tryCricket by Cricket Wireless

Why I Downloaded tryCricket by Cricket Wireless

My friend Marge from my old book club wouldn’t stop talking about this app. She knows I’m not great with technology and she said, “Betty, it’s easier than checking your email.” I was tired of having to get my reading glasses, go to the den, and boot up the old desktop just to see if I’d used up all my data for the month. So about five weeks ago, I finally gave in and downloaded it to my new iPhone. I figured if it was too complicated, I’d just delete it and go back to my old way.

Standout Features

The best part is right on the main screen when you open it. It shows your data, your minutes, and your texts in three big, clear circles. I don’t have to hunt for it. I can tell at a glance if I’m running low. The bill pay is the other big one for me. I linked my bank card the first time, and now paying is just two taps. I did it last Sunday morning before church and it took less time than brewing my coffee. It also has a section where you can look at all the different phone plans, which was handy when my grandson asked me what I was paying for.

Daily Use Experience

For the most part, it just works. I open it, I see what I need, and I close it. That’s what I want. A few weeks ago, I was at the doctor’s office waiting for a follow-up appointment and got a little pop-up on my phone saying I’d used most of my high-speed data. I tapped it, and the app opened right to my usage page. There was a button right there to buy a little extra data for the rest of the month. I did it right in the waiting room. That felt very modern and handy. My one gripe is that some things are hidden. I wanted to see my bill from two months ago to check a charge, and I had to poke around in a menu called “Billing & Payments” for a good minute before I found the “History” tab. They should make that easier.

Cost Breakdown

The app itself doesn’t cost a penny. You just download it and use it. You’re only paying your regular Cricket phone bill. For me, the value is in not having to make a phone call. I hate calling customer service and sitting on hold listening to music. If this app saves me from doing that even once a year, it’s paid for itself in saved aggravation.

Support Experience

I haven’t had to call support myself, thank goodness. The app has worked fine for what I need. But I did read some of the reviews in the App Store before I wrote this, and a few people mentioned the support chat isn’t great. They said it’s mostly a robot that gives basic answers, and if you have a real problem, you end up having to call anyway. The app does say it will fill in your account info if you do call, which sounds like it would save some time repeating yourself. Still, I hope I never have to find out.

Privacy Verdict

It’s made by Cricket Wireless themselves, so I figure it’s as safe as logging into their website on my computer. It asks for my Cricket username and password, which is the same one I’ve always used. I didn’t see any strange ads popping up inside the app, which is a relief. I’m not one to read long privacy policies, but since it’s the official company app, I trust it about as much as I can trust any of these things nowadays. It feels like a direct line to my account, not some outside service.