Considering a switch from Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) to T-Mobile? You're in luck! Since Metro is actually owned by T-Mobile, the transition can be surprisingly smooth, especially if you want to keep your current phone number. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a seamless experience.
Thinking of Making the Leap? Let's Get Started!
So, you're contemplating moving from Metro by T-Mobile to its parent company, T-Mobile. Perhaps you're looking for different plan options, specific T-Mobile perks, or simply a change of pace. Whatever your reason, this detailed guide will help you navigate the process. Let's jump right in and get you connected!
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Metro by T-Mobile Account Information
This is arguably the most crucial step, as having the correct information readily available will prevent delays. Think of it as preparing your launchpad before takeoff!
Sub-heading: What You'll Need from Metro by T-Mobile
Your Metro by T-Mobile Account Number: This is a unique identifier for your account.
How to find it: You can usually find this on your billing statement, by logging into your My Metro app or online account (metrobyt-mobile.com, navigate to Account > Account Options > Account History > Review Balance & Statements > Download Statements), or by calling Metro by T-Mobile customer service (dial *611 from your Metro phone or 1-888-8metro8).
Your Metro by T-Mobile Account PIN or Transfer PIN (Port-Out PIN): This is a security measure to authorize the transfer of your number.
How to get it:
Online (Recommended): Log in to your My Metro account. Go to Profile Settings > Line Settings > Request a Transfer PIN. You'll likely receive a 6-digit One Time Pin (OTP) via text to verify your identity. Keep this OTP and the transfer PIN safe!
Customer Service: Call Metro by T-Mobile customer service (*611 from your Metro phone or 1-888-8metro8) and request your "Port-Out PIN" or "Account Transfer PIN."
The Phone Number(s) You Want to Transfer: Make a list of all the numbers you intend to port over to T-Mobile.
Your Billing Address (including ZIP code): This needs to match the address on your Metro by T-Mobile account exactly.
Step 2: Consider Your T-Mobile Options
Now that you have your Metro details in hand, it's time to explore what T-Mobile has to offer. This is where you decide on your new plan and whether you're bringing your existing phone or getting a new one.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your T-Mobile Plan
T-Mobile offers a variety of plans, including postpaid and prepaid options. Think about your data usage, international calling needs, and desired perks.
Postpaid Plans: These typically offer more benefits like unlimited premium data, international features, and sometimes streaming service subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Apple TV+). They often involve a credit check.
Popular Options: T-Mobile's "Go5G" plans (e.g., Go5G, Go5G Plus, Go5G Next) are their flagship postpaid offerings.
Prepaid Plans: If you prefer no credit checks and more control over your spending, T-Mobile's prepaid options (including "Connect by T-Mobile") might be a good fit. These plans often come with a set amount of high-speed data.
Popular Options: Unlimited Monthly, Unlimited Plus Monthly, or Connect by T-Mobile plans.
Sub-heading: Your Device Strategy: Bring Your Own or Buy New?
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): If your current Metro by T-Mobile phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network, you can likely keep it.
Compatibility Check: T-Mobile's network uses GSM technology. Most modern phones are compatible. You can usually check your phone's IMEI on T-Mobile's website or at a T-Mobile store to confirm compatibility.
Unlocking Your Device: If your Metro by T-Mobile phone is still locked, you'll need to contact Metro by T-Mobile to request an unlock. They typically unlock devices after a certain period of active service and account good standing.
Purchase a New Device: T-Mobile frequently offers deals on new smartphones when you switch. This can be a great way to upgrade.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer (Porting Your Number)
This is the moment of truth! You'll officially start the process of moving your phone number from Metro by T-Mobile to T-Mobile.
Sub-heading: Ways to Switch to T-Mobile
T-Mobile provides several convenient ways to make the switch:
Online: If you're comfortable with online transactions, you can often initiate the process directly on the T-Mobile website. Follow their number transfer instructions during checkout. This is ideal if you don't need to use your current phone until your new T-Mobile equipment arrives.
Visit a T-Mobile Store: For a more personal touch and immediate assistance, visit your nearest T-Mobile retail store. A representative can guide you through the entire process, including plan selection, device compatibility, and number porting.
Call T-Mobile Customer Service: You can also call T-Mobile's dedicated porting line. For prepaid, call 1-877-778-2106. For general T-Mobile inquiries or porting assistance, dial 1-800-T-MOBILE (1-800-937-8997).
Sub-heading: Providing Your Metro by T-Mobile Details to T-Mobile
When you initiate the transfer, T-Mobile will ask for the Metro by T-Mobile account information you gathered in Step 1:
Your Metro by T-Mobile Phone Number(s)
Your Metro by T-Mobile Account Number
Your Metro by T-Mobile Port-Out PIN/Transfer PIN
Your Billing Address associated with your Metro by T-Mobile account
Crucial Reminder: DO NOT CANCEL YOUR METRO BY T-MOBILE SERVICE YET! Your Metro by T-Mobile account must remain active for the number transfer (porting) to be successful. If you cancel prematurely, you could lose your phone number.
