When you need to add a new phone to a Cricket account, you may be wondering how easy it is to keep your old phone number. In fact, the process of transferring your previous number to your new phone is simple and straightforward, whether you’re new to Cricket or not. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to transfer your phone number:

 

Find out if your number is transferable

If you’re getting a Cricket account for the first time, you should check to make sure that your old phone number is eligible for transfer. If your old number has been disconnected or cancelled, for instance, it can’t be transferred to your new device—so don’t cancel your old account until you’ve activated your new one. Landline phone numbers are also not eligible for transferring. Other non-transferrable numbers include international numbers, toll-free numbers, and voice over IP (VoIP) numbers.

 

Have your account information on hand

When you’re ready to transfer your number, make sure that you have all of the pertinent information ready to provide to the staff member who is assisting you. You’ll need the account number for your wireless account, your PIN or password, the ZIP code associated with the account, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. All of this information will be kept confidential.

 

Transfer your number to Cricket

Finally, you’ll work with the team at your Cricket store to transfer the number to your new device. Once your number has been confirmed and your account has been activated, you can continue using the same number. Keep in mind that you may receive calls on your old phone for a few hours while the transfer process is being completed.

 

Direct Cellular has been serving the community of Tucson, AZ, for more than 17 years. If you’re looking for a new cell phone plan, our team will be happy to assist you. Visit us at one of our nine locations to get the answers to all of your questions about Cricket.

If you’re in need of a new cell phone plan, your impulse may be to walk into the first phone store you see and buy the first plan you learn about. What you may not realize, however, is that some cell phone plans are much better than others. If you take the time to peruse your options, comparing and contrasting one against another, you could end up saving yourself a lot of money on your next plan. Here are some useful tips for finding a cost-effective cell phone plan: 

Match Your Plan to Your Data Usage

Before you go out in search of a new plan, ask yourself a simple question: How much data will you actually use? Keep in mind that most people only use about 3GB or less of data per month. If you use significantly more data than that, you may want to make the investment in unlimited data. If you don’t find yourself using that much data, however, buying a smaller plan makes more sense for you. 

Think about How Much You Stream Videos

How often will you be using your mobile device to watch videos? If you think that you’ll be doing it frequently, you may want to opt for a feature like Cricket’s Stream More, which allows you to rein in your data usage while you’re watching high-definition videos. Stream More automatically comes with many of Cricket’s plans, so be sure to ask the friendly staff at your local Cricket store how it works. 

Consider Where You’ll Be Staying

If you often travel internationally, you may end up with an expensive phone bill at the end of the month if you choose the wrong plan. A great solution is to opt for a plan like one of Cricket’s Unlimited plans, which let you send unlimited text messages—not counting photos and videos—to 38 countries around the world, including Brazil, China, South Korea, Germany, and Japan. 

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect cell phone plan, let Direct Cellular be your guide. Contact us today to find out about your options for a Cricket plan. 

The coming of a new year means a lot of changes, and smartphones are no exception to the rule. From touchscreens to Wi-Fi, mobile devices have come a long way over the past decade, with one innovation after another changing the way we think about them. What new developments do we have to look forward to in 2018? Here are some likely trends that you may want to keep track of: 

The Return of the Flip Phone

Once the most popular phone format on the market, the flip phone—or clamshell phone—fell from favor after it was eclipsed by the touchscreen phone. But if you miss the satisfying snap that these phones made when you shut them, you might be in luck: The flip phone may be on its way back. Samsung introduced a smart-looking new flip phone in China in December of 2017 that combines modern design with classic features like a number keypad, and other models are sure to follow. 

The Rise of Mobile Payments

What if, instead of fumbling for your credit card in the checkout line, you could simply pay using your smartphone? Mobile payment software has been around for a few years—think Apple Pay and Android Pay—but the trend hasn’t quite taken off yet. However, the convenience and security offered by mobile payments are undeniable, and the number of smartphone-based payments in the U.S. continues to rise every year. This is one trend that’s sure to catch fire sooner rather than later. 

