In general, an unlocked handset can function on any carrier that supports that particular phone. Additionally, a locked cell phone is tied to a specific network, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, and comes with a contract. Your unlock MetroPCS phone to its network if you have a contract and pay a monthly fee. As a result, it is incompatible with other carriers.
Therefore, your MetroPCS by T-Mobile cell phone can function with a non-MetroPCS SIM card if you unlock your device. In this manner, unlocking your MetroPCS phone gives you the freedom and flexibility to switch to your preferred carrier at any moment, as well as the ability to connect to a different domestic or foreign network. In this instance, you can avoid costly roaming fees while on vacation by using the local network by switching to an international SIM.
These days, many carriers sell unlocked phones; if not, you can unlock yours by following a few easy steps. According to the MetroPCS upgrade phone unlock policy, you have to be active for at least 180 days straight after the activation date. Conversely, if your phone does not match the requirements above, the carrier will not unlock it. MetroPCS will not unlock your phone if it has been reported lost, stolen, or used in illegal activity.
How does unlock Phone Works?
The majority of cell phones are pre-configured to prevent them from connecting to the networks of other wireless carriers unless they are unlocked. The software on the phone that prevents it from receiving a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from another carrier is referred to as the “lock.”
If the phone was bought under contract, these carriers typically prohibit SIM cards from other service providers from functioning on their networks.
- Additionally, a phone that has been “unlocked” can use a SIM card from any provider. Before requesting that your phone be unlocked, you need to know a few essential details, like:
- Your phone number
- Additional account details (password, name, etc.)
- Use the IMEI number on your phone.
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How to identify a Unlocked MetroPCS Phone
1. Examine your configuration
A. iPhone
Open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data to see if your MetroPCS iPhone is unlocked. Your phone is unlocked if you receive a Cellular Data Network signal. Interestingly, this approach is not entirely dependable.
B. Android
Since there are numerous Android phones available on the market, there are also innumerable setups for the settings. To check if the names of more carriers appear, generally go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators and click Search Now. Your device has been unlocked if multiple carrier names appear.
2. Get in touch with your carrier
To find out if your phone is unlocked, you can contact your carrier’s customer support number. The leading wireless carriers’ phone numbers are listed below:
- 1-800-331-0500 is AT&T.
- Call 1-877-453-1304 on T-Mobile.
- Sprint: 1-866-275-1411 (now a part of T-Mobile)
- Verizon: (800) 922-0204
3. Modify SIM cards
Inserting a SIM card from a different carrier and seeing if you can make a call is another method to determine whether your phone is unlocked. Your phone is unlocked and ought to work with additional SIM cards if your call connects properly.
MetroPCS Device Unlocking Procedure
When a device is ready to be unlocked, MetroPCS will remotely and automatically unlock it within two business days once you meet the eligibility requirements listed below.
Remote unlocking isn’t supported by all smartphones, though. In this instance, MetroPCS will notify your device of the following steps to finish the unlock procedure within two business days of it being eligible.
Furthermore, the activation date of a warranty exchange mobile phone starts 180 days from the start of the period, not from the date of activation of the warranty exchange handset. Additionally, the unlocked phone is limited to using the same kind of network.
This feature indicates that, if your phone is connected to a GSM network, you can use it after the unlocking process. As a result, the unlocked MetroPCS phone will not work on the CDMA networks of any other service provider, including Verizon.
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Requirements for MetroPCS Unlock Eligibility
MetroPCS offers free mobile device unlocking for devices that fit the following qualifying requirements:
- T-Mobile must purchase the device from Metro.
- The gadget cannot be reported as lost, stolen, or blocked.
- The gadget must have been in use for 180 days after the date of activation.
Concerning Use of Military Forces
You are exempt from the above 180-day requirement if you are a member of the armed forces awaiting deployment. Military members or their families must physically visit a Metro by T-Mobile Store with their deployment documents to unlock their MetroPCS cell phone.
