Does Metro support eSIM technology?
Metro runs on T-Mobile’s network and supports eSIM technology on compatible devices with an active plan. Metro’s eSIM offers plenty of benefits over a physical SIM card, but Metro customers traveling abroad might consider a prepaid, digital travel eSIM to save on data. Visitors to the US can also set up a Saily eSIM for the United States before they fly and use it for travel data.
New to digital SIMs? Our guide, What is an eSIM?, explains how the technology works and how it differs from a physical SIM. You can also explore which carriers support eSIM technology worldwide for iPhones and Android devices.
Which phones work with Metro eSIMs?
As of September 13, 2026, Metro by T-Mobile lists the following phones as compatible with its eSIM technology:
Apple — iPhone XR and newer.
Samsung — Galaxy S series and Note 20 and newer.
Google — Pixel 7 and newer.
Motorola — Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 and newer, Razr+ 2023 and newer, and Moto G 5G 2023.
TCL — TCL 50 XL 5G.
If you’re using a phone you didn’t buy from Metro, it also needs to be carrier unlocked — otherwise, the eSIM won’t work. You can check whether your phone is carrier unlocked and use its IMEI number to confirm device details and compatibility. A Metro by T-Mobile eSIM also requires an active Metro plan before you can connect to the network.
How to check your IMEI and unlock status
You can dial *#06# to find your phone’s IMEI number or check it in your device settings. iPhone users can find their EID under “Settings” → “General” → “About.” On Android devices settings names can vary, but generally go to “Settings” → “About phone” → “SIM status” or “Status information.” If you still can’t find it, search your phone’s settings for “EID.”
To check your unlock status, go to “Settings” → “General” → “About” → “Carrier lock” on an iPhone. On Android devices the wording will be different — for example “Settings” → “Connections” → “More connection settings” → “Network unlock” on Samsung or “About phone” → “Device unlock” on Motorola.
How to get your Metro eSIM QR code
If you’re a new customer, you can activate your Metro eSIM online. If you already have your Metro account and you’re changing phones, you can use your existing account to switch devices. Customer CARE or a Metro store can also handle the activation if you need help. Don’t panic if you don’t see a QR code — compatible mobile phones often download the eSIM profile automatically.
If you do have a phone that needs manual setup, Metro keeps a QR code on its eSIM support page. If you can’t scan it, try entering the SM-DP+ address T-MOBILE.GDSB.NET instead. Keep in mind that your phone can’t scan a code displayed on its own screen, so if you use the QR code, pull it up on another screen or print it first.
If your BYOD setup still prompts you to scan a QR code, have your IMEI and EID ready and call Customer CARE. See our post about eSIM QR codes for more information on how they work.
How to activate a Metro eSIM
New customers can activate a Metro eSIM online, while existing customers can switch to eSIM through MyAccount. You can also get help activating your eSIM at a Metro store.
Most compatible phones let you finish the setup yourself once Metro activates the line. Keep in mind that activation may take a few minutes. If yours seems stuck, consult our article on how long it takes to activate an eSIM.
Before starting Metro eSIM activation, have the following ready:
A compatible, carrier-unlocked phone that supports eSIM technology.
A stable Wi-Fi connection for downloading the eSIM profile.
Your phone’s IMEI and EID.
If you’re opening a new Metro account, you’ll also need the following ready:
Your selected plan and payment for the first month of service.
An email address that isn’t already associated with another Metro account.
Your old carrier’s account number, port-out PIN, and ZIP code if you’re transferring your phone number.
How to activate a Metro eSIM on iPhone
After activating your line with Metro:
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and watch for a notification that your Metro by T-Mobile eSIM is ready.
Tap the notification to download the eSIM profile.
On iOS, go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM” if you don’t receive the notification.
Scan Metro’s QR code or enter the SM-DP+ address manually, then tap “Add cellular plan.”
Once the profile finishes downloading, restart your iPhone and make sure mobile data is turned on under “Settings” → “Cellular.”
How to activate a Metro eSIM on Android
The menu path depends on your phone manufacturer.
Samsung:
Connect your phone to Wi-Fi and watch for a notification that your eSIM is ready to add.
Tap “Add eSIM” in the notification. If it doesn’t appear, go to “Settings” → “Connections” → “SIM manager” → “Add eSIM.”
