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

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Switching from Cricket Wireless to Twigby is surprisingly straightforward and takes most people under 30 minutes to complete. While Cricket runs on AT&T's network, Twigby uses Verizon's network, which typically provides better coverage in rural areas and improved call quality.

Why Switch from Cricket to Twigby?

Cricket Wireless scores 6/11 in our carrier rankings, while Twigby earns a solid 7.6/11. The main advantages of switching include better network coverage, lower prices, and superior customer service.

Cricket operates on AT&T's network with significant deprioritization during busy periods. This means your data speeds can slow dramatically in crowded areas like stadiums, shopping centers, or dense urban neighborhoods. Twigby, running on Verizon's network, typically maintains more consistent speeds throughout the day.

The pricing difference is substantial. Cricket's cheapest unlimited plan costs $30 monthly (after autopay discount), while Twigby offers unlimited data for just $20 per month. If you use less data, Twigby's 5GB plan costs only $15 monthly - half what Cricket charges for similar usage.

Customer service represents another major upgrade. Cricket routes most support through retail stores or basic phone support, while Twigby provides personalized US-based customer service that actually resolves issues quickly.

Step-by-Step Switching Process

Before You Start

Check if your current phone is unlocked. Cricket typically locks phones for the first six months of service. If your phone is still locked, contact Cricket customer service at 1-800-274-2538 to request an unlock. You'll need to meet their requirements: account in good standing, device active for 60+ days, and no outstanding payments.

Gather your account information. You'll need your Cricket account number (found on your bill or by calling Cricket) and account PIN or password. If you don't know your PIN, call Cricket support to reset it before starting the switch.

Ordering Your Twigby SIM

Visit Twigby's website and select "Switch to Twigby." Choose your plan based on your typical data usage. Twigby offers plans from 1GB ($10) up to unlimited ($20), making it easy to find the right fit for your needs.

Order your SIM card kit for $5. While some carriers charge $25+ for SIM cards, Twigby keeps costs minimal. The SIM kit arrives within 2-3 business days via standard shipping, or you can pay extra for overnight delivery if you're in a hurry.

Activating Service

When your SIM arrives, go to Twigby's activation page. Enter your SIM card number (printed on the card) and create your account. The system will guide you through each step with clear instructions.

Choose "Transfer my number from another carrier" when prompted. Enter your Cricket account number, PIN, and the phone number you want to transfer. Double-check this information carefully - mistakes here can delay your switch by days.

Insert the Twigby SIM into your phone and follow the on-screen setup instructions. Most modern phones automatically configure network settings, but Twigby provides manual setup instructions if needed.

Number Porting Timeline

The number transfer typically completes within 2-4 hours during business hours. Cricket to Twigby transfers often happen faster than switches involving other carriers because both companies prioritize smooth porting processes.

Your Cricket service automatically cancels when the number transfer completes. You don't need to call Cricket to cancel - the porting process handles this automatically. Make sure to remove any autopay settings from your Cricket account to avoid unexpected charges.

Phone Compatibility Check

Most phones that work with Cricket will also work with Twigby, but network differences mean some features might change. Cricket uses AT&T's bands (primarily bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 17, 30, and 66), while Twigby uses Verizon's bands (primarily bands 2, 4, 5, 13, 46, 48, and 66).

iPhones

All iPhones from the iPhone 6s onward work perfectly with both Cricket and Twigby. You'll likely notice improved call quality and better coverage in rural areas after switching to Twigby's Verizon network.

Android Phones

Most unlocked Android phones support both carriers. However, some Cricket-branded phones are optimized specifically for AT&T's network. Check Twigby's compatibility tool on their website by entering your phone's IMEI number for definitive confirmation.

5G Compatibility

Twigby provides 5G access on compatible devices, while Cricket's 5G network has more limited coverage. If you have a 5G phone, you'll likely see better high-speed coverage with Twigby in most markets.

Cost Comparison Analysis

Let's break down the real costs of both carriers to understand your potential savings.

Monthly Plan Costs

Data Amount	Cricket Price	Twigby Price	Monthly Savings
2GB	$30/mo	$15/mo	$15/mo
5GB	$40/mo	$15/mo	$25/mo
Unlimited	$55/mo	$20/mo	$35/mo

These prices include all taxes and fees for Twigby, while Cricket adds taxes on top of advertised rates.

Hidden Fees and Extras

Cricket charges activation fees ($25), SIM card fees ($10), and taxes/fees that can add $5-8 monthly to your bill. Twigby includes taxes in their advertised prices and charges just $5 for the SIM card with no activation fees.

