How to switch to MetroPCS?

This article will guide the reader about how you can switch to MetroPCS.You can easily switch to Metropcs by using the” Bring your own phone” scheme. The blog has all the steps of using the Bring your own phone service and gives the eligibility criteria as well.

How to switch to MetroPCS?

  • 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. 
  • Insert a new SIM card into your 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. 

What is a  Metro pcs?

MetroPCS 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?

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.

Why switch to Metropcs?

  • 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.

How good is Metropcs service?

 It is a prepaid mobile service provider and the brand of the metro is owned by T mobile. It is the sixth-largest cell phone provider in the United States. 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. There are no contract fees and it offers a variety of additional services.

Prerequisites for switching 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. 

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 $ 30. 

You can also port your number, which means you can continue your old number with this service. But porting is possible only if you don’t have any contract with the previous service provider. 

What is the Metro universal sim card kit?

You can bring your 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 adapter required for the standard sim card.

Can I port the number? 

You can also port your number, which means you can continue your old number with this service. But porting is possible only if you don’t have any contract with the previous service provider.

How to unlock the phone device?

An important criterion to switch to Metropcs is, your device must be unlocked. We will discuss the unlocking criteria of some major network carriers

How to Unlock T-mobile phones?

To unlock a T-mobile phone, you need to enter an unlock code.

The following steps are used to unlock the T-mobile device.

  • First, check whether your cell phone is eligible for unlocking.
  • Make a request to customer care for unlock code.
  • Insert a blocked SIM and switch on the device.
  • Press the select key and enter unlock code.

Unlock using Mobile Device Unlock App

T-mobile has already installed the “DEVICE UNLOCK APP”.

Following steps are used to unlock the T-mobile device using per installed app.

  • Select the ‘make’ of mobile phone which is locked to T-mobile and then use “ Device Unlock App Service”.
  • You will receive an email that will inform you that the “IMEI” number of your phone is registered on the T-mobile server for unlocking.
  • Insert a new SIM card and select the “permanent unlock” option on the device unlock app.

How to unlock Verizon phones?

If you want to use a Verizon phone on T-mobile then your phone must be unlocked. First check that eligibility criteria for unlocking are satisfied.

 Unlocking postpaid phones

Unlocking Verizon phones is absolutely free. The Verizon carrier automatically unlocks your device after 60 days of service provided that you have satisfied all eligibility criteria. 

 Unlocking prepaid phones

  • To unlock prepaid phones the following steps are used.
  • Insert a new sim card into the cell phone and switch on the phone.
  • Enter the code “000000” or “123456”.
  • For manual help call customer care support.

Steps to unlock Verizon iphone 

  • Click on the phone app of your iPhone. 
  • Tap the keypad to dial *611, It will connect you to Verizon customer care service.
  • Make a request for “carrier unlock”. 
  • Wait for unlocking confirmation. 

How to unlock AT&T phones?

Use the following steps to unlock AT&T phones. 

  • Open the device unlock portal of AT&T and click on the “unlock device” option. 
  • Enter your phone number. 
  • Enter your name and email address and complete the form. 
  • Within 24 hours, and you will receive the confirmation email from AT&T, you will have to click the link in the email. 
  • AT&T will provide you with more information on how to unlock a specific device. 

How to unlock AT&T iPhone devices? 

You can use the back and erase method to unlock your iPhone device. 

  • Firstly, create a backup of your phone in iCloud. 
  • Erase the phone device. 
  • Restore the device using backup files. 

How to check the compatibility of your device with Metropcs?

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.

 What is International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)?

 IMEI is a special identifier associated with  Global Mobile Communications System (GSM) phones IMEI is used to identify a device on a cellular network. GSM phones are assigned with 15–17-digit identifiers. It is your device’s social security number. It identifies the device uniquely and the network it is being used on.

How to get the IMEI number of your phone? 

 The simplest way is, you will get an IMEI number on the label of the mobile battery. If it is not clear then use the following steps to retrieve the IMEI number of your phone. 

  • Dial *#06# on your phone device. 
  • Click on the “settings” and then click on “General”. 
  • Click on the “change device” link then select your device and enter “find IMEI number”. 
  • The article will be displayed for your device, follow the instructions. 

Are all iPhones compatible with MetroPCS? 

The iPhones which are making use of the GSM service of T-Mobile and AT&T, are compatible with Metro PCS. This is because these iPhones use a  SIM card and Metro PCS also offers a new SIM card. 

But sprint and Verizon phones make use of CDMA technology. So these phones are not compatible with the” bring your phone service.” In the case of CDMA, there is no option to put a SIM card, so these phones are not compatible. 

But some newer Spring and Verizon’s iPhone 5supports both CDMA and GSM technology. So these phones are compatible. 

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 so that 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. 

Metropcs phone 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.



PlanPriceText and TalkDataStreamingHotspot
2GB$30Unlimited2GB480pNot included
10GB$40Unlimited10GB480pNot included
Basic Unlimited$50UnlimitedUnlimited480p5GB
Better Unlimited$60UnlimitedUnlimited480p15GB

Below are other MetroPCS articles you may be interested in:

What network does MetroPCS use?

What’s Metro by T-mobile?

Who wons MetroPCS wireless?

Conclusion:

The blog gives detailed information about switching to Metropcs.It explained the procedure to be followed to avail this service and also gave the idea about different plans and features of MetroPCS(Metro by T-Mobile) to make the decisions making easier. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs): How to switch to MetroPCS?

Is Metro the same as T-mobile?

T-Mobile and Metro are not the same. Both are owned by the same telecom industry and both use the same network. T-Mobile is a postpaid service provider and uses its towers. Metro is a prepaid mobile service provider.

 Even the plans, customer care service, phones, promotion, and benefits remain separate for both the companies. Both the companies will send their devices separately as well. But the brand of the metro is owned by T- mobile and it uses T-Mobile’s towers. 

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.

Can I buy a phone and take it to the Metro?

Yes, you can buy a phone and take it to the metro, you just have to make sure it works on GSM technology as Metro works on GSM and your device should be unlocked as well.

How much is it to transfer a phone to MetroPCS?

Generally, the charge to transfer a phone to MetroPCS is $15, but you can get it done for free as Metro by T-Mobile offers free switching to new customers.

Can I just switch SIM cards between MetroPCS phones?

Yes, you can switch SIM cards between MetroPCS phones, as customers need to upgrade their MetroPCS phones,

Can You Keep Your Current Phone Number When You BYOP To Metro?

Yes, you can keep your current phone number when you use “Bring your own phone service”. The carrier will check the eligibility and make the transfer

References:

MetroPCS Bring Your Own Phone: Everything You Need To Know

MetroPCS Now Lets You Use Unlocked GSM Phones By Alex Colon June 12, 2013,

https://www.pcmag.com/news/metropcs-now-lets-you-use-unlocked-gsm-phones?amp=true

How to Switch Phones on MetroPCS? https://www.google.com/amp/s/buybackboss.com/switch-phones-metropcs/amp/

Bring your phone to metro

https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/self-service/bring-your-phone

Metro by T-Mobile Cell Phone Review and Plan By Jillian Goltzman

April 28, 2021,

https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/cell-phone-plans/metro-by-tmobile

Guide: What Phones Are Compatible With MetroPCS?, August 15, 2018,

What Phones Can Transfer to MetroPCS?By Stephanie Faris Updated June 1, 2019,

https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-phones-can-transfer-to-metropcs