The Ways To Unlock MetroPCS Phone Smoothly
1) Unlocking Through Customer Service
Instructions for unlocking your MetroPCS device.
i) Look for your phone’s SIM card
MetroPCS’s network has switched to LTE and GSM. Additionally, both of these technologies rely on SIM cards and are readily unlocked using these techniques. Your phone will use CDMA technology if it does not have a SIM card, and you will need to unlock it by contacting your current carrier. A SIM card is a tiny slot located on the side or back of your phone, behind the battery.
ii) Verify how old your MetroPCS account is.
It’s important to note that customer support will only unlock a device if it has been in the MetroPCS network for 180 consecutive days. If it hasn’t, try one of the alternative options listed below.
To find out the unlock code, you can speak with MetroPCS over the phone or in person. Ask for the unlock code for your phone model by calling MetroPCS Customer Service at 1-888-863-8768 or using MetroPCS’s Store Locator tool to locate a MetroPCS Corporate Store in your state.
You must provide the MetroPCS customer service agent with the following information:
- The mobile phone number that you wish to unlock
- The PIN for account billing
- Your MetroPCS wireless account name and email address
iii) Await MetroPCS’s email message.
The unlock code or codes and usage instructions will be included in the sent email. Usually, it arrives in two or three working days. You can get in touch with MetroPCS Customer Service again and ask an agent to reprocess your request if you don’t receive the confirmation email within two to three business days.
Lastly, to unlock your MetroPCS device, you must adhere to the guidelines in the email confirmation. Most significantly, the unlocking instructions differ according to the phone’s model and manufacturer. You will be able to use your MetroPCS phone on any GSM cellular carrier network that is compatible after the process is complete.
To activate, turn off your phone, insert the new network SIM card, turn the phone on, and, if required, enter the code. A Network Lock (NCK) code and a Service Provider Lock (SPCK) code are two of the codes that MetroPCS will forward. You can try the other code if your phone doesn’t accept the one you entered. Both codes are necessary for specific phone models.
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2) Utilising the App for Device Unlock
i. Look for the Device Unlock application.
The Unlock app is located within the MetroPCS folder or in the main applications folder.
ii. Establish a strong data connection
Connecting to a fast data connection—ideally 4G or WiFi—would be beneficial. In most cases, these connections will function well.
iii) In the device Unlock App, choose Permanent Unlock.
Once your selection has been confirmed, watch for the change to finish.
iv) Turn your phone back on.
The phone should be unlocked and network-compatible when it turns on again. For the current network, a SIM card is still necessary.
v) Troubleshoot
The correct code may fail to pass in several situations. Some common error message types and solutions are as follows:
- Failure to unlock, data corruption, no internet connection, or a non-responsive server. Turn off WiFi, then locate an area with a strong network and try again.
- Data is not identified. You must unroot your phone before unlocking it if it is rooted. Searching for a specific unroot instruction for your phone model will be beneficial.
- Mistake in system maintenance. You will need to try again later because the system is undergoing maintenance, according to this message.
Additional messages. In this situation, you must either reset your phone and try again or adhere to the on-screen directions.
3) Making Use of Internet Services
Specifically, using MetroPCS customer service to unlock your handset is always the safer and better choice. If official unlocking is out of your reach, you can find a third-party service.
Notably, using this approach will violate your terms of service and warranty, and if you’re not careful, you can also fall victim to a scam.
a) Look for a trustworthy unlock service.
You can find an unlock service for your phone model online. Nevertheless, these services typically cost less than $10 per phone, so you should look for one that has the following features:
- On the website, the physical location is mentioned somewhere.
- Safe checkout procedure
- Policy for refunds
- Possess a stellar rating from an independent organisation like the Better Business Bureau or Scam Adviser.
b) Enter your payment details and IMEI number.
Using a straightforward internet form, a legitimate provider needs the IMEI address of your phone. You can enter your phone’s IMEI on the website by finding it in the settings menu or beneath the battery. Most of the time, you will also need to approve a specific transaction and input your credit card information.