The Arrival of In-Screen Fingerprint Sensors

Fingerprint sensors may have made it faster and more convenient to access your phone, but one innovation remains elusive—successfully placing the sensor inside the phone’s touchscreen. Synaptics announced in December that it has developed a working in-screen fingerprint sensor, so you can probably expect this feature to start rolling out on phones across the world in the coming year. 

If you’re in the market for a new cell phone in Tucson, AZ, it’s time to talk to the experts at Direct Cellular. Visit our website to check out our plans, or contact us directly for more information.

Smart cell phones have become one of the most popular devices in the world. Especially with younger populations, as roughly 85% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 years old currently own a smartphone.

Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to buying these essential devices. You likely need a cell phone for various aspects of life, but you might not want to buy a brand new one every time a new installment is announced. That’s why you should consider buying refurbished cell phones.

Used cell phones may not be as shiny as brand new ones, but they aren’t all that different, either. You won’t miss out on too much quality if you decide to buy refurbished rather than buying new. Here are some of the main advantages of buying refurbished cell phones:

Environmentally friendly

Used phones are recycled products, which means rather than ending up in landfills across the globe, they go from person to person. It’s important to get as much use as possible out of these technological devices in order to preserve the environment.

Much more cost friendly

The main benefit for used phones is that buyers can save a significant amount of money. In addition to the initial purchase, the cost savings is also beneficial in the event your phone was lost, damaged, or stolen.

High quality warranty

As long as you’re buying from a reputable cell phone provider, your warranty can be great for a used phone. When buying from a legitimate provider, you can achieve a 90-day warranty, allowing you to get your phone fixed if anything is wrong with it during that period.

If you don’t like the newest version of the iPhone, but you’ve already spent the money to acquire one, you’re probably locked into that phone for a while. With used phones, however, you can likely work with your provider to exchange your phone for another one if you are dissatisfied.

If you want to learn more about cell phone plans that will work for you and your family, or check out some quality refurbished cell phones, contact Direct Cellular today.

Choosing a cell phone provider is a difficult and important decision. Considering that in 2015 there were approximately 190.5 million smartphone owners in the United States, there is not a shortage of cell phone providers. There are many types of cell phone plans, so when it comes to choosing a provider and there are a lot of factors to consider. Choosing a provider who will supply not only the phone you want but also great service, is key to having minimal issues with your phone. With that in mind, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a cell phone provider.

Reputation

The company’s reputation is something to really consider. Find out how many years the provider has been in business and how their reputation has changed throughout that time. Generally, if a provider has been around for a long time that’s a sign that they provide good service.

Customer Service

At some point, you’re going to need assistance with your cell phone. Because of this, it’s important to find a provider that not only has good cell phone options, but also prioritizes customer satisfaction. Talk to friends and family and see who they’ve had good or bad experiences with. A good customer service policy is key to ensuring you’ll have all the assistance you’ll need.

Contract Length

It’s important to consider the length of the contract the provider is offering. Many providers have contracts, and some are very restrictive with high penalties if you try to cancel your contract earlier than the plan intended. This is crucial to consider because if you end up not liking the provider, you may be stuck in a contract for a few years if you can’t afford to get out of it.

Devices

Ensuring the provider you’re considering offers the cell phone options you’re interested in is another factor to consider. See if they sell refurbished cell phones or only brand new ones, as well as any additional devices and accessories they can offer you.

Cost and Payment Options

Cell phones are not cheap, so you have to think about how much money you’re going to be spending overall on your bill each month. Many providers offer first-time discounts and other promotions, so that’s also something to consider.

Many people only consider the cell phone options and think that as long as they get the phone they want, nothing else matters. But your cell phone provider is a key factor in making sure you can use your phone how you want, when you want, and where you want. It’s important to have a good company that will assist you with all of your smartphone needs and ensure your phone has an extensive life.

Owning a cell phone is essential in a world that values the digital landscape, but unfortunately, these all-too-necessary devices can often be quite expensive. Here are some ways you can save money on your cell phone and your phone bill.

