring just 5.5/11 in our carrier rankings, you'd be much better served switching to Visible (10/11, $25/month on Verizon) or Tello (9.5/11, starting at $8/month on T-Mobile). The switching process is identical, but you'll get better coverage, lower prices, and superior customer service. Only consider Google Fi if you're a frequent international traveler who values its roaming features over significant cost savings and better domestic coverage.

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