If you were curious about trying out Cricket's service, you're in luck. Cricket (owned by AT&T) will let anyone with an eligible Android device try out its 5G network via the tryCricket app for free. When someone signs up with the app, they will receive a physical SIM card in the mail for use in a 14-day trial. When the trial starts, testers will get a new phone number with unlimited talk and text and access to 3GB of data for use during those two weeks.
What makes an Android phone eligible for the free trial? It just needs to run version 12 of Android or newer. This will restrict the trial to phones released in the last couple of years. Since you are popping in a SIM card, your regular provider's service will not be interrupted, it'll be there waiting when you put your existing SIM back in your phone. Additionally, Cricket is not charging anything to ship the SIM.
The sign-up process is simple and quick (Credit: Cricket)I tested out the app and it is straightforward. The first screen asks you to enter in your IMEI number, which you can find in your settings. If your device is compatible, then you can enter in your name, email address, phone number, and shipping address. You review your order, place it, and receive an email confirmation. There is no request for any credit card or payment information at all.
If you like using Cricket's service and want to switch, you can go into the app and tap the "Switch to Cricket" button. That will cancel the trial and then you can choose whatever plan you want with no restrictions. Plans range from 5GB of high-speed data for $30 per month to unlimited data and 15GB of hotspot data for $60 per month.
Be aware that after the trial, the Cricket-provided phone number will deactivate (and you can't keep it, either), but you can port your old number over if you'd like. Late last year, Cricket launched a similar program for iPhones that included support for eSIM, meaning you could test out Cricket's service immediately. Cricket says that this offer is ongoing, with no sunset date planned, meaning iPhone users are still welcome to test the service any time they wish.