There are lots of popular cellular service providers out there, and MetroPCS is one of the standouts. It is more commonly known now as Metro by T-Mobile, as it was bought out by T-Mobile a few years ago. They are more prevalent in some parts of the country than others, and they have competitive rates on both limited and unlimited data plans. If you’re on MetroPCS, then time might come when you’re ready to switch phones. Let’s talk about how you can do that as easily and expediently as possible.
What are the Common Reasons to Switch Phones?
Probably the most common reason that you’d want to switch from one phone to another would be if your current device isn’t performing as well as it once did. The reality is that technology ages. While most phones will be usable for several years if you treat them gently, websites being slow to load, texts being slow to send, and other signs might indicate that it’s time to move on to a newer model.
The other common reason that people give for wanting a newer model of phone is that the latest ones feature the most exciting new tech. Think about the buzz that was created when Apple introduced its Hey Siri feature with the iPhone. Going from numerical passcodes to facial recognition has also caused quite a stir. Phone creators like Samsung and Apple are always working on the next monumental breakthrough, and that alone might be all the incentive you need to think about an upgrade.
Two-Step Process for Switching Phones by MetroPCS
All cellular service providers have different ways for you to switch phones, and MetroPCS is no exception. With them, if you want to move your phone number and service over to a new device, you must first put a MetroPCS SIM card in the new phone.
Next, you’ll need to go through their activation process. You can either do this through a MetroPCS store, or you can do it online, whichever is more convenient for you. There are some parts of the US where MetroPCS stores are few and far between, in which case going through the process online is going to be your best bet.
How to Switch Out the MetroPCS SIM Card?
Switching SIM cards from one phone to another is not too difficult. The details vary depending on what model of phone you have. All phones have SIM cards that store vital information about your device. The only question is where on the phone you can access them. Depending on the model and make of the phone, the access panel might be on the left-hand or the right-hand side. In rare cases, it could be on the bottom. If you’re not sure where yours is, go to the website of whichever company made the phone and look up the model.
Before you switch out the SIM cards, you’ll also want to contact MetroPCS and tell them the make and model of your new phone. Make sure that it’s a type of device that works on their network. Lots of phones will, but there are always exceptions.
You’ll need a straightened paperclip or a special SIM card tray opening tool. Insert the end of it into the small hole and press gently but firmly. The tray should pop open. Remove the SIM card. Then, do the same thing with your new phone, and transfer the old SIM into the new phone. Make sure that you have inserted it facing the right way. Next, slide the tray back into the phone. There should be an audible click if you have done it correctly.
If you are not comfortable executing this maneuver, then your options are either to have a friend or a family member do it or else you’ll have to find a MetroPCS store. The employees there will be happy to do it for you. They will likely have had plenty of experience.
Activation Process for Your New Phone by MetroPCS
It’s now time to go through the activation process. The first part of this will be the transfer of your data and settings from the old phone to the new one. How you do this depends on what type of phones that are.
If you are switching from one version of the iPhone to another, for instance, then you would do so either through iCloud or iTunes. If your two phones are both Androids, then you would use Google Drive for this process.
If one of your phones is an Android and the other is an iPhone, then there’s a way to do that too. For the full details, check out the Apple website, but there’s a step during the setup process for your iPhone or Android that makes this relatively simple. Both Apple and Android understand that this is a switch that people make fairly often, and they have made things easy for you accordingly.
Once your data and settings have been transferred from one phone to the other, and the SIM cards have been switched out, then you’ll go to the MetroPCS website and click on Change/Upgrade Phone. Follow the instructions there, and in a few simple steps, you should be good to go.
What if My SIM Cards are Not Compatible Between My Two Phones?
Sometimes, you might run into a situation where the SIM cards between your phones are not compatible. That might be because you are transferring from an iPhone to an Android, or vice versa. It could also be that your original phone is several years old. Even though the same company makes the new phone, it is simply too antiquated, and the style of the SIM card is outdated.
In these situations, you’ll need to reach out to MetroPCS and get a new SIM card. They might decide to charge you a nominal fee for this service, but it shouldn’t be too expensive. Until you get that new SIM card, you won’t be able to activate your new phone.
What if I Followed These Steps, and My Phone Has Not Activated Properly?
Let’s say you have gone through these steps, but your new phone doesn’t seem to be cooperating. The best thing for you to do is to take the new phone, or both phones, if the old one is still in your possession, to the nearest MetroPCS store.
You’ll want to know the passcodes to unlock both phones, and you should have a payment method with you. It might be that the new phone can’t be activated because your account is in arrears, or you have some unexpected fee associated with making the switch.
There’s also a help number on the MetroPCS website, and the option to do Live Chat. However, in this situation, going to get some help in-person is probably going to be your best option. You can describe the problem, but unless the MetroPCS employees have both phones in front of them as well as access to your account information, it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll be able to solve the issue.
Once the problem has been resolved, you’re free to enjoy the service from MetroPCS on your new phone. If your old phone belonged to another provider, then you can return it to them. If you own it free and clear, then you have the option to sell it and put the money you make toward the purchase of your new device. A new, top-of-the-line phone can be expensive, so it’s well worth your time to do this.
