Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid wireless carrier owned by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid phone service that runs on T-Mobile's network infrastructure. You pay in advance for a set amount of talk, text, and data each month, and the service stops when that month ends unless you pay for the next one. There is no contract, no credit check, and no monthly bill — you buy a plan and use it until it runs out.
The service is owned and operated by T-Mobile, which means your calls and data travel over the same towers and network that T-Mobile's postpaid customers use. Metro is one of several prepaid options available; others include Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Mint Mobile, each with different pricing and features.
Key Takeaways
- Metro by T-Mobile charges you upfront each month for a fixed amount of data, calls, and texts, with no contract or credit check required.
- Plans range from basic talk-and-text options to high-data plans, and you can change your plan each month without penalty.
- You keep your phone number when you switch to Metro if you request a transfer code from your current carrier before you sign up.
- Metro's network coverage is identical to T-Mobile's because it uses the same towers, so check T-Mobile's coverage map for your area.
- If you do not use all your data in a month, it does not roll over to the next month — unused data is lost.
How Metro by T-Mobile plans are structured and priced
Metro offers several plan tiers, each with a set monthly cost and a fixed amount of data. The exact plans and prices change periodically, so the specific dollar amounts vary. Generally, Metro offers options ranging from basic plans with limited data to plans with 50 GB or more of high-speed data per month.
When you reach your monthly data limit, your data speed slows significantly — you can still use data, but it becomes much slower. Calls and texts typically remain unlimited even on lower-tier plans. You can purchase additional data during the month if you run out, though this costs extra.
Metro occasionally runs promotions that reduce the monthly cost for the first few months or add extra data to certain plans. These promotions change frequently and are advertised on Metro's website and in retail locations where Metro phones are sold.
What you need to bring to set up Metro service
To start Metro service, you need a compatible phone and a valid government-issued ID. If you are bringing your own phone from another carrier, that phone must be unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network bands. Metro also sells phones directly, ranging from basic models to recent smartphones, often at a lower upfront cost than buying the phone elsewhere.
If you want to keep your current phone number, you must request a transfer code (also called a porting authorization code) from your current carrier before you visit Metro. This code proves to Metro that you own the number and have permission to move it. The process takes a few minutes and can usually be done online or by calling your current carrier's customer service.
You will also need a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card. Metro does not accept cash for monthly plan payments, though some retail locations may accept cash for initial set up.
How to switch to Metro from another carrier
The first step is to get your transfer code from your current carrier. Log into your account online, call customer service, or visit a store and ask for your porting authorization code. Write it down — you will need it within 30 days.
Next, visit a Metro store, call Metro's customer service line, or go to Metro's website to start the set up process. You will provide your transfer code, choose your plan, and pay the first month's cost upfront. set up usually completes within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours for your number to fully transfer.
During the transfer, your old service may stay active for a short time. Once your number rings on the Metro phone, your old service is no longer active. You do not need to cancel your old service separately — the transfer process handles that.
Coverage, network quality, and data speeds
Metro by T-Mobile uses T-Mobile's network, so your coverage is the same as any T-Mobile customer's coverage. To check whether Metro works in your area, use T-Mobile's coverage map on T-Mobile's website — Metro's coverage is identical. Coverage varies by location; some rural areas have strong T-Mobile coverage while others have weak or no coverage.
Data speeds on Metro depend on network congestion and your plan type. During busy times, Metro customers may experience slower speeds than T-Mobile's postpaid customers because prepaid traffic is sometimes deprioritized on congested towers. In less busy areas or times, speeds are typically fast enough for streaming video, video calls, and web browsing.
If you travel internationally, Metro offers pay-as-you-go rates in many countries, though these rates are significantly higher than domestic rates. Some plans include a small amount of international data, but you should check the details before traveling.
What happens if you do not pay or run out of data
When your monthly plan expires, your service stops. You cannot make calls, send texts, or use data until you pay for the next month. Metro will send you reminders before your plan expires, usually through text message or email.
If you do not reactivate within a certain period — typically 60 to 90 days — Metro may release your phone number back to the carrier pool, meaning you could lose it. If you need to pause service temporarily, contact Metro to ask about their options for holding your number.
If you run out of data before the month ends, your data speed drops to a very slow rate. You can still send texts and make calls. You can purchase additional data through Metro's website or app, though the per-gigabyte cost is higher than the cost per gigabyte in your regular plan.
Comparing Metro to other prepaid carriers
Metro by T-Mobile competes with Cricket Wireless (which uses AT&T's network), Boost Mobile (which uses various networks depending on location), and Mint Mobile (which also uses T-Mobile's network). The main differences are network coverage, plan pricing, and customer service options.
If T-Mobile has strong coverage in your area, Metro and Mint Mobile both offer that coverage at different price points. If AT&T has better coverage where you live, Cricket Wireless might be a better choice. Boost Mobile's coverage depends on which network it uses in your specific location.
Plan prices vary between carriers and change frequently. The best way to compare is to check each carrier's current pricing for the amount of data you actually use each month, then factor in coverage quality in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my current phone with Metro by T-Mobile?
Yes, if your phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile's network. Contact your current carrier and ask if your phone is unlocked. If it is, you can bring it to Metro. If it is locked, your carrier can unlock it, usually for free if your account is in good standing.
What happens to my phone number when I switch to Metro?
You keep your number if you request a transfer code from your current carrier before you set up Metro. The code proves you own the number. Without it, you will receive a new Metro number. The transfer usually takes a few hours to 24 hours to complete.
Does Metro offer customer service by phone?
Yes, Metro has a customer service phone line available during business hours. You can also contact Metro through its website, mobile app, or by visiting a retail location. Response times vary depending on how busy the service is.
Can I change my plan each month?
Yes, you can change to a different Metro plan each month without penalty. You can upgrade to more data, downgrade to a cheaper plan, or switch between different plan types. Changes typically take effect on your next billing date.
What if Metro does not have coverage where I live?
Check T-Mobile's coverage map first — if T-Mobile has no coverage in your area, Metro will not either. If coverage is weak or unavailable, consider a carrier that uses a different network, such as Cricket Wireless (AT&T network) or Boost Mobile, which may have better coverage in your location.