Unlocking MetroPCS (or to say Metro by T-Mobile) can be done in several ways. Meeting all of Metro’s strict eligibility requirements in 2026 is one option. There are also alternative methods available when you don’t qualify.
Whether your Android or iPhone is locked by Metro, you’ll find all the ways to unlock MetroPCS phone here. And if you need a faster solution on iPhone, we’ll also introduce Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a tool that can unlock MetroPCS phone in as little as 30 minutes. Let’s go through them.
Can You Unlock Your MetroPCS Phone If It’s Not Eligible for Unlocking?
Yes, you still can. Metro by T-Mobile has one of the stricter unlock policies in the U.S., but there are exceptions built into it. The carrier itself allows certain special-case early unlocks where you don’t have to wait the full year. And even if you don’t fall into those exceptions, you still have alternatives.
The FCC makes it clear that once you’ve fully purchased a device, you are free to unlock it through third-party methods.
In short, if Metro refuses to unlock your phone, you’re not stuck. You just have to decide whether to wait or use an outside solution like Passixer iPhone Unlocker.
What Are the Unlock Eligibility Requirements of MetroPCS
To unlock a Metro by T-Mobile phone through the official route, your device must meet all of the following criteria (per Metro’s official policy):
Purchased from Metro by T-Mobile:
The phone must have been bought directly from Metro by T-Mobile or an authorized store.
Good standing:
The device cannot be reported as lost, stolen or flagged for fraud. If the IMEI is blacklisted, Metro by T-Mobile won’t touch it.
Active for 365 days:
At least 365 days must have passed since the device was first activated on Metro’s network. This is a big condition. Metro now requires a full year of service. In the past, the rule was only 180 days, but that changed to meet its parent company T-Mobile Unlocking policy.
If your phone checks all three boxes, Metro will usually unlock it automatically by remote update. In many cases you’ll see a notification confirming the unlock. If for some reason the unlock doesn’t trigger, you can always call Metro’s customer support by dialing *611 from the Metro-locked phone) and have them process it manually.
Special Cases Where You Unlock Your MetroPCS Phone Before 365 Days
Metro by T-Mobile normally sticks to its one-year rule, but there are exceptions. Here are the two main ones.
Case One: You Are a Military Member
Active duty service members who need to move or deploy don’t have to wait the full 365 days. Here’s how it works:
- Take your official papers to a nearby Metro store or have a designated family member go on your behalf.
- Present deployment documentation that confirms your upcoming move or stationing overseas.
- Once accepted, the request is logged and Metro typically completes the unlock within 24–48 hours.
This way, your phone is ready to work with international networks when you relocate.
Case Two: Refill-Based Early Unlock
This isn’t written in Metro’s official policy, but plenty of users on Howard Forums, Reddit, and similar communities confirm it. The rule actually appears in T-Mobile’s Prepaid policy, yet users on Metro have managed to get the same early unlock by meeting these extra conditions:
- Active for at least 14 days: The phone must remain active on Metro’s network for a minimum of 14 days.
- US$100 refill per line: Each line connected to the account must have received at least US$100 in refill payments since the day the device was activated.
Note: The first activation payment, credits, and adjustments do not count toward this refill amount. If you have multiple lines, such as your spouse’s or a work line, each line needs to meet the US$100 refill separately – even if the other phone is unlocked. For example, three lines would mean a total of US$300 in refills, with each line carrying its own still US$100 minimum.
How to Unlock Your MetroPCS Phone After 365 Days
Once you’ve crossed the 365-day mark, you’re officially eligible for unlocking. Here are the ways to do it:
Way 1. Permanently Unlock MetroPCS Phone with Passixer
Passixer iPhone Unlocker can quickly remove SIM lock on your iPhone without carrier. This is helpful when you cannot contact Metro’s customer support, or when you’re already in a foreign country.
Passixer can unlock your Metro iPhone within about 30 minutes. After that, you’re free to switch your service to budget-friendly prepaid providers like Mint Mobile or Visible Wireless, both of which often undercut Metro’s pricing. The unlock will stay permanent if you can meet simple conditions like not resetting your iPhone.
