Cricket Wireless does not sell tablets directly
Cricket Wireless, a prepaid mobile carrier owned by AT&T, focuses on selling phones and phone plans. They do not stock tablets in their stores or online. If you want a tablet, you will need to buy it from a different retailer and then bring it to Cricket to set up service on it.
This is true for most prepaid carriers. They sell the devices that fit their core business—phones—and leave tablets to electronics retailers. The good news is that tablets work on Cricket's network just like phones do, as long as they have the right hardware inside.
Key Takeaways
- Cricket Wireless does not sell tablets; you must purchase a tablet elsewhere and bring it to Cricket to set up service.
- Tablets can use Cricket's network if they have a SIM card slot and support the correct cellular bands for AT&T's network.
- Major electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target carry tablets from multiple brands.
- Before buying a tablet, confirm it supports LTE or 5G on AT&T's network, since not all tablets work with all carriers.
- Cricket can set up service on a compatible tablet at any store, or you can set it up online using a SIM card you order.
Where to buy tablets instead
Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target all carry tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and other manufacturers. Best Buy and Walmart have physical stores where you can see and hold a tablet before buying. Amazon and Target offer online ordering with home delivery. Costco and Sam's Club also sell tablets if you have a membership.
Carrier stores for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sometimes stock tablets, but their selection is usually small and prices are often higher than electronics retailers. If you want the widest choice and best price, start with Best Buy or Amazon.
Which tablets work with Cricket's network
Cricket runs on AT&T's network, so a tablet needs to support AT&T's bands to work. Most modern tablets sold in the United States come with the right hardware built in, but not all of them. The safest choice is an iPad (any recent model) or a Samsung Galaxy Tab, since these are designed to work on all major U.S. carriers.
Before you buy, check the tablet's specifications sheet and look for "LTE" or "5G" listed under supported networks. If the listing says "compatible with AT&T," that is even better. Avoid tablets sold only for Wi-Fi use—those have no cellular radio at all and cannot connect to any carrier's network.
If you already own a tablet and want to know whether Cricket will work on it, bring it to a Cricket store or call their customer service line. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your specific model will work.
How to set up Cricket service on a tablet
Once you have a tablet that supports AT&T's network, you have two ways to add Cricket service. The first is to visit a Cricket store in person. Bring your tablet and a form of ID. A staff member will insert a SIM card into your tablet and set up a plan. This takes about 15 minutes.
The second way is to order a SIM card online from Cricket's website, insert it yourself when it arrives, and set up service through their online portal. This takes longer overall but does not require a store visit. Either way, you will choose a monthly plan and pay upfront for the first month.
What plans Cricket offers for tablets
Cricket sells the same plans for tablets as for phones: monthly data allowances ranging from 2 GB to unlimited, with prices starting around $25 per month. You can also buy a pay-as-you-go plan if you use data only occasionally. Plans include unlimited talk and text, though tablets typically use data for messaging apps instead.
Unlike some carriers, Cricket does not require a contract. You can cancel or change your plan at any time. If you use very little data, the lower-tier plans are cheaper than what you would pay at a major carrier, which is Cricket's main advantage.
Tablets without cellular service
If you buy a Wi-Fi-only tablet, you cannot add Cricket service to it. Wi-Fi-only tablets have no SIM card slot and no cellular radio. They can only connect to the internet through a wireless network in your home or at a business. This is usually cheaper upfront but limits where you can use the tablet.
If you want to use a tablet away from home—in a car, at a coffee shop, or while traveling—you need a model with cellular service. That means buying a tablet with a SIM card slot and adding a plan like Cricket's.
Comparing tablet options and costs
| Tablet Type | Typical Price Range | Cellular Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (standard) | $329–$499 | Yes, with LTE or 5G | General use, apps, media |
| iPad Air | $599–$799 | Yes, with LTE or 5G | Faster performance, larger screen |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S | $349–$649 | Yes, with LTE or 5G | Android users, high refresh rate |
| Amazon Fire Tablet | $99–$299 | No cellular option | Budget option, Amazon services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old phone's SIM card in a tablet?
No. A phone SIM card is tied to your phone plan. To use a tablet on Cricket, you need a separate SIM card and a separate plan for the tablet. Cricket will issue you a new SIM card when you set up service.
Do I need a tablet plan if I only use Wi-Fi?
No. If your tablet has Wi-Fi only or you choose to use only Wi-Fi, you do not need a cellular plan. You can use the tablet anywhere you have access to a wireless network. A plan is only necessary if you want cellular data when Wi-Fi is not available.
What happens if I buy a tablet that does not work with Cricket?
You will not be able to add Cricket service to it. If you discover this after purchase, you can return the tablet to the retailer where you bought it, usually within 14 to 30 days. Always check compatibility before buying.
Is it cheaper to buy a tablet from Cricket or from Best Buy?
Cricket does not sell tablets, so you cannot buy one from them. However, electronics retailers like Best Buy often run sales and offer price matching. Comparing prices across Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target usually finds the lowest cost for the same tablet model.
Can I switch my tablet between Cricket and another carrier?
Yes, if your tablet supports multiple carriers' networks. You would need to contact Cricket to remove the SIM card and plan, then contact the new carrier to add their SIM card and plan. The tablet itself does not change.