How to unlock Metro by T-mobile phone?
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post gives you detailed information about the unlocking Metro by T-Mobile. It explains all the features Metro has to offer, eligibility criteria to unlock Metro by T-mobile phones. It will also provide you with the methods to unlock Metro by T-mobile phones.
How to unlock Metro by T-mobile phone?
If your Metro device has an inbuilt unlock app. then by using the following steps you can unlock the device
- Open the app list and select device unlock app.
- Then click on “Continue”.
- Select the permanent unlock option.
- Restart the device.
What is Metro by T-Mobile?
MetroPCS works on the T-Mobile network and has been owned by T-Mobile since 2013 by the name Metro by T-Mobile. But still, the companies work separately and provide individual services. They do share the resources but provide the services independently to their customers.
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.
A brief history of Metro by T-Mobile:
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.
Key features of Metro pcs
● 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.
Is Metro by T-Mobile GSM or CDMA?
Metro PCS is owned by T-Mobile. It makes use of T-Mobile’s network. Since T-Mobile is a
Metro is also a GSM network carrier. This is an important factor because of which one can easily use a T-mobile sim card on Metro phones.
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.
Is metro owned by T-mobile?
Yes, Metro is owned by T-mobile.MetroPCS works on the T-Mobile network and has been owned by T-Mobile since 2013 by the name Metro by T-mobile. But still, the companies work separately and provide individual services. They do share the resources but provide the services independently to their customers.
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.
What are the eligibility criteria to unlock MetroPCS phones?
You can unlock MetroPCS Phone devices, provided that the following criteria are satisfied.
- You must have purchased the cell phone from Metro by T-mobile
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active for at least 90 days before unlocking.
- Depending upon prepaid or postpaid plans, the device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
How can you unlock Metro phones?
There is a unique code word to unlock a Metro mobile phone. Using this codeword, it can unlock the mobile device. Once the phone is unlocked, we can insert a SIM card from other wireless carriers like T-mobile.
The unlocking process depends on whether your device has an unlock app or not.
How to unlock the phone using the unlock app.?
If your Metro device has an inbuilt unlock app. then by using the following steps you can unlock the device
- Open the app list and select device unlock app.
- Then click on “Continue”.
- Select the permanent unlock option.
- Restart the device.
How to unlock the non-app phones?
If your Metro device does not have an inbuilt unlock app, then you need to follow an alternate procedure.
- Gather the details of your account which should include a PIN.
- Make use of an email id that is registered with a network provider.
- Contact customer care support and request unlock code.
- After receiving an unlock code, enter this code to unlock the device.
Does it cost money to unlock a phone?
No, you can get your Mobile unlocked for free if the device satisfies the unlocking eligibility criteria, like it was sold by the carrier it is locked with, has no dues, and satisfies the contract.
Why is Metro by T-mobile phone locked?
- The major reason cell phones are locked is to keep users under contract.
- For example, if you are a MetroPCS user then you will be under contract with MetroPCS wireless carrier.
- Under the contract, if you purchase a new i-phone then the cost of the i-phone will be broken up and it will be added into a three years contract.
- This cost will be divided into EMIs and it will be adjusted into the monthly bill. It will be in addition to service charges.
- Under such circumstances, the phone will be locked with T-mobile wireless carrier.
- Now if you wish to change the carrier then you should request for unlocking your cell phone.
- Generally unlocking means you will have to pay extra to remain out of the contract.
Meaning of locked phone
- A locked phone is a mobile device that is tied up with a particular mobile carrier network.
- If you purchase a new cell phone under some contract then it is a locked phone.
Are all cell phones locked?
- All cell phones are not locked. The cell phone purchased from a carrier under some kind of contract is locked.
- But if you purchase a phone directly from the manufacturers, it is unlocked. In this case, you can easily switch from one carrier to another.
Difference between locked phone and unlocked phone
- In the case of a locked phone, there is an inbuilt software code.
- This process of inserting a software code is called encoding. Such locked phones are also said to be encoded cell phones.
- This code prevents getting services from another carrier.
- So if you purchase a locked phone from a T-mobile carrier and if you insert another SIM then it will not be activated.
- This is because the software code allows the signals only from T-mobile carriers and net from any other carrier.
- On the other hand, for an unlocked phone, there will not be any software code.
- Even if there exists a software code for an unlocked mobile, you will get some other code that unlocks the original code.
- This procedure of unlocking is called decoding.
Advantages of getting the phone unlocked
- The important prime benefit is that you will not be stuck up with the same wireless carrier.
- If you have an unlocked phone, insert another carrier’s SIM card and then proceed to sign up with new services. But you need to check the carrier compatibility.
- In this case, you don’t have to buy a new cell phone for a new wireless operator.
- So, you can think of getting the cheapest services using the unlocked phone.
- This provision is more beneficial if you are traveling abroad.
- Replace the SIM card, insert a local carrier SIM card and start using the service.
- In this case, you will get a new local number. Using it, you can make calls and access the internet. It will be much cheaper.
Usually, unlocked cell phones do not have unnecessary apps.
Drawbacks of an unlocked phone
- The unlocked family device might not work with full functionality on another carrier’s network, because of differences in carrier technologies.
- T-Mobile does not take any responsibility for any such limitations in the service while using another provider’s networks after the phone is unlocked
Eligibility criteria for a device to be unlocked for free
- The device must be in working condition.
- The device’s IMEI should be clear.
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active.
- Depending upon pre-paid or post-paid plans, the device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
How to Unlock a mobile device for free?
To unlock a mobile phone, you need to enter an unlock code. The following steps are used to unlock any mobile device.
- First, check whether your cell phone is eligible for unlocking.
- Request customer care for the unlock code.
- Insert a blocked SIM and switch on the device.
- Press the select key and enter unlock code.
How to use Mobile Unlock Service
- Outside of carrier service to unlock your phone, there are different paid services to unlock it for you.
- If you do not meet the carrier’s eligibility criteria, you can go for these paid unlock services. Though these services are legal gray area.
- These services are hassle-free, you just need to provide them with your IMEI number(International mobile equipment identifier). You can get it by using the following steps.
- iPhone – Settings > General > About then finding the “IMEI” number.
- Android – Settings > About Phone > Status then finding the “IMEI” number.
Below are other MetroPCS articles you may be interested in:
Can I use any phone with MetroPCS?
Conclusion
The blog gives detailed information about unlocking the Metro by T-mobile devices. service, it explained the eligibility criteria to unlock Metro by T-mobile devices. It also covered the unlocking methods using a third-party application.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): How to unlock Metro by T-mobile phone?
How to check if your phone is unlocked?
- You can directly insert a sim card by another carrier to find out if it works.
- Or go to settings > connections > Mobile networks > Network operators and click on the search now. If names of multiple carriers appear then the phone is unlocked.
Where do you get the unlock code?
You have to contact carrier services to request the unlock code. Depending on the eligibility of your device you might have to pay a certain fee.
What is a phone lock code?
- A unique code, which is used to prevent any unauthorized person from using a phone, is called a phone lock code.
- A typical default code is the last four digits of your phone number.
- If a cell phone is locked by a service provider, then such a device is programmed with some unique codewords. Due to this, the device will not operate with other wireless operators.
Is Unlocking your phone legal?
Yes, it is legal but there are some restrictions.
- The cell phone should not be reported as blocked or lost.
- An account concerned with the device must be active.
- Depending upon pre-paid or post-paid plans, the device should satisfy all necessary unlock requirements.
- Your phone for any contract must be fully paid for any contract if you have T-Mobile family service.
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
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.
References:
Things to Know About Metro by T-Mobile
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