Passixer can also unlock iPhone from other U.S. carriers, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless and even foreign carriers. So, if you own multiple devices locked to different providers, Passixer can handle those too.
Step-by-step Guide to Unlock MetroPCS iPhone with Passixer
Launch the program on your computer and pick the feature for SIM unlocking. Attach the device with a USB cable and the software will detect it.
Follow the on-screen guide to jailbreak the phone.
Ensure that the model number and iOS version shown are correct before moving forward.
Uninstall SIM from iPhone, delete saved Wi-Fi networks, turn off Wi-Fi and insert the SIM back to the device. Then, click the OK button to begin and let Passixer finish the SIM lock process.
After a few minutes, your iPhone will be free to use with new SIM cards.
Way 2. Unlock MetroPCS Phone via Calls or Device Unlock App
Pass the one-year mark and Metro unlocks the device automatically. If your device is still locked to Metro by T-Mobile after 365 days, then you can follow the specific steps based on your phone’s model.
For iPhone Users:
- Dial 611 from your Metro phone or call 1-888-863-8768 (that’s 888-8-Metro-8).
- Support will verify your account and device details (15-digit IMEI number). Sometimes, they may ask you to also submit the request through the app. Within 24–48 hours (or sooner), the unlock completes remotely.
- You can check the unlock by going to Settings > General > About. Under Carrier Lock, it will say No SIM restrictions if your iPhone is SIM-unlocked.
For Android Users:
Some Android phones come with the Device Unlock app, which Metro pre-installs on the devices it sells. On Samsung models, especially the newer ones, the unlock option is directly embedded into Settings. Here’s the process depending on the model.
Unlock Samsung Device (2019 or Newer)
Samsung models released after 2019 have a built-in (the Permanent Unlock) option to remove the Metro by T-Mobile lock. This button becomes active only once the required 365 days of active service are over. Here’s how to find and use the option:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Connections.
- Go to More Connection Settings.
- Select Network Unlock and press Permanent Unlock.
- Restart the phone. Finally, you can insert a new SIM card and start using it.
Unlock Older Samsung or Other Android Devices
On other Android devices (like Pixels, Motorolas and Nokias) or early Samsung models:
- Open the pre-installed Device Unlock app on your phone.
- Follow the app instructions.
- Select the Permanent Unlock option.
- Wait while your device completes the unlock process.
- Restart your phone.
Way 3. Unlock MetroPCS Phone with IMEI
The last option is to use an online IMEI unlock service like Mobile Unlocked. These services ask for your 15-digit IMEI number and once you provide it, they will handle the unlock on their end. Both Android and iPhone devices are supported.
Before trying them, there are a few facts to keep in mind:
- These are paid services, costing up to US$300.
- Pricing often starts with an initial charge and then extra fees will apply, depending on your device model.
- The unlock can take several days to complete, so patience is required.
How to Unlock MetroPCS Phone with IMEI:
- Find your IMEI number by going to Settings > About or by dialing *#06# on your phone.
- Visit the Mobile Unlocked website and choose the option to unlock your MetroPCS phone.
- Enter your IMEI number in the provided field.
- Check the displayed price and pay the initial charge.
- Wait for the confirmation email. Once approved, the email will confirm that your device has been unlocked.
Conclusion
FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel pointed out in a recent speech that some carriers—possibly implying Metro by T-Mobile—have doubled the time consumers must wait before unlocking their phones. This stands in direct contrast to the FCC’s new rule: no longer than 60 days. So, that 60-day rule may eventually take effect, but for now Metro enforces the 365-day requirement.
However, if you’re on an iPhone and need the unlock faster, you don’t have to wait on Metro’s timeline. Passixer iPhone Unlocker can remove the lock directly from your computer in about 30 minutes if your iPhone is fully paid and isn’t blacklisted. Once done, you will be free to move to prepaid providers that offer better value.