Independent since 2019 · No paid placement, ever Prices re-checked weekly · Last verified July 30, 2026
Guides 3 min read

Cricket Unlock Requirements: The 6-Month Rule

Cricket unlocks your phone after six months of paid service — plus three other conditions, and a military-deployment exception that skips the wait entirely.

Jean Gilles
Founder & Lead Analyst, ShopCellPlans
Published January 26, 2026
Updated January 26, 2026

Cricket unlocks your phone after six months of paid service — plus three other conditions, and a military-deployment exception that skips the wait entirely.

Key takeaways
Six months of paid service on that device is the core requirement.
Three more conditions apply: locked to Cricket, not reported lost or stolen, no fraud association.
Deployed military personnel can have one device unlocked without the wait, with verification.
Cricket can deny requests and can change the policy without notice.
Unlock before you start a port — locked phones won't take another SIM or an eSIM trial.

Want to use your Cricket phone on another network? Here's what you need to know about Cricket's device unlock policy. The process is pretty straightforward.

General Device Unlock Requirements

If your Cricket phone is locked on the network, Cricket will unlock it upon request once you've met the following eligibility criteria:

  • Active Service: The device has been active for at least six months of paid service on that specific device.
  • Cricket Network Lock: The device is designed for use on and is locked to Cricket's network.
  • Not Lost or Stolen: The device has not been reported as lost or stolen.
  • Account in Good Standing: The device is not associated with a fraudulent account.Ready to unlock? Follow these steps to submit your request.

Special Consideration for Deployed Military Personnel

If you are active and deployed military personnel unable to meet the six-month service requirement, Cricket will unlock one (1) device for you, provided all other unlock requirements are met and you provide acceptable deployment verification. To request this exception, please call or chat with a Cricket Support Advocate or visit your local Cricket Store.

Other Important Information

Cricket notes that they reserve the right to deny any phone unlock request if they believe it could lead to abuse of this policy or facilitate fraud or unlawful activity against Cricket or its customers. Additionally, Cricket may change this unlocking policy at any time without prior notice.

Ready to move networks?

Once your phone is unlocked, these are the AT&T-network plans worth moving to.

Best AT&T MVNOs →
#Cricket Wireless #Unlocking #Switching
Jean Gilles
About the author

Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.

Frequently asked questions

How long before Cricket will unlock my phone? +
Six months of paid service on that specific device. The clock is per-device, not per-account, so a newly bought phone starts its own six months.
What else does Cricket require besides the six months? +
Three things: the device must be locked to Cricket's network, it must not be reported lost or stolen, and it must not be tied to an account Cricket considers fraudulent.
Is there any way to skip the six-month wait? +
Yes, for active deployed military personnel. Cricket will unlock one device without the six months of service if you provide acceptable deployment verification and meet the other conditions.
How do I actually request the unlock? +
Submit a device unlock request through Cricket's support site. Deployed military exceptions go through a Support Advocate by phone or chat, or a Cricket store.
Can Cricket refuse to unlock my phone? +
Yes. Cricket reserves the right to deny a request it believes could enable abuse, fraud or unlawful activity, and it can change the policy at any time without notice.
Do I need to unlock before switching carriers? +
For most switches, yes — a locked phone won't accept another carrier's SIM or activate an eSIM trial. Confirm the unlock has gone through before you start a port.
Price-change alerts
Get told when your plan’s price changes

One email when a carrier raises rates, drops a plan, or launches a deal worth switching for. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.