Step 4: Activating Your New T-Mobile Service
Once the porting process is underway, it's time to get your new T-Mobile service up and running.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your T-Mobile SIM Card
If you ordered a new phone or a SIM card online, it will be shipped to you.
If you switched in-store, you'll likely receive your SIM card on the spot.
T-Mobile offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM (embedded SIM) options, depending on your device.
Sub-heading: Activating Your T-Mobile SIM
Insert the new T-Mobile SIM card into your compatible device.
Power on your device and follow any on-screen setup instructions.
For eSIM: If you have an eSIM compatible device, T-Mobile will often provide instructions to download your eSIM profile, or it may automatically download during initial setup.
Automatic Activation: In many cases, once the T-Mobile SIM is inserted and the phone is turned on, the service will auto-activate within a few minutes or hours.
Manual Activation (if needed): If your service doesn't activate automatically, you might need to:
Visit T-Mobile's activation website.
Use the T-Mobile app for activation.
Call T-Mobile customer service at 1-877-789-3106 to finalize the port and activate your new SIM. You'll need your temporary T-Mobile number (if you have one) and your Metro by T-Mobile account details handy.
Sub-heading: Waiting for the Number Transfer to Complete
Wireless number transfers typically take anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours, though in some rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours.
During the transfer, you might have service on both your Metro by T-Mobile SIM and your new T-Mobile SIM for a brief period.
Confirmation: You will usually receive a text message from T-Mobile confirming that your number transfer has successfully completed.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Checklist
Congratulations, you've successfully switched to T-Mobile! Now, a few final steps to ensure everything is perfect.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Number and Service
Make a test call and send a text message to confirm that your ported number is working correctly on your T-Mobile device.
Check your data connection to ensure you can access the internet.
Sub-heading: Backing Up and Clearing Old Data (Optional but Recommended)
Before completely abandoning your Metro by T-Mobile account, it's a good idea to back up any important data on your old phone (contacts, photos, messages, voicemails) if you haven't already.
Voicemails generally do not transfer during a number port, so listen to and save any crucial voicemails before the port completes.
Sub-heading: Cancelling Your Metro by T-Mobile Service (ONLY After Successful Port!)
Once T-Mobile confirms that your number has been successfully ported and your service is fully active on their network, you can officially cancel any remaining lines or services you do not intend to keep with Metro by T-Mobile.
While often the porting process automatically closes the line at the previous carrier, it's always a good practice to call Metro by T-Mobile customer service (1-888-8metro8) to confirm your account is fully closed and that there are no remaining charges to avoid unexpected bills.
Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Metro by T-Mobile phone is unlocked?
You can usually check by inserting a SIM card from a different carrier into your Metro by T-Mobile phone. If it connects to the new network, it's likely unlocked. You can also contact Metro by T-Mobile customer service and inquire about your device's unlock status and eligibility.
How to find my Metro by T-Mobile account number if I don't have a bill?
You can log in to the My Metro app or visit metrobyt-mobile.com, navigate to Account > Account Options > Account History > Review Balance & Statements > Download Statements. Your account number should be listed at the top of a downloaded statement. Alternatively, call Metro by T-Mobile customer service at 1-888-8metro8.
How to get a port-out PIN from Metro by T-Mobile?
The easiest way is through your My Metro online account: Profile Settings > Line Settings > Request a Transfer PIN. You'll receive an OTP for verification. You can also call Metro by T-Mobile customer service and ask for your Port-Out PIN or Transfer PIN.
How to know if my phone is compatible with T-Mobile's network?
T-Mobile's network is primarily GSM. You can check your phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) on T-Mobile's website's compatibility checker, or visit a T-Mobile store to have them check for you.
How to activate my new T-Mobile SIM card?
Once you receive your T-Mobile SIM, insert it into your phone. In most cases, it will activate automatically. If not, you can activate it online on the T-Mobile website, through the T-Mobile app, or by calling T-Mobile customer service at 1-877-789-3106.
How to transfer my existing phone number to T-Mobile?
You'll need your current carrier's (Metro by T-Mobile) account number, account PIN/Transfer PIN, and the phone number(s) you wish to transfer. Provide this information to T-Mobile when you sign up for service, either online, in-store, or over the phone.
How to switch to T-Mobile if I want a new phone?
When you sign up for T-Mobile service, you can choose to purchase a new device directly from them. They often have special deals and promotions for new customers bringing over a number.
How to avoid losing my phone number during the switch?
Do NOT cancel your Metro by T-Mobile service until T-Mobile has confirmed that your number has been successfully ported over and your new service is fully active. Your old account needs to remain active for the port to complete.
How long does it take for the number transfer to complete from Metro by T-Mobile to T-Mobile?
Wireless number transfers typically take between 10 minutes and 3 hours. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours. You'll usually receive a confirmation message from T-Mobile once it's done.
How to confirm my Metro by T-Mobile account is fully closed after switching?
After T-Mobile confirms your number port is complete, it's advisable to call Metro by T-Mobile customer service (1-888-8metro8) to confirm your account is closed and that there are no pending charges to prevent any unexpected bills.