When giving this information, use caution because an unauthorised company may use your IMEI to mimic your phone or cause other problems. Avoid downloading any software for this service.
c) Await the code to unlock
The unlock code appears instantly once you provide the necessary information, but occasionally you may need to wait a day or two for it to reach your inbox.
You can permanently unlock your phone by entering the code and following the instructions as soon as it arrives. When you insert a SIM card from a different carrier, you will typically be prompted to enter the code.
Alternative Way to Your MetroPCS Phone Unlocked
MetroPCS phones can be unlocked using two simple techniques.
Below, we have discussed both of these approaches:
- Get in touch with the carrier to unlock your MetroPCS phone.
- Askig your carrier to unlock your MetroPCS phone is the most straightforward method.
- Unlocking your phone is quite simple, but only if you have been using it for more than 180 days.
- If you meet the requirements to unlock your phone, you can call MetroPCS or visit its store.
- Now, ask for an unlock code specific to your phone model.
- Give your provider all of your details, including the model of your phone, the IMEI number, the SIM number, and the date of activation.
Within a few days of finishing this process, you will receive an email with the unlock code.
MetroPCS phones can be unlocked using third-party software.
You can unlock MetroPCS phones using a variety of third-party programs. More autonomy and flexibility from the operator are provided.
Below is a list of a few third-party tools:
iPhone Password Unlocker AnyUnlock
One of the well-known programs that can quickly assist you in unlocking your MetroPCS phone is AnyUnlock – iPhone Password Unlocker. Despite being a Verizon or T-Mobile client, it is straightforward to use, quick to unlock, and protects your data from being compromised.
Take the actions listed below:
- Go to the App Store and download the AnyUnlock app.
- Choose “Remove SIM Lock” and use a USB cord to connect your phone to your PC.
- After your phone has been recognised, select “Start Now.”
- Check to see if your iPhone has been jailbroken. Otherwise, press the “Jailbreak” button.
- Next, select the “Remove Now” option.
The process of unlocking your phone will begin.
Don’t shut off the software and keep your phone linked. Five minutes later, a page titled “Removed SIM Lock Successfully” will appear on your screen.
Free Unlock
MetroPCS phones can also be unlocked using the Unlock Free app. All phone types are supported, and since everything can be done right from the browser, there is no need for downloads.
Since it merely requests your phone type and EMI number, there is no need to divulge your account information. It’s straightforward to use, and Unlock Free can unlock the majority of phones.
PhysicianSIM
Another third-party program that you can use to unlock your handset is called DoctorSIM. It is straightforward to use online and allows consumers to recharge or permanently unlock their devices easily.
No personal information is needed to unlock it. To get rid of any SIM card limitations, the user receives an email with the unlock code. It is now more well-liked by MetroPCS customers. You must pay the needed amount to obtain the code to unlock it, as it is not a free service.
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10 Fast Tricks for Unlocking MetroPCS Phones
To complete the unlocking process, follow these steps if you receive a message indicating your device is eligible for unlocking.
1) Verify that you are using WiFi or the T-Mobile network to connect to the Metro.
2) Navigate to the Apps tray on your Home screen, then follow these instructions:
- 2019 or more recent Samsung gadgets: Navigate to Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings >, and then select Network Unlock.
- Additional Android Devices: You can follow on-screen instructions by using the Device Unlock App or the Unlock app that comes pre-installed on your phone. If you don’t have this app, your device is either unlocked or running an OS from 2019 or later.
3) Choose “Permanent Unlock.”
4) You can follow the troubleshooting procedures if you run into an issue when attempting the permanent unlock.
5) Watch until the device finishes unlocking.
6) Turn the gadget back on.
MetroPCS can be reached at 888-863-8768. If: You don’t see your device’s listed apps or settings. For unlocking, you might require a PIN, which Metro’s support staff can provide.
You meet the eligibility conditions, but your device won’t unlock.
Your gadget isn’t on the above list.
8) Additionally, once your device qualifies, MetroPCS will remotely authorise and start unlocking it if you own an Apple device. Please follow these instructions to complete the unlocking procedure on your device.
- Make sure your device qualifies for unlocking.
- Verify that your device is connected to WiFi.
- Insert a SIM card from a different carrier into your Apple device and complete the initial setup.
- If the device is already configured, sign in to your Apple ID by following the on-screen directions.
9) You must backup your iDevice if you don’t receive the setup prompt or if there isn’t a SIM available.
- Once a backup is complete, you must delete your iPhone.
- Use the backup you just created to restore your iPhone.
10) You have three options for unlocking your MetroPCS: online services, the Unlock App, or customer service. However, getting in touch with MetroPCS customer service is the most advised course of action.
Benefits of MetroPCS Phone Unlocking
Unlocking your MetroPCS phone might provide you with several benefits. These include:
- You avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees when visiting foreign nations. You can buy local SIM cards, which are far less expensive than other cards, using an unlocked phone.
- Unlocked phones are significantly more expensive than locked ones. Therefore, selling your unlocked phone can bring you a respectable sum of money.
- You can switch service providers and take advantage of the finest rates and services by unlocking MetroPCS phones.
- You can upgrade your device’s features without voiding the warranty.
- The ability to use your phone without restriction while it is being unlocked is an additional benefit of unlocking your phone. Nobody will request that you refrain from using your phone. Throughout the entire procedure, it is simple to call each person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – How to Unlock MetroPCS Phone
Q1. Can I unlock my MetroPCS phone for free?
Yes, if you meet MetroPCS’s eligibility requirements, you can unlock your phone for free using the official Metro by T-Mobile Device Unlock app or by contacting customer service.
Q2. What are the requirements to unlock a MetroPCS phone?
To unlock your MetroPCS phone, your device must:
- Be active on the Metro network for at least 180 days
- Be paid in full
- Not be reported as lost or stolen
Q3. How do I use the MetroPCS Device Unlock app?
Open the “Device Unlock” app (pre-installed on eligible Metro phones), select “Permanent Unlock”, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once approved, your phone will automatically restart as unlocked.
Q4. What if my phone doesn’t have the Device Unlock app?
If your phone doesn’t support the app, you can call Metro by T-Mobile at 1-888-863-8768 or visit a Metro store to request a manual unlock code.
Q5. Can I unlock my MetroPCS phone before 180 days?
Usually, no. MetroPCS requires the device to be active for 180 consecutive days. Exceptions may apply for military personnel with deployment orders.
Q6. How long does it take to unlock a MetroPCS phone?
If you meet all the conditions, the unlocking process through the app is instant. Manual unlock requests may take up to 2 business days.
Q7. Will unlocking my MetroPCS phone erase my data?
No, unlocking the device won’t delete your data. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your files just in case.
Q8. Can I use my MetroPCS phone on any carrier after unlocking?
Yes, once unlocked, your phone can work with most GSM carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or international SIMs. Make sure your phone is compatible with the new network’s bands.
Q9. What if I bought a used MetroPCS phone—can I unlock it?
Yes, but the 180-day requirement still applies based on the device’s original activation date. Ensure the phone is not blacklisted before purchase.
Q10. Is unlocking legal and safe?
Yes, unlocking your phone is completely legal in the U.S. and safe when done through Metro by T-Mobile or a verified method.
Final Word
Let’s say you own a MetroPCS by T-Mobile authorised gadget or purchased yours from them. In this case, you can follow the instructions above to find out if you qualify for device unlocking and get your smartphone unlocked so you can use it with other networks.
To unlock a phone not sold or authorized by MetroPCS, you must contact the manufacturer or mobile provider that sold it to you. However, as long as you fulfil the eligibility conditions and adhere to the previously mentioned instructions, unlocking your phone using MetroPCS is easy and quick.
