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How to get and activate a Metro eSIM in the USA
Learn how and where to get a Metro eSIM in the USA, plus what plans they offer. We also explore other alternatives to get internet in the USA.
To get Metro eSIM in the USA, you can buy one online or in-store at any Metro retail location. Activation can be done in-store with a representative, or you can do it yourself by scanning the QR code Metro provides through your phone’s settings.
Metro (formerly MetroPCS) is T-Mobile’s prepaid carrier, offering unlimited plans from $30–$65/month. Below, we break down available plans, step-by-step activation for iPhone and Android, and alternatives like Holafly eSIM if Metro doesn’t meet your needs.
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How to get a Metro eSIM
Start by deciding on your plan, since some Metro eSIM plans, such as $40 unlimited and Bring your own phone exclusive plans, are only available for purchase online. Here are the plans you can choose from
Metro eSIM plans for locals
Metro currently offers two types of prepaid plans, available as an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card for the USA.
Let’s see what each one offers and how they work.
Unlimited plans
There are three unlimited plans available to get an eSIM Metro by T-Mobile.
- $40/month: You get unlimited data, texts, and calls. Plus, T-Mobile Tuesday deals and Scam Shield are included. No hotspot data available on this plan. Only available online.
- $55/month: You get unlimited data, texts, and calls. T-Mobile Tuesday deals, Scam Shield, 100 GB for Google One, and 8 GB of hotspot data are included.
- $65/month: You get unlimited data, texts, and calls. T-Mobile Tuesday deals, Scam Shield, 100 GB for Google One, and 25 GB of hotspot data are included.
Pricing on these plans is tax-free, and you can get a $5 discount on the $55 and $65 plans if you turn on the AutoPay option.
Bring your own phone
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone that works with Metro’s mobile network, you can choose two plans:
- Bring your phone web exclusive: For $30/month, you get unlimited data, texts, and calls. T-Mobile Tuesdays and Scam Shield are included. Only available online.
- 6-month unlimited plan: New customers only. $120 for a 6-month plan with unlimited data, texts, and calls. T-Mobile Tuesday and Scam Shield are included.
How to activate
You can always ask for help at the Metro store, but here’s how to activate an eSIM on Android and iOS by yourself:
- eSIM activation on iPhone: Open “Settings,” and go to “Cellular.” Tap “Add eSIM” and scan the Metro eSIM QR code.
- eSIM activation on Samsung: Open “Settings,” go to “Connections,” and tap on “SIM Manager.” Tap “Add eSIM” and scan the Metro eSIM QR code.
How to transfer
Transferring a Metro eSIM is available on Android and iOS. Here’s what to know about each process:
- Transferring your Metro eSIM on iPhone:
- Turn on both iPhones.
- Go to “Settings” on your new device.
- Tap “Cellular,” then “Set up cellular.”
- Tap on the phone number to transfer and tap “Continue.”
- Tap “Transfer Number” to continue.
- Go to your old device and tap on “Confirm transfer.”
- Wait a few seconds for the transfer to be completed.
- Transferring your Metro eSIM on Android:
- Turn on both Android devices.
- Go to “Settings” on your new Android device.
- Open “Network & Internet.”
- Tap “SIM Manager.”
- Tap on the “Transfer SIM from another phone” option.
- Scan the QR code on your new Android using your old device.
- Keep both devices close and tap the “Transfer to the new phone.”
- Wait a few seconds for the transfer to complete.
Note: Menu names on Android devices might vary a bit, but the process is basically the same.
Metro eSIM-compatible phones
Metro works with most eSIM-compatible phones, including Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Google, and other devices.
However, if you plan to switch from another carrier to get a Metro by T-Mobile eSIM, you have to verify the IMEI number to confirm carrier compatibility.
Note that if you’re still paying for your phone, have a due balance, or it isn’t unlocked, you can’t buy any of the formerly MetroPCS eSIM plans.
Companies also offering eSIM in the USA
If the available Metro plans don’t match your needs or you want to explore other options, these are other carriers you can consider using:
Holafly Plans
If you need a more complete monthly subscription, you can choose to use Holafly Plans instead.
Holafly Plans offer two plans, ranging from $49.90 to $64.90, both with unlimited data, coverage in over 170 destinations, 5G coverage, and the best part is that both work with an eSIM.
If you choose the $64.90 plan, you also get unlimited hotspot data and a local phone number to receive text messages, making it easier to stay connected everywhere you go.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Frequently asked questions about Metro eSIMs
Yes. You have to double-check your phone compatibility if you’re switching to Metro from a different carrier.
No, Metro doesn’t offer an eSIM trial. You have to purchase any of their available plans to get mobile internet in the USA.
Metro works with the T-Mobile network, ensuring 4G LTE and 5G speeds nationwide.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