Select “Metro by T-Mobile,” then tap “Add” to download the profile.
Restart your phone and turn on mobile data.
Google Pixel:
Go to “Settings” → “Network & internet.”
Tap the plus sign (+) beside “SIMs.”
Tap “Download your eSIM” → “Next.”
Select “Metro by T-Mobile” → “Activate.”
After the profile downloads, go to “Settings” → “Metro by T-Mobile” and turn on “Use eSIM.”
Tap “Switch to Metro by T-Mobile,” restart your phone, and turn on mobile data.
Motorola:
Go to “Settings” → “Network & Internet.”
Tap the plus sign (+) beside “Mobile network.”
Tap “Download a SIM instead” → “Next.”
Select “Metro by T-Mobile” → “Download.”
After the profile downloads, go to “Settings” → “Metro by T-Mobile” and turn on “Use SIM.”
Tap “Turn on Metro by T-Mobile,” restart your phone, and turn on mobile data.
Once you’ve completed the setup, restart your iPhone or Android and turn on mobile data. If the profile downloads but your service still won’t connect, try these eSIM troubleshooting steps.
How to transfer a Metro eSIM to a new phone
Your Metro eSIM transfer options depend on your phone and whether Metro supports the device’s built-in eSIM transfer feature. If you’re switching phones, keep your old one nearby and connected until your Metro service works on the new device.
Transfer a Metro eSIM to a new iPhone
On your new iPhone, go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM” and check whether “Transfer from nearby iPhone” appears. If it does, select your Metro line and confirm the transfer on your old iPhone. If Metro doesn’t offer the transfer option, you’ll need to activate a new eSIM profile instead. See Saily’s guide to transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone for the full walkthrough.
Transfer a Metro eSIM to a new Android phone
Some Android phones also support direct eSIM transfers. On compatible devices, look for the transfer option under your SIM or mobile network settings and keep both phones nearby while you follow the screen prompts. If the transfer fails or you accidentally delete your Metro eSIM, don’t keep deleting and reinstalling profiles. Metro claims that you’ll need to contact Customer CARE or visit a Metro store to have a new eSIM issued.
If you’re moving between operating systems, see Saily’s guide to transferring an eSIM from iPhone to Android.
Metro eSIM plans and cost
Metro doesn’t charge separately for an eSIM — you pay for the Metro plan that goes with it. Metro also doesn’t offer a free eSIM trial, so you’ll need to choose a plan and pay for your first month of service when you activate.
Metro plan
| Price | AutoPay/effective price | Hotspot data |
|---|
BYOD unlimited 5G
| US$30 (first month)
| US$25/month with AutoPay
| No hotspot allowance listed
|
|---|
BYOD unlimited 5G + hotspot
| US$35 (first month) | US$30/month with AutoPay | 10 GB
|
|---|
6-month unlimited 5G offer
| US$120 (upfront) | Equivalent to US$20/month for six months | No hotspot allowance listed |
|---|
The six-month offer is for new customers who bring an eligible phone and requires the full US$120 payment upfront. These plan prices include taxes and regulatory fees. Metro offers a five-year price guarantee on talk, text, and 5G data for eligible plans. Beyond talk, text, and data, Metro customers can use the Scam Shield app to manage features such as Scam Block and Caller ID.
If you need a prepaid SIM card in the USA instead, Metro currently lists its 5G SIM Starter Kit for US$0 online, although fees may apply depending on how you activate your service.
Metro runs on T-Mobile’s network, but the two brands offer different plans and international options. If you’re comparing them for travel, see how T-Mobile international roaming works. Metro’s current BYOD plans start at US$25 a month with AutoPay, compared with US$40 a month for T-Mobile Prepaid’s Starter plan. T-Mobile’s unlimited plan costs US$45 a month with AutoPay, plus taxes and fees. Metro says its customers may get slower speeds than T-Mobile customers when the network is congested.
The information about prices and features in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 13, 2026, and is subject to change.
Metro eSIM limits worth knowing before you switch
Metro eSIM has a few additional limits worth checking before you switch:
Metro allows only one line of service to be activated on a single device, even if your phone supports multiple eSIM profiles or dual SIM functionality.
Not every eSIM-compatible phone works with Metro. The carrier supports a specific list of Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and TCL devices, so check compatibility before activating service.
Don’t wