Does MetroPCS use sim cards?
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post titled ” Does MetroPCS use sim cards?” will provide you with the details about MetroPCS SIM cards. It also includes a brief history of MetroPCS, benefits of MetroPCS sim card, MetroPCS’s “Bring your Own device” service, and steps to switch to Metro.
Does MetroPCS use SIM cards?
Yes, Metropcs phones use a sim card. The sim card in a phone contains the information which is used to authenticate the subscribers to connect to the network. It is portable and can be used on any compatible device.
A brief history of Metropcs
Metro PCS is simply known as Metro. It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T- mobile.
Earlier it was the 5th largest mobile network in the USA and it was using code-division multiple access (CDMA). In 2015, all customers using the MetroPCS CDMA network were migrated to their LTE network.
At that time T-Mobile had about 32 million subscribers and MetroPCS had around 9 million subscribers. In 2018, T-Mobile relaunched the new brand as Metro by T-Mobile.
When the name was changed; T- mobile subscribers had increased to 75 million and Metro’s mobile subscribers to 18 million. Nowadays Metro PCS is simply known as Metro by T-Mobile.
Metro ( formerly MetroPCS) offers almost the same features as that of T- mobile, at lower prices. It makes use of T-Mobile’s network. It is a prepaid service provider. Subscribers can avail a range of plans to match the budgets and the specific needs.
Is MetroPCS GSM or CDMA?
Mainly, there are two carriers, namely GSM and CDMA. GSM stands for “Global System for mobile. ” It is second-generation cellular technology. Another carrier is CDMA, and CDMA stands for “code division multiple access.”
Metro PCS is owned by T-Mobile. It makes use of T-mobile’s network. Since T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier, Metro is also a GSM network carrier. This is a very important factor because of which one can easily switch from T-Mobile to Metro.
Key features of Metropcs
● Many plans offered by the metro PCS are cheaper than corresponding T-Mobile plans.
● Availability of a large variety of plans at affordable prices.
● Some data-saving features prevent you from overages.
● Offers a variety of budget phones.
As far as key features are concerned, if you are keen about your budget and least bothered about network congestion, then you should give priority to the Metro PCS.
Benefits of MetroPCS sim card
- Metropcs offers a universal starter kit that includes a micro sim card, a nano sim card, and an adaptor required for the standard sim card.
- All metro plans are prepaid so you can pay upfront and select the required features.
- Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers.
- Metropcs sim cards are compatible with unlocked android phones as well as iPhones.
- You may be eligible to get a free or discounted cell phone if you switch to an unlimited metro plan from another network carrier.
- You can continue with your old phone number.
- You can upgrade the plan to avail of some international services.
Metropcs sim card plans
The range of prepaid plans is from $ 30 to $60.The following table shows a comparative
analysis of different prepaid plans, offered by MetroPCS.
| Plan | Price | Text and Talk | Data | Streaming | Hotspot |
| 2GB | $30 | Unlimited | 2GB | 480p | Not included |
| 10GB | $40 | Unlimited | 10GB | 480p | Not included |
BasicUnlimited | $50 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 480p | 5GB |
BetterUnlimited | $60 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 480p | 15GB |
What is MetroPCS’s “Bring your Own device” service?
Bring your own device is a very easy and straightforward service that lets the users get their own device and switch to MetroPCS network service. By taking help from customer care service, you can easily switch to Metro by T-Mobile by using this service.
All the devices working on GSM technology and compatible with T-Mobile can be used on the MetroPCS network as Metro has merged with T-Mobile. CDMA phones will not work with MetroPCS.
Step1: Confirm the compatibility of your device:
When planning to switch to MetroPCS make sure your device works on GSM and Is compatible with MetroPCS, you do have a Metro compatibility checker option, which makes the job easy. You just need your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) which is to be entered to confirm the compatibility.
Step 2: Make sure the device is unlocked:
If your device is compatible, you need to ensure it is unlocked if not contact your previous carrier and get it unlocked which is a very simple process if you have no dues and if your device is eligible.