Purchase used phones

Having the newest iPhone is great, but so is having enough money to buy food and gas. Unfortunately, the newer versions of high-tech phones are just far too expensive. Everyday working people shouldn’t have to shell out thousands of dollars to be a new phone owner. Luckily, used phones are nearly identical to these newer models. Aside from a few minor improvements and maybe some larger storage, used phones are perfectly fine for just about anyone. With used cell phones, you’ll save money and have a great working phone — what more could you want?

Get your friends and family on the same bundled plan

Nearly two-thirds of Americans owned a smartphone in 2015. That means you shouldn’t have a problem finding a few people who want to go in on a single bundled plan together. By doing this, you all can get a much more affordable rate and still have a great phone and plan. Make sure you’re bundling with friends and family members who are responsible and trustworthy, because if they don’t pay it could cause problems for everyone. But as long as you’re all careful and on top of your payments, you’ll all likely save money.

Find Cricket locations near you

Although buying a used phone is one thing, it can often be difficult to find a credible establishment where you can purchase high quality used phones. Luckily there are Cricket stores that can provide you with quality used phones and cell plans. Go in with a few of your friends or family members and check out some Cricket locations near your home.

Beware of your data usage

Be sure to not overuse your data because that’s a surefire way to increase your monthly phone bill. In the U.S., roughly 10% of people have smartphones but don’t have Internet at home. Find affordable and quality Internet connection so you don’t waste your data every time you’re home.

To find out more about saving money on your phones, check out your local Cricket Store today!!

Cell phones are getting tougher and tougher. With Apple now on its ninth generation for iPhones since their inception in 2007, the days of the easy shatter screens and accidental water damage are fast becoming things of the past. With all that progress it can be difficult to remember that these high tech gadgets are still very sensitive pieces of technology.

In fact, despite the huge strides that have been made towards making our phones more durable, they are still prone to damage. That is especially true for phone batteries.

As any phone owner knows, it can be hard to stop in the middle of the day to find a place to charge your phone up. Fortunately, by avoiding several practices, you can vastly improve the longevity of your battery.

1. Avoid Charging with Damged Cords

Easily damaged and constantly misplaced, the cord you use to charge your phone can seem like an afterthought. If these cords are damaged, however, you risk causing real damage to your battery as well. That is because a damaged cord can put a negative charge on your phone, which can have a dire effect on your battery.

2. Avoid Keeping Your Phone On All The Time

Turning off your cell phone from time to time has been advocated by many people, likely including your mother. But it actually has a tangible effect on the lifespan of your battery as well. The time off give your phone the time to recover.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Just like everything else, your cell phone has an optimal temperature range. Anything too hot or too cold can have an effect on your phone’s battery. Hot temperatures are especially can cause very permanent damage to your batteries capacity.

4. Not Updating the Software

While software can take up a great deal of space on your phone, it can make all the difference for your battery life. That is because these updates can fix subtle efficiency problems that you might not have noticed yet. This optimization means that you aren’t constant draining your battery life.

There is no doubt that cell phones are more durable than ever before. By avoiding the above situations, you can prolong their life even further.

If you are interested in learning more, or to learn about our affordable cell phone plans, contact the experts at one of Direct Paging and Cellular’s many cricket stores in Tucson. Or visit a Cricket store today!

Nearly two-thirds of Americans owned a smartphone in 2015. That means that there was somewhere around 200 million smartphones in use during that period. That is a lot of cell phones.

But smartphones are expensive, sometimes incredibly so. Not everyone has the ability to purchase a brand new phone every time one comes out, and so has to resort to purchasing a used cell phone. These are generally cheaper but have the exact same features as a normal, new, phone.

Myths About Used Cell Phones

Used cell phones, like many used products, have a bad reputation about being broken or defective or any other myths you may have heard. And that’s the truth, they’re myths. No cell phone provider or store would sell a defective product to a customer.

In fact, many retailers and carriers will offer a 30-day money back guarantee with the purchase of new phones, so many of the pre-owned phones are not actually defective or broken, just unwanted and returned.

