Switch my metro phone to another phone

Phones need to be upgraded as our lifestyle changes. MetroPCS customers can change their phone to a newer model, switch to a temporary phone while waiting for repairs or replacement, or can simply swap their phone with a friend who is also on the MetroPCS network. It is simple and quick to switch any MetroPCS phone with another MetroPCS phone. All that is needed is to have the phone(s) on hand.

• Phones need to be upgraded as our lifestyle changes.
  
• MetroPCS customers can change their phone to a newer model, switch to a temporary phone while waiting for repairs or replacement, or can simply swap their phone with a friend who is also on the MetroPCS network.

Locate the ESN/MEID number underneath the battery on the new MetroPCS phone. This will be an 11- or 18-digit number with no letters. Write down the number and double-check it for accuracy. Do not use the number on the box as occasionally the number on the box could differ from the number on the phone.

Perform any backup activities that need to be completed from the old phone. This includes running a manual backup using Metro Backup or syncing the phone with your computer to back up information.

Turn off the old phone. If this phone remains turned on the new phone will not work after the change is made. This phone will need to stay off for at least 24 hours after the change unless it is to be connected to another account.

• Perform any backup activities that need to be completed from the old phone.
  
• This phone will need to stay off for at least 24 hours after the change unless it is to be connected to another account.

Put the battery back in the phone and call MetroPCS customer service by dialling 1-888-8 Metro 8 (1-888-863-8768) from a landline or by dialling *611 from another MetroPCS handset. When the automated system comes on the line and asks how she can help tell her "upgrade my phone." Do not call from the old or the new phone. Power on the new phone.

Follow the instructions given by the customer service agent to program the new phone. Customer service should also give the opportunity for a test call to be made from the new phone before completing the call. Do not end the call until a test call has been successfully completed.

Before we even start, we’d like to inform your that Metro PCS no longer exists. It is not Metro by T-Mobile. If that is not obvious, T-Mobile purchased the company. However, since people are still searching for MetroPCS, we will use the old name throughout the article.

So, before we dig deeper into the “how do I switch MetroPCS phone service to another phone” question, let’s cover some basics.

Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid plan provider. It uses T-Mobile’s network and offers a rather broad selection of prepaid cell phones. While they offer some discounts online, their most amazing deals that often include free phones are available in their stores.

Does MetroPCS Charge To Switch Phones?

There is a lot of uncertainty in this aspect. Officially MetroPCS had a $15 fee, which was raised to $20 back in 2020 for every time customers switch their device. However, there is a lot of gray areas related to this aspect. It depends on what kind of switching are you talking about. For instance, if you already have a Metro by T-Mobile SIM card and you decide to use it with your existing device you will not pay that fee.

In that case, you just need to ensure that the phone you plan on using is compatible (check compatibility) in advance. If so, you simply put your Metro SIM card in it and start using it. It is that simple.

However, when you are switching to a new Metro by T-Mobile phone, the exact deal will determine whether you will have to pay the $20 fee or not. As such, make sure to check that in advance with their representative.

How To Switch MetroPCS Phone Service To Another Phone

Switching MetroPCS phone service to another phone is easy. As you most likely know, every carrier’s service is tied to their SIM cards. So, if you are considering MetroPCS switching, it means you already have their SIM card.

So now it depends whether you are upgrading your device to a new MetroPCS phone or will you use another phone via their Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) option.

The physical process of switching the SIM card from your current device to a new phone is the same in both cases. You need to follow the steps below to complete it:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Find the SIM card slot and open it. With the majority of relatively new phones, the slot will be located somewhere along the edge of your phone. Moreover, you will need a special ‘SIM card slot’ tool or a paper clip. In case you are using an older phone, you may need to open its back cover and remove the battery to access the SIM card slot.
3. Once you have successfully removed your Metro SIM card from your existing phone, simply insert it into your new one. Repeat the above step for the new phone’s SIM card slot.
4. As you insert your SIM card, you may turn the phone on. And that is it.

Now, you have to keep in mind something. While your new phone will surely be compatible with the Metro by T-Mobile SIM card if you purchased it with them. However, if you are bringing a phone via their BYOP, you need to check compatibility in advance. You may do so easily on Metro by T-Mobile’s official website (metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/phones/details/Metro-by-T-Mobile-SIM-Card/NC128TRIPLESIM).

How Do I Switch My MetroPCS Phone Number To Another Phone?

If you plan on continuing to use your MetroPCS SIM card with your new phone, you do not need to switch your phone number. You see, your phone number is not tied to your phone but to your SIM card. So, by following the steps above and simply switching your MetroPCS SIM card into a new phone, your phone number stays the same.

However, if you are also switching to a new operator, then the process is slightly more complicated. In this case, you will get a new SIM card from that carrier. That new SIM card will come with its new phone number. However, you can tell them (your new carrier) that you want to keep your existing phone number and they will do the number port-in process for you. This process is normally free of charge and it takes a couple of days.

How Do I Switch A MetroPCS SIM Card To A New Phone?

Since phone services are tightly related to SIM cards, we’ve covered how to switch SIM cards from one phone to another in the “How To Switch MetroPCS Phone Service To Another Phone” section above. So, please refer to that section. There you will find the exact steps explaining how to transfer your SIM card to your new phone.