Step 3: Buy the MetroPCS (Metro by T-Mobile) SIM card:
Now to buy the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) you can visit the Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS) store or you can get it online.
Step 4: Select a “Bring your own phone” plan
Metro offers a lot of Bring your own device plans, depending on the type of usage and type of connection you can choose a suitable and affordable plan for your device.
Step 5: Activate your plan:
After finalizing the plan, get it activated by making the payment and switching the previous SIM with the new Metro SIM.
What is the Metro universal sim card kit?
You can bring your own phone and you can keep your phone number also. You can buy Metropcs universal sim card and avail the benefits of Metro prepaid plans starting from $30.The Metro universal sim card kit contains a micro sim card, a nano sim card, and an adaptor required for the standard sim card.
Prerequisites for transferring the number from other wireless carriers to Metro
To transfer the current phone number from other wireless carriers to Metro, the following prerequisites should be satisfied.
- Gather your current network account information that includes your account number, password or PIN, and Billing zip code.
- The current phone number must be active.
- If the phone number is deactive, then it must be activated again to transfer to Metro.
- The information for port-out requests sent by Metro must match with information already stored in the system of your current network carrier.
Step to switch to Metro
- Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with Metro.
- Select MetroPCS plan.
- Get the new SIM card and activate it.
- If you want to continue your existing phone number then inform the MetroPCS representative.
- Finally, insert a SIM card into your phone device.
Is there any initial cost to switch to Metro?
If you are switching to Metro from any other network carrier then initially you will need to pay $10 SIM card fees. Along with this, you will have to pay for the phone plan which you have selected for Metro.
Metro includes all taxes and fees in their monthly plan.
Can I put a Metro-PCS SIM card in an iPhone?
Yes, if you have activated the MetroPCS SIM card then it will work with iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and any other new iPhone models. But an important criterion is that the phone must be unlocked. As well as it should be compatible with Metro pcs.
Steps to use the Metropcs sim card in iPhone
If you want to continue your existing phone number and you want to insert a Metro SIM card in an iPhone then the following steps are used.
- Ensure that your iPhone is unlocked.
- Check the compatibility of your phone.
- Purchase the Metro SIM card.
- Activate the SIM card online and choose the metro plan as per your requirements.
Precautions to be taken while handling sim cards
The sim card is an important part, if it gets damaged then your phone will not support the network carrier’s signals. Following are some important precautions to be taken while handling the sim cards.
- Do not touch the golden area of the sim card, because this is the main portion where information is stored.
- Do not bend the sim card.
- The sim card must be kept clean and dry.
- Don’t keep the sim card open in sunlight as it is temperature-sensitive.
- When you will take out the sim card from your phone, remember the procedure to reinsert it properly.
- Align the gold contacts of the sim card correctly to the gold contacts of the phone.
- Avoid the magnetic fields around the sim card.
Reinsert the SIM card
Sometimes, the SIM card is slightly displayed in the SIM tray. There can be dust particles in the SIM card slot.
All the cell phones do not allow you to access the SIM card. If your device has this provision, then remove the SIM card by switching off the device, cleaning its property, and reinserting it in the SIM card slot.
If the SIM card is slightly defective then contact your service provider. You can request the replacement of your SIM card.
Check the functionality of the SIM card
It may happen that the SIM card is not functioning properly only on your device. Take out the SIM card by switching off your device and insert into another device. If it is detected by another device then it proves that there is no defect in the SIM card. Reconfirm IMEI number.
Sometimes, the IMEI number of your phone might have changed due to some software issues. This number is used by service providers to transmit the signal to the SIM cards.
First, check the IMEI number of your device by following these steps.
- From the Home screen, select Main Menu.
- Scroll to and then select Settings.
- Scroll to and then select Phone Settings.
- Scroll to and then select Phone info.
- Scroll to and then select Version info.
- Scroll to and then view the IMEI.
This IMEI number must be the same as the IMEI number printed on the phone box.