There are many myths surrounding used cell phones, the most prevalent being them being defective, and all of them portray the phones in a potentially bad light. The truth is, however, that these used phones actually have a lot of benefits.

Benefits

Chief among these benefits is environmental. Buying used electronics cuts down on tech waste. New phones are produced at an alarming rate, and often have new models coming out just a year or two after the last one.

According to Forbes and the Environmental Literacy Council, the average lifespan for a smartphone is around 18 months. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that somewhere around 90% of phones purchased will be thrown out without proper recycling, leaving only that remaining 10% to be recycled.

Another obvious benefit is the savings from getting a pre-owned phone versus a new one. They can save you a lot of money, anywhere from 25-30% when compared to a full-price unit. This allows you to get an upgrade out of your smartphone plan, and not pay large sums of money to do it.

So whether if you’re looking at getting a smartphone, or upgrading your existing one, consider getting a used smartphone. You could save yourself a lot of money, and benefit the environment, by doing so.

If you’ve been keeping up with Apple’s iPhone 8 teasers, then you have probably heard that they are making the switch to OLED.

While the term OLED is new to the world of smartphones, the technology has been a staple of televisions since 2013. They have since become the top option when it comes to color contrast and picture quality.

With iPhone leading the charge, other leaders in the manufacturing cell phone plan to start incorporating the technology, abandoning their old LCD systems.

But what exactly is OLED, and why is it better than the LCD systems that the iPhone 7 employed? Our experts at Direct Paging and Cellular, the leader for cricket stores in Tucson put together a primer to help you understand this new technology.

What Is OLED

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. At its simplest, an OLED system relies on an organic compound (typically containing carbon) that emits light when prompted by electricity.

Is It Really Better than LCD

OLED has a number of great benefits. For starters, they use less energy to produce images, in part due to the unique way they create color. Because an OLED screen requires no energy to produce the color black, then any color made with black pixels will require less energy to render on OLED than on LCD.

And speaking of the color black, the OLED system that is capable of producing a true black, meaning OLED lights have an infinite contrast ratio — something that no other system can truly claim.

How Does This Affect Cell Phones

For starters, it means that cell phones will become slightly more fragile. That is because the OLED panel is incredibly delicate, requiring protective glass panels on both sides. It also means a much greater image resolution and clarity which will better facilitate streaming videos. And while nothing is certain with the next wave of telephones, it is reasonable to expect the new OLED lights to allow for even thinner cell phones.

OLED is primed to become the industry standard for lighting and screen picture in cell phones. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand it better because if you are one of the estimated 190.5 million smartphone users that our nation boasts, then it is only a matter of time until you’ll be using an OLED phone screen yourself.

If you are interested in learning more, contact the experts at one of Direct Paging and Cellular’s 8 cricket stores in Tucson.

In 2015, roughly two-thirds of Americans owned a smartphone and that number seems to be increasing every year. People rely on their phones more than ever, too. Because of how much time the average user spends on their phone, the batteries are dying at extremely fast rates. To stop using your phone clearly isn’t an option these days, so you need to find a way to preserve battery life while still being able to use your phone when you need it.

Here are some tips to keep your phone’s battery working stronger for a longer period of time.

1. Don’t leave your phone plugged in. Leaving your phone plugged in for longer than it takes to reach 100% battery life is actually very damaging to your phone. Doing this will result in your phone dying at a much faster rate and you’ll have to rely more on charging your phone, further ruining your battery in the process.
2. Disable your phone’s GPS. GPS apps usually take up the most energy of just about any other program on your phone. It’s one thing if you’re in need of a GPS or an app you’re using requires your location, but you shouldn’t always have your GPS on.
3. Don’t let your phone constantly search for a stronger signal. If you’re in an area with no signal, your phone will continue to look for a better connection. Doing this will use up a significant amount of power and eventually burn your phone out. Make sure you’re in an area with a good signal, are using quality cell phone plans, and aren’t letting your phone constantly search for a stronger signal.
4. Turn off vibrations. No one wants to be the person in the quiet movie theater with their phone’s ringtone going off every few minutes, but rather than just setting it to “vibrate mode,” you might want to consider turning your phone off or putting it on silent. Vibrations actually use more energy than ringtones do, so you’re much better off limiting the vibrations altogether.
5. Close out apps you’re not using. Using a bunch of apps throughout a week or month and not closing them out can be disastrous for your phone’s battery life. You should clear out your apps at least once a day to make sure you’re not wasting energy.
6. Don’t ever let your phone die. Try your best to keep your phone’s battery above 40% at all times. The lower your energy levels get, the more energy your phone will actually use to keep it going. If you let your phone’s battery life get down to 0% and die, your phone is going to get worse and worse.