What Others Carriers Phone Can I Switch From MetroPCS

If you are looking to Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) to MetroPCS, there are no specific limitations. Basically, you can bring over a phone from any other carrier, as long as that phone is unlocked and compatible with Metro by T-Mobile service.

To check compatibility, you need to visit their official website (metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/phones/details/Metro-by-T-Mobile-SIM-Card/NC128TRIPLESIM).

On the other hand, you can also take your unlocked MetroPCS phone and use it with many other carriers. The condition for this is that that other carrier also has their BYOP option set in place. Moreover, in that case, you will have to check your MetroPCS phone’s compatibility with that carrier.

In case you also need information How To Unlock T-Mobile Phone

What Happens If I Put A SIM Card In A Different Phone?

As long as you are using the right SIM card adaptor size and making sure the SIM card is properly inserted, you have nothing to worry about.

One of the two things will happen:

1. You will insert a SIM card and be able to use it normally. This means that the phone is compatible with the SIM card.
2. You will insert a SIM card but you won’t be able to connect to any network nor use the phone to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. This means that the phone is SIM-locked or not compatible with the SIM card.

After Switching How Do I Activate My MetroPCS Phone Or SIM In Another Phone?

In case you’ve recently purchased a Metro by T-Mobile SIM and do not yet have a Metro by T‑Mobile account, the fastest way to activate your new account is through their online activation tool. Here is a link to their online activation tool: metrobyt-mobile.com/activate/activation-el.

However, if you already have an account with them, you can activate a new phone by dialing 1-888-863-8768 or by visiting their nearest store.

What If I Followed These Steps, And My Phone Has Not Activated Properly?

If you have any problems with your activation, make sure to call their support at 1-888-863-8768 and explain your situation. They will be happy to assist you and provide you with a solution and get your device activated properly.

What If My SIM Cards Are Not Compatible Between My Two Phones?

If you’ve completed the compatibility check of the phone that you are trying to use via the BYOP option and found out that the phone is not compatible, you have several options.

1. You may still try inserting your existing SIM card and see if it perhaps works. The chances are small, but sometimes the compatibility check tool is not correct.
2. You will have to choose another device.
3. You will have to choose another carrier.

These are your options. Go with the one that best suits your needs and expectations.

Read one of our past articles How To Replace T-Mobile Phone

FAQs

Why Would I Switch Metro Phones?

Most often people switch their phones either because their existing phone is no longer functioning properly or because they have their eyes set on a newer model that will better fit their needs and wants.

What Phones Does Metro Have?

Metro by T-Mobile offers a wide range of smartphones. It has iPhones and Android phones from entry-level to the top level.

How can I tell if my MetroPCS phone is GSM or CDMA?

Since MetroPCS is now Metro by T-Mobile, this tells you that they operate on the T-Mobile network, which is GSM. As such, their devices are GSM.

Can I Switch My MetroPCS Account to Another Phone?

Your Metro by T-Mobile account is connected to your SIM card (to your Metro phone number). So if or when you switch to new Metro by T-Mobile phone your account is automatically transferred with the SIM card.

How can I change my number with Metro PCS?

If you want to get a new phone number, the easiest way is to get a new SIM card. However, you may also call their support and explain that you want a new phone number. Their number is 1-888-863-8768.

Can I switch my Metro phone to AT&T?

In theory, yes. However, you have to ensure that the phone you want to use with AT&T is compatible with their services. For that visit AT&T’s official website or call their support.

How can I port my mobile number online?

A port-in option is rarely available online. Typically you have to call the support of your new carrier and request the number port-in.

Can I just switch SIM cards between phones?

Yes. Just make sure to use the proper SIM card adaptor. If the phone doesn’t function with a specific SIM card, it means that it is not compatible or that it is locked to another carrier.

How do I change my SIM with the same number?

Usually, a new SIM card comes with a new phone number. However, there is an option called ‘port-in.’ By requesting your carrier to port in your existing number, you will be able to use your old phone number with your new SIM card.

What’s MetroPCS number to switch phones?

Their number is 1-888-863-8768.

Does MetroPCS offer free upgrades?

Every once in a while Metro offers free phones. However, these types of special deals are typically reserved for non-existing customers and may require you to go with a specific prepaid plan.

You can read one of our past articles Metro PCS Phone Replacement Guide

Can you put your Metro PCS SIM card in another carrier phone?

Yes. Metro by T-Mobile has its BYOP option. Via this option, you can use other phones with their SIM cards as long as the phone is compatible with their services.

Do you lose apps when changing your SIM card?

No. Generally speaking, switching SIM cards is a non-invasive process. However, if you want to stay on the safe side, you can perform a backup in advance.

Can I use a Cricket phone on Metro PCS?

If your Cricket phone is unlocked and passes the compatibility check on Metro’s website, you may use it with a Metro SIM card.

Do I Need To Back Up My Phone Before Switching Metro Phones SIM?

Switching SIM cards is non-invasive and, as such, doesn’t require backing up. However, if you want to be as cautious as possible, you may back up your data.

Can I put an old Metro SIM card in a new phone?