How do I transfer my MetroPCS number to another carrier?

If you need to transfer your existing Metro PCS phone number to a new device, or even to another cellphone service provider, follow these steps for the best ways to do so.

Jul 19, 2019

Metro PCS is a prepaid cellular carrier that covers parts of North America. When you purchase a phone from MetroPCS, it will be locked to the company's service. Moreover, if you are provided with a free or discounted phone from MetroPCS, you will have to agree to a one or two year contract exclusively locking your phone to a single cell service provider. The good news is that you can transfer your MetroPCS number to another carrier if you can unlock your device.

You will have to pay to unlock your phone and the price of unlocking your phone will vary depending on the duration your phone has been locked to MetroPCS. The longer the phone has been locked to MetroPCS, the cheaper it will be to unlock it.

There are several ways in which you can unlock your device:

1. By unlock code

One of the ways to unlock your phone is using an unlock code. Once you insert a SIM card from a different carrier into your MetroPCS phone, your phone may ask you for a SIM network unlock code or pin. The unlock code will be provided by MetroPCS though you will pay dearly for the change.

2. By device unlock app

If your phone does not prompt you to input a SIM network unlock code or pin after you insert a different carrier's SIM card, you can unlock it using the MetroPCS device unlock app. However, the device unlock application needs to be preinstalled for the unlocking to be successful. You also have to ensure that you are not getting the device 'Not Eligible' message from the device unlock app once you use the permanent unlock option.

3. Using IMEI number

You can also use your device's IMEI number to unlock it. Your phone's IMEI code can be located under the phone's battery. You can also find the code in your device's settings or by dialing a special code that will prompt the phone to display the code on the phone's screen. Thereafter, can send your IMEI number to an unlock service and receive you network unlock code.

4. Using third party unlocking services

There is always a solution to a problem on the internet. There are third parties online that exist to help people unlock their devices. These services are offered by software engineers on websites like Codes2unlock.com. If the above measures fail, then this is a viable option to unlock your phone.

Once you have unlocked your device you can use a line from another carrier or change the number from MetroPCS to another carrier through a process known as local number portability. The process typically takes several hours and involves the following steps:

  1. Find a current MetroPCS bill.
  2. Take the bill to a dealer of the carrier to which you intend to move your MetroPCS number e.g. Verizon, AT&T e.t.c.
  3. An employee at the dealership will take you through the process of porting your number. You should receive a confirmatory SMS when the porting process is successfully completed.
  4. Make a test call by calling your number from another phone. If successful, the call should easily go through. If not, do not leave the dealership until the process is complete.

An alternative way to port your number is to call MetroPCS and ask for your account number. You can find the number at GetHuman. You be asked to provide a reason for changing carriers and you should provide a valid reason be it true or false. Your account number will be necessary when you call the carrier to which you intend to move your MetroPCS number.

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How do I transfer my MetroPCS number to another carrier?

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