Restart your device
Switch off your cell phone and wait for some time. Then switch on the device. If you have a new SIM card then it takes some time for the network providers to detect the SIM. So, you need to wait for some time to reboot the device properly.
You can also soft start your phone. If your cell phone is connected to the power supply, switch off the supply and firstly remove the mobile battery. Then again reinsert the battery, wait for some time and again switch on the device.
What is a SIM lock?
It is also called a carrier lock or subsidy lock. Usually, a cell phone sold by a particular carrier is a locked phone. For example, a new phone purchased under contract with a T-Mobile carrier is a locked phone. So a SIM-locked T-Mobile phone must be used with a T-Mobile carrier only. It cannot be used with other mobile carriers until it is unlocked.
An exceptional case is an international roaming facility. For getting such facilities, one should request for unlocking the phone. Depending on certain conditions, a network carrier provides a unique codeword. Using this code word, a cell phone can be unlocked.
Is the SIM network unlock pin the same as the SIM card unlock pin?
No, these to unlock pins are different. Sim network unlock pin allows you to use your mobile on another network carrier.
If the SIM card is locked and if you insert it into another device then it will not be operative. That means you can not make a call or send a text. The SIM card unlocks the pin removes the SIM lock so that you can use it again in the usual manner.
Below are other MetroPCS articles you may be interested in:
Can I put a MetroPCS SIM card in an iPhone?
Can I bring my phone to MetroPCS?
Does metro work in Puerto Rico?
Conclusion:
This blog post addressed “Does MetroPCS use sim cards?”. We understood that Metropcs phones use a sim card. The sim card in a phone contains the information which is used to authenticate the subscribers to connect to the 4G LTE or 5G network. We also understood the “Bring your Own device” service of Metropcs and the steps to switch to Metropcs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Does MetroPCS use sim cards?
Is MetroPCS GSM or CDMA?
Metro PCS is owned by T-Mobile. It makes use of T-mobile’s network. Since T-Mobile is a GSM network carrier, Metro is also a GSM network carrier. This is an important factor because of which one can easily use t mobile sim card on Metro phones
How to check the IMEI number of iPhones?
- Go to Settings > General, then About.
Or
- On the dial pad screen, press *#06#, and you will see the IMEI.
- Some phones require you to press the send key after the code.
What is “Bring your phone service?”
Metro PCS has recently launched” bring your phone service “at some locations. If you have an unlocked GSM phone then you can use the Metro PCS service.
If you have an unlocked phone, you just have to purchase a metro PCS sim card to avail of this service. You don’t have to make a contract for the entire year.
You can choose the plans every month. The plans are available at the lowest rate starting from $ 40.
Is it possible to use a CDMA iPhone with Metro PCS?
The network Carriers Sprint, and Verizon make use of CDMA. Since there is no slot for GSM cards, these iPhones cannot be directly used with Metro PCS.
But you can flash the phone then it will be compatible with Metro PCS. The term flashing is related to reprogramming the phone.
It is similar to unlocking a GSM device. The flashing is used for CDMA devices. But flashing the phone is a third-party operation.
Do both Metro PCS and T-mobile have the same network coverage?
Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers. But in case of network congestion, whenever there is heavy traffic, more priority is given to the T-mobile subscribers.
Is metro PCS a postpaid service?
Metro PCS is simply known as Metro.
It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T mobile.
Will T- mobile phone work on Metro PCS?
Yes, T- mobile phone works on Metro PCS but the phone should be unlocked.
References:
How to Switch My Metro PCS Service to Another Metro PCS Phone
By Steven Melendez Updated December 12, 2018,
What Is the Difference Between Micro SD & Micro M2?
By Brian Westover
Can I Switch SIM Cards Between MetroPCS Phones?
Metro by T-Mobile Cell Phone Review and Plan By Jillian Goltzman
April 28, 2021,
Guide: What Phones Are Compatible With MetroPCS?, August 15, 2018,
What Phones Can Transfer to MetroPCS?By Stephanie Faris Updated June 1, 2019,