Metro by T-Mobile: 6 Things To Know Before You Sign Up (2024)

If T-Mobile offers strong service in your area, you may be able to save money with a prepaid plan that runs on the same towers. For example, plans from Metro by T-Mobile begin at $50 per month for unlimited data.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the plans, pricing, coverage and more that you can expect with Metro by T-Mobile to help you decide whether or not you should make the switch.

This article was updated in May 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here.

What To Know Before Signing Up for Metro by T-Mobile

Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier that offers service on T-Mobile’s network. Metro Flex unlimited plans begin at $50 per month for one line, and you’ll see multiline discounts beginning at $155 for four lines.

There are three unlimited plans to choose from ranging from $50 to $70 with autopay, which is a good deal compared to T-Mobile’s Go5G postpaid plans. All of Metro by T-Mobile’s plans are prepaid for 30 days at a time, and you can avoid the $25 activation fee by using the Online Activation Tool.

Metro by T-Mobile also offers a selection of free phones when you sign up on eligible Metro Flex plans.

I checked out the details of Metro by T-Mobile’s plans, coverage, phone deals and more. I’ve also compared the prepaid carrier to other available phone plans and service providers to help you determine whether or not you should make the switch.

Table of Contents:

1. Plans and Pricing
2. Network Coverage
3. Activation Process
4. Phone Selection
5. Data Speeds
6. Customer Service

Below, you’ll find more information about Metro by T-Mobile including what plans are available, how reliable the service is and whether or not you should consider it as your mobile carrier.

1. Plans and Pricing

Metro by T-Mobile offers three prepaid unlimited data plans called Metro Flex. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text in the United States as well as 35GB of high-speed data followed by slower speeds. Metro customers may notice reduced speeds when compared to T-Mobile due to prioritization.

In the table below, you’ll see all of Metro by T-Mobile’s prepaid plans along with prices, perks and more. Autopay is required to get these rates.

As you can see, the biggest difference in these plans (aside from price) is the amount of mobile hotspot data. Additionally, there are a few more perks you’ll get with the pricier plans. Plus, the $60 and $70 plans come with unlimited texting to 210+ countries and destinations from the U.S.

One of the most appealing perks of the new Metro Flex plans is a free 5G phone after 12 months of service. Similar to T-Mobile’s Go5G plans, Metro Flex now allows its customers to access the same deals available to new customers after the first year. You can get a free or discounted phone when you first sign up through other promotions (such as porting your own number and activating an eligible plan) and then trade in your phone after a year to get a free upgrade.

Metro by T-Mobile also offers multiline discounts, which include four lines for $155 with the cheapest plan, or four lines for $175 with the most expensive plan. However, if you’re activating more than one line of service, you’ll have to activate in-store at a Metro by T-Mobile location. Note that online activation is the only way to avoid the $25 activation fee. If you’re shopping for multiple lines, consider one of our top picks for multiline phone plans to find a better deal.

If you do opt for an unlimited plan from Metro by T-Mobile, you could easily save on your monthly bill compared to T-Mobile’s postpaid plans. T-Mobile Essentials Saver starts at $60 per month for one line with prices ranging up to $100 for Go5G Next. Of course, these plans come with more perks and higher prioritized data.

Finally, in addition to unlimited plans, Metro by T-Mobile also offers a $40 plan with 10GB of data to all customers. This plan isn’t part of the Metro Flex lineup and doesn’t include the same perks. If you’re a new customer, meaning you haven’t had an active line with T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile in the past six months, then you may also be eligible for the $25 unlimited plan when you bring your own phone and phone number. This plan is only available to new customers with one line of service. Autopay is required to get these rates.

2. Network Coverage

Metro by T-Mobile provides access to T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G/LTE networks. Compared to Verizon and AT&T, T-Mobile’s network has been performing very well. So if T-Mobile does offer coverage in your area, it’ll likely be reliable.

Below, you can see the Metro by T-Mobile coverage map:

To see if you’ll have coverage with Metro by T-Mobile, visit the company’s website and enter your address or location on the coverage map. Additionally, you can check T-Mobile’s coverage map for a more comprehensive overview of coverage in your area since they run on the same towers.

3. Activation Process

If you decide to try Metro by T-Mobile, there are a few ways that you can activate your device including online, in-store or over the phone. If you activate your service online, there is no activation fee for new customers. However, if you’re activating your service in-store or over the phone, or you’re re-activating an old Metro by T-Mobile line, you can expect a $25 activation fee.

To activate your service in-store, find a store near you using the online store locator. Then, you can drop by in person or call ahead to plan your visit.

To activate your service over the phone, call 1-888-863-8768. If you choose to activate your service this way, make sure you call from a different device and have your SIM card and device ready to activate.

Finally, you may choose to activate your service online. If you can, I recommend this option to avoid the $25 activation fee. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available if you’re activating more than one line.

When I checked out the process for purchasing a plan and getting started with Metro by T-Mobile, I visited the website, chose a phone plan and added it to my online shopping cart. Then, I was able to choose whether or not I wanted to purchase a new device or check the compatibility of my phone. Just don’t forget to add the SIM card to your shopping cart too.

You can get a Metro by T-Mobile SIM Kit for $10 on Metro by T-Mobile’s website. You’ll simply have to enter your phone’s IMEI number to check its compatibility first. You can find your phone’s IMEI number by dialing *#06# from the device. If your phone is compatible with Metro by T-Mobile, you’ll be able to order a SIM Kit.Additionally, you can get a Metro by T-Mobile SIM Kit from Walmart for the same price.

Once you have your phone and SIM card ready, visit this page. Once you’re on Metro by T-Mobile’s website, click “Activate your phone”

After that, you’ll be able to follow the on-screen prompts to create an account and set up your service.

Alternatively, if your phone is eSIM compatible, you may be eligible to activate your service with Metro by T-Mobile remotely. For more on how to activate an eSIM with Metro by T-Mobile, visit this page.

During the activation process, you’ll be able to select the plan you want to purchase (if you haven’t already purchased one). Then, once your phone is activated, you should have instant access to T-Mobile’s network.

4. Phone Selection

Most people who are switching to Metro by T-Mobile will want to keep their own phones for the most savings. You’ll just need to make sure your phone is unlocked and check its compatibility with Metro by T-Mobile to get started.

However, if you do want to purchase a new phone through Metro by T-Mobile, you’ll find several to choose from. At the time of writing (May 2024) Metro by T-Mobile was offering 27 different cell phones including popular smartphones.

Additionally, you can find a selection of free phones with a new line from Metro by T-Mobile. However, these deals are only available for a limited time, plus you have to port your number and activate your line in-store to be eligible.

At the time of writing, a few of the free phone offers included the REVVL 7 5G, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, moto g 5G, Apple iPhone 11 and more.

Additional phone offers ranged from $59.99 for a TCL K11 to $949.99 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

You can check out the full phone selection online. For more details on free phone offers when switching providers (including Metro by T-Mobile’s deals) check out this article. For more options, check out our top picks for where to buy an unlocked phone.

5. Data Speeds

One of the biggest concerns when switching to a prepaid carrier is that your data will be significantly slower.

According to Metro by T-Mobile’s website, you can expect to see typical download speeds between 79-357 Mbps on a 5G network and download speeds between 13-61 Mbps on a 4G/LTE network. Compared to other prepaid phone carriers (and sometimes even postpaid plans) these speeds are excellent.

Here’s a closer look at typical data speeds for mobile wireless plans with Metro by T-Mobile:

5G Network (On Device):

• Download Speeds: 79-357 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: 6-30 Mbps
• Latency: 17-32 ms

5G Network (Via Hotspot):

• Download Speeds: 74-327 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: 6-30 Mbps
• Latency: 17-32 ms

4G LTE Network (On Device):

• Download Speeds: 13-61 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: 2-11 Mbps
• Latency: 26-46 ms

4G LTE Network (Via Hotspot):

• Download Speeds: 13-57 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: 2-12 Mbps
• Latency: 26-46 ms

Of course, a variety of factors affect the typical data speeds that you’ll actually see in your area. For more information on data speeds, visit Metro by T-Mobile’s website.

6. Customer Service

Metro by T-Mobile can be contacted over the phone or in person at a physical location.There is an online chat option, but I wasn’t able to get through to a representative when I tested this feature.

To reach customer service over the phone, call 888-863-8768. Representatives are available daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. ET.

If you need in-person help, you can visit a Metro by T-Mobile store. To find a location near you, enter your address or ZIP code on the online store locator. When you do, you’ll be able to see your nearest store’s address, hours, phone number and more.

When I tested out Metro by T-Mobile’ customer service, I reached out via phone. I was connected to a knowledgeable representative who was able to quickly answer my questions about activation fees and customer service hours of operation.

For more information on how to contact Metro by T-Mobile, visit the company’s website.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about switching to Metro by T-Mobile, I recommend checking out the coverage in your area first. You can do this by visiting the Metro by T-Mobile website and entering your ZIP code to see the coverage map.

When signing up, keep in mind that you won’t have any activation fees as a new customer, but you may have to pay $10 for a physical SIM card if your phone isn’t eligible for an eSIM.

Still, you’ll save the most by either bringing your own phone or taking advantage of one of Metro by T-Mobile’s free phone offers. To be eligible for a free phone, you’ll have to port your existing number and activate your service in-store.In-store activation also requires a $25 activation fee, which can be avoided by activating your service online.

Metro by T-Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, so if T-Mobile has a strong signal in your area, then switching to this prepaid carrier could be a great way to save. However, other prepaid carriers on T-Mobile’s network may offer better deals. For example, Mint Mobile offers unlimited data on T-Mobile’s network for $30 per month.

If you do decide to make the switch, be sure tocheck out this guidethat we put together to take you step-by-step through the process.If you’re still looking for the best fit, you canfind more options in our guide onthe best cell phone plans and deals available now.

Have you tried Metro by T-Mobile?Let us know in our Clark.com Communityor check outthe latest conversations around cell phones.