How to Flash a Samsung Omnia to Cricket
If you have a Samsung Omnia that you originally purchased to work with Verizon Wireless, you don't have to be chained to just that wireless provider. You can flash, or reprogram, your Omnia to recognize the Cricket network instead of Verizon. Flashing works on CDMA networks such as Sprint, Cricket and Verizon -- networks that don't require SIM cards, like the GSM networks do. You must flash your phone to a new carrier each time you want to change your mobile service provider.
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Instructions
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Call Cricket to start a service plan, and give the customer service representative the necessary information she needs to set up your existing phone, such as its identification number. Setting up the plan before flashing means you can begin using the phone immediately after you've completed the flashing process.
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Navigate to an online flashing software retailer, such as CDMA Flashing Software, Your Cellular or Remote Squad. Download the appropriate software to flash your Samsung Omnia to Cricket. The cost varies by retailer, but expect to pay at least $25 as of the date of publication.
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Connect your phone to your computer with the USB cable. Open the flashing software, and follow the software's instructions to complete the flashing process. The instructions vary by retailer and may be on-screen or in a read-me text file.
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Disconnect your phone from the USB cable and turn it off. Wait at least 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Make a test call to ensure it connects to the Cricket network.
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Tips & Warnings
If you aren't comfortable flashing your phone at home, take it into a store for help. Cricket stores don't flash phones, but many third-party retailers do. Look for a nearby store that sells phones and wireless plans from different carriers, and ask the retailer if it can flash your phone for you.
Although the flashing process shouldn't disrupt your phone's memory, back up important data, such as your contacts, before attempting to reprogram your network to Cricket.
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