Make sure that your cell phone plans aren’t resulting in wasted energy programs, too. Some cell phone plans include high roaming rates and strange fees, so make sure you’re working with a credible company when you’re deciding on a phone.

If you’re in need of quality cell phone plans, new or used cell phones, or want to learn more about preserving your phone’s battery life, contact Direct Cellular today.

The design of the Samsung Galaxy S4 was very similar to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S3. Physically, they appeared to be almost identical, with the Galaxy S4’s screen being very slightly larger. Their weight is similar as well, with a difference of a mere tenth of an ounce. The S4’s screen is more sensitive to touch, allowing the user to operate it using less pressure or while wearing gloves, but other than these attributes, the differences in the two phones’ hardware and aesthetics are minimal. Samsung decided to keep the design similar from one version to the next, and for the most part it worked.

The company decided against this with the Galaxy S5, however. The S5 still looks and feels like an S series phone, but pieces of it are closer to the Galaxy Note series than to the S3 or S4. For example, it is significantly larger than the other members of the S series, making it feel slightly more like a tablet. In keeping with this, its corners are not as rounded, making it more rectangular. Unlike the Note series, though, the S5’s back is not designed to look like leather but instead sports a more metallic appearance, making it visually sleeker and more modern-looking.

On the functional side of the hardware, Samsung has reintroduced what was a supplementary feature in the S4: a waterproof and dust-proof case. When immersed in water at a depth of one meter or less, the S5 will be undamaged for approximately half an hour. This case is very useful when a consumer accidentally drops it into the sink or wants to show it off by dropping it into a pint of beer. The case also prevents dust from getting inside the phone and disrupting the performance of any of the carefully-balanced internal components.

As far as software goes, the Galaxy S5 does have a very minor drop in screen resolution, but makes up for it with significant upgrades from the S3 and S4 in terms of ease of use. The notifications bar now contains easy to access search tool which allows the user to search not only the contents of the S5, including photos, videos, and even handwritten notes, but also enables a web search using Google. In addition, the lock screen now displays the weather as well as the time and date.

One of the most interesting improvements in the S5 is the incorporation of a fingerprint scanner. This gives the phone more security than a simple password by giving the user an option to require fingerprint verification to unlock the phone, but the scanner’s utility extends beyond that. By partnering with PayPal, Samsung has used the scanner provide Galaxy S5 users an additional layer of security for purchases made with the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy S5, planned for release in a number of countries in April, introduces several new features to the S series and modified several old ones, resulting in a phone that is more accessible and user-friendly.

Teenagers and young adults aren’t the only ones that are using smartphones anymore. With all types of electronics becoming more and more mainstream, a wide variety of people now own a smartphone. In fact, with the prominence of family-oriented phone plans, there are frequently entire families that have the exact same smartphone.

Not every member of the family wants to use their smartphone for the same thing, however; each generation has different needs and interests. App makers have noticed this, and are making a wide variety of apps to cater to multiple generations of users.

For older generations, there are organizational apps that let them manage their schedule, check multiple blogs or news sources in one place, and even balance finances, all with a single touch. College and high school students have shopping apps for practically everything, including buying or selling used and discount textbooks, as well as apps that allow them to create and view popular internet memes. And for younger children, there are apps that simulate things such as pianos and sketchbooks.

Smartphone apps: fun for the whole family.