Over a year, switching from Cricket's unlimited plan to Twigby's unlimited plan saves $420 in plan costs alone, plus another $60-96 in avoided taxes and fees.

Network Coverage Differences

The switch from AT&T's network (Cricket) to Verizon's network (Twigby) brings significant coverage changes depending on your location and usage patterns.

Urban Coverage

Both networks provide excellent coverage in major cities. However, Verizon typically offers better indoor penetration in large buildings, while AT&T sometimes has faster speeds in very dense urban cores.

Suburban Performance

Verizon's network generally outperforms AT&T in suburban areas, providing more consistent speeds and better coverage in residential neighborhoods. This translates to fewer dropped calls and more reliable data connections for Twigby users.

Rural Coverage

This is where the switch really pays off. Verizon's network covers significantly more rural area than AT&T, meaning Twigby users often get service in locations where Cricket simply doesn't work. If you travel frequently or live in a rural area, this difference alone justifies the switch.

Network Prioritization

Both Cricket and Twigby users experience deprioritization during network congestion, but Verizon's network typically handles traffic better than AT&T during peak usage periods.

Customer Service Comparison

Cricket's customer service operates primarily through retail locations and basic phone support. Wait times often exceed 20 minutes, and representatives frequently can't resolve complex issues without multiple transfers.

Twigby takes a completely different approach. Their US-based customer service team handles most issues on the first call, with average wait times under 5 minutes. They also offer email support and live chat options that actually connect you to knowledgeable representatives.

The difference becomes obvious during the switching process. Twigby's support team proactively helps with number porting issues, while Cricket's support often creates additional obstacles during the cancellation process.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

SIM Lock Issues

If Cricket hasn't unlocked your phone, you'll need to resolve this before switching. Contact Cricket customer service and request an unlock. If you meet their requirements, they must unlock your device within 48 hours by law.

Coverage Gaps

While Verizon's network generally provides better coverage, some specific locations might have better AT&T coverage. Check Verizon's coverage map for your specific addresses (home, work, frequent destinations) before switching.

Email and Account Changes

Switching carriers means losing any Cricket email addresses and needing to update your contact information with various services. Make a list of accounts that use your Cricket email before switching.

Family Plan Considerations

If you're on a Cricket family plan, switching might affect other lines. Calculate whether switching everyone to Twigby saves more money than keeping some lines on Cricket.

Timeline Expectations

Day 1: Order Twigby SIM card and choose your plan. The SIM ships within 24 hours via USPS.

Days 2-4: SIM card arrives. Most customers receive their kit within 2-3 business days.

Day of Activation: Complete the activation process in 15-30 minutes. Number porting typically finishes within 2-4 hours.

The entire process from ordering to full service usually takes 3-5 days, with most of that time spent waiting for SIM card delivery.

Best Phone to Pair With This Plan

If you need an unlocked phone that works perfectly with Twigby, 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 →

Alternative Carriers to Consider

While Twigby (7.6/11) represents a solid upgrade from Cricket (6/11), our top-rated carriers offer even better value:

Visible (10/11) provides unlimited data on Verizon's network for $25 monthly, taxes included. The service quality matches Twigby but costs just $5 more for unlimited everything.

US Mobile (9.5/11) offers flexible plans across all three networks, letting you choose Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T coverage. Their build-a-plan approach means you only pay for what you actually use.

Tello (9.5/11) runs on T-Mobile's network with plans starting at $8 monthly. If T-Mobile has good coverage in your area, Tello offers the best value in the prepaid market.

Making the Final Decision

The switch from Cricket to Twigby makes sense for most users, especially those seeking better coverage and lower prices. The process is straightforward, and Twigby's customer service makes the transition smoother than most carrier switches.

However, consider your specific needs before switching. If you primarily use your phone in areas where AT&T has exceptional coverage, staying with Cricket might make sense. Similarly, if you're interested in switching carriers, consider whether jumping to one of our top-rated options (Visible, US Mobile, or Tello) makes more sense than choosing Twigby.

The Bottom Line

Switching from Cricket Wireless to Twigby is neither difficult nor time-consuming. The entire process takes under 30 minutes of active work, with the main delay being SIM card shipping time. You'll likely save money, get better coverage, and enjoy superior customer service after making the switch.

For most Cricket users, Twigby represents a clear upgrade at a lower price point. The combination of Verizon's superior network coverage and Twigby's transparent pricing makes this switch a smart financial and practical decision.

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