How Hard Is It To Switch From Cricket Wireless To Metro By T-mobile - Complete Guide

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Switching from Cricket Wireless to Metro by T-Mobile is surprisingly straightforward, but before you make the jump, there's something important you should know. While both carriers score relatively low in our rankings (Cricket: 6/11, Metro: 6.5/11), there's a much better option that costs less and delivers superior performance.

How the Switching Process Actually Works

Switching from Cricket Wireless to Metro by T-Mobile involves a process called "porting" your phone number. This typically takes 15-30 minutes during business hours, though it can extend to 2-4 hours in rare cases.

The process is largely automated through Metro's systems. You'll need your Cricket account information, including your account PIN or password, which Cricket should have provided when you first signed up. If you can't locate this information, Cricket customer service can help retrieve it.

Your Cricket service will automatically cancel once the port completes successfully. You won't need to call Cricket to cancel separately, and you shouldn't cancel before porting or you'll lose your phone number.

What You'll Need Before Making the Switch

Before heading to a Metro store or starting the online process, gather these essential items. Having everything ready will make the switch much smoother and faster.

Your Cricket account details are the most critical requirement. This includes your full name as it appears on the account, your Cricket phone number, and your account PIN or password. You'll also need a government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your Cricket account.

Don't forget to check your phone's compatibility with T-Mobile's network. Most modern smartphones work across carriers, but older devices or phones locked to AT&T's network (which Cricket uses) might face limitations on T-Mobile's frequencies.

Step-by-Step Switching Instructions

The easiest method is visiting a Metro by T-Mobile store, where representatives can handle the entire process. Bring your current phone, ID, and Cricket account information. The staff will verify your phone's compatibility and initiate the number port.

For online switching, visit Metro's website and select "Bring Your Phone" or "Switch to Metro." Enter your phone's IMEI number to confirm compatibility, then provide your Cricket account details during checkout. You'll receive a SIM card by mail, typically within 2-3 business days.

Once you receive the SIM card, follow the included activation instructions. Insert the new SIM, power on your phone, and call the activation number provided. Your Cricket service will automatically terminate when the port completes.

Network Performance Comparison: What to Expect

The most significant change you'll notice is network performance. Cricket operates on AT&T's network with deprioritized data speeds, while Metro uses T-Mobile's network, also with some speed limitations during network congestion.

In urban areas, T-Mobile often provides faster 5G speeds than AT&T, especially for streaming and downloading large files. However, AT&T typically offers more consistent coverage in rural areas and inside buildings.

T-Mobile's mid-band 5G network spans more cities than AT&T's equivalent service, potentially giving you better performance in metropolitan areas. But this advantage diminishes in smaller towns where AT&T's low-band LTE network often provides more reliable service.

Cost Analysis: Cricket vs Metro vs Better Alternatives

Cricket's basic unlimited plan costs $30/month after the first line discount, while Metro's comparable plan runs $40/month. However, both carriers pale in comparison to our top-rated alternatives.

Visible, our highest-rated carrier at 10/11, costs just $25/month with taxes included on Verizon's premium network. That's $5 less than Cricket and $15 less than Metro, while delivering superior network priority and customer service.

For T-Mobile network coverage without Metro's limitations, Tello scores 9.5/11 and offers unlimited plans starting at $25/month. You get the same T-Mobile towers but with better customer service and more transparent pricing.

Phone Compatibility Considerations

Most phones that work on Cricket will also work on Metro, since both support common LTE and 5G bands. However, there are some important exceptions to consider.

Older phones locked to AT&T's network might need unlocking before they'll work properly on T-Mobile's frequencies. Cricket typically unlocks phones after 60 days of active service, but you'll need to request this through their customer service.

iPhones generally work seamlessly across all carriers, while some Android devices might lose access to certain features like WiFi calling or visual voicemail when switching networks. Check Metro's compatibility tool before switching to avoid surprises.

Why You Should Consider Visible Instead

Before completing your switch to Metro, consider why Visible earned our top 10/11 rating. At $25/month with taxes included, it costs less than both Cricket and Metro while delivering premium Verizon network access.

Visible doesn't throttle your speeds like Cricket does, and you won't face the network deprioritization that affects Metro customers during busy periods. Customer service operates entirely through chat and social media, which many users find faster and more convenient than traditional phone support.

The carrier also provides unlimited mobile hotspot at no extra cost, while both Cricket and Metro either block this feature or charge additional fees. For users who need to share their connection with laptops or tablets, this alone justifies the switch.

Alternative Options Worth Considering

If T-Mobile's network coverage works best in your area, Tello offers a superior alternative to Metro. At 9.5/11 in our rankings, Tello provides the same T-Mobile network access with more flexible plan options and better customer service.

US Mobile, also rated 9.5/11, lets you choose between Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks. Their customizable plans start at $15/month, and you can add exactly the features you need without paying for extras you won't use.

For budget-conscious users, Mint Mobile offers T-Mobile network access with significant savings if you prepay for 3-12 months. However, be aware that Mint has experienced data breaches in the past, which factored into their lower 4.75/11 rating in our analysis.

Common Switching Problems and Solutions

The most frequent issue during carrier switches is incorrect account information. Double-check your Cricket PIN or password before starting the port process. If you've forgotten these details, Cricket's customer service can provide them, but this might add a day to your switching timeline.

Some users experience temporary service interruptions during the porting process. This typically lasts 15-30 minutes and resolves automatically once the port completes. Don't panic if your phone shows "No Service" briefly during this transition.

Occasionally, text messages might not work immediately after switching, even when calls function normally. Restarting your phone usually resolves this issue, but contact Metro support if problems persist beyond 24 hours.

What Happens to Your Cricket Service

Your Cricket service will automatically cancel once the number port to Metro completes successfully. You don't need to call Cricket separately to cancel, and you shouldn't cancel before the port or you'll lose your phone number permanently.

Any remaining balance on your Cricket account typically isn't refundable, since prepaid carriers generally don't pro-rate unused service. However, if you paid for add-ons like international calling credits, contact Cricket customer service to inquire about transferring these features.

Cricket will send a final account summary via email within 1-2 billing cycles. Keep this for your records, especially if you plan to switch carriers again in the future.

Best Phone to Pair With This Plan

If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Metro by T-Mobile, 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 →

Timeline Expectations for Your Switch

Plan for the entire switching process to take 1-3 business days from start to finish. Visiting a Metro store can complete the process in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on any complications with number porting or phone compatibility.

Online switches typically take longer due to SIM card shipping time. Expect 2-3 business days for delivery, plus the actual activation time once you receive the SIM card. Express shipping options might be available for an additional fee.

The actual number port usually completes within 15-30 minutes during business hours. Ports initiated on weekends or holidays might experience delays, so plan accordingly if you need service by a specific date.

Long-term Value Comparison

While switching from Cricket to Metro might seem logical, the long-term value proposition doesn't favor either carrier. Both score poorly in our comprehensive analysis due to limited features, inconsistent customer service, and network deprioritization.

Over a two-year period, Metro's higher prices could cost you an additional $240 compared to Visible, while delivering inferior network priority. Cricket's throttled speeds mean you're paying for "unlimited" data that slows significantly after just 22GB of usage.

Consider that switching carriers involves time and effort. If you're going to make a change, it makes financial sense to choose a carrier that delivers better long-term value rather than a lateral move between two mediocre options.

The Bottom Line

Switching from Cricket Wireless to Metro by T-Mobile is technically easy and takes about 30 minutes in-store or 2-3 days for online switching. However, both carriers score poorly in our rankings (Cricket: 6/11, Metro: 6.5/11), making this a lateral move rather than an upgrade.

Instead of switching between two mediocre carriers, consider Visible at $25/month (10/11 rating) for superior Verizon network access, or Tello at $25/month (9.5/11 rating) if you prefer T-Mobile's coverage. Both options cost less than Metro while delivering significantly better service quality and customer support.

If you're determined to make this switch, the process is straightforward: gather your Cricket account information, visit a Metro store or order online, and complete the number port. Just know that you'll likely find yourself wanting to switch again within a year due to the limitations both carriers impose on their customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to switch from Cricket to Metro?

The actual switching process takes 15-30 minutes for number porting, but allow 1-3 business days total if you're ordering a SIM card online. In-store switches can be completed in one visit.

Q: Will my phone work on Metro if it worked on Cricket?

Most phones will work since both carriers use major US network technologies, but some older devices might need unlocking first. Use Metro's compatibility checker online or visit a store to verify before switching.

Q: Do I need to cancel Cricket before switching to Metro?

No, never cancel Cricket before completing your number port to Metro. The porting process automatically cancels your Cricket service, and canceling early will cause you to lose your phone number.

Q: What's the biggest difference I'll notice after switching?

You'll likely experience faster 5G speeds in cities due to T-Mobile's superior mid-band network, but may notice weaker coverage in rural areas compared to Cricket's AT&T network access.

Q: Are there better alternatives to both Cricket and Metro?

Yes, Visible offers superior value at $25/month with a 10/11 rating on Verizon's network, while Tello provides better T-Mobile network access than Metro at 9.5/11 rating. Both cost less than Metro while delivering better service.

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