How to Cancel Cricket Wireless in 2026

Cricket Wireless is prepaid — no contracts, no early termination fees. Cancelling is simple, but you need to port your phone number before cancelling or it's gone forever.

Step 1: Port Your Number

1. Choose your new carrier
2. Get your Cricket account number (Settings → Account Info in the Cricket app, or call 1-800-274-2538)
3. Get your account PIN (the 4-digit security PIN you set up)
4. Give both to your new carrier when activating. They handle the port
5. The port automatically cancels your Cricket line once complete

Step 2: Cancel Without Porting (If You Don't Need the Number)

By Phone

Call 1-800-274-2538. Since Cricket is prepaid, cancellation is quick — no retention gauntlet like postpaid carriers.

In Store

Visit any Cricket Wireless store with your phone and ID. They can process the cancellation immediately.

Just Stop Paying

Since Cricket is prepaid, if you simply don't renew your plan when it expires, the account deactivates automatically. After about 60 days of inactivity, your number is released. This is the easiest "cancellation" method if you don't care about the number.

No Refund on Prepaid Balance

Cricket is prepaid — your current month is already paid for. There's no prorated refund for unused days if you cancel mid-cycle. Time your cancellation for the end of your billing period to get full value.

What About Your Phone?

• Cricket phones are locked for 6 months after activation. After 6 months of active service, they auto-unlock
• If your phone is unlocked, it works on AT&T and most T-Mobile networks (Cricket uses AT&T's network)
• If still locked, you may be limited to AT&T-compatible carriers (Cricket, AT&T Prepaid, etc.)
• Check unlock status: Settings → About Phone → SIM card lock (varies by device)

Cheaper Alternatives to Cricket

Cricket runs on AT&T's network. Here are carriers that offer the same or better value:

• Mint Mobile: $15-30/month (T-Mobile network). Prepay 3-12 months for best rates
• Visible: $25/month unlimited (Verizon network). Single plan, simple pricing
• US Mobile: $10-25/month (Verizon or T-Mobile). Build your own plan
• Tello: $5-29/month (T-Mobile network). Most flexible custom plans
• AT&T Prepaid: Same network as Cricket, sometimes better deals on data
• Boost Mobile: $25-60/month (AT&T network). Cricket's main competitor

Cricket's Autopay: Make Sure It's Off

If you have autopay enabled, turn it off before your next billing date. Even though Cricket is prepaid, autopay can charge your card for the next month before you cancel. Go to the Cricket app → Account → Auto Pay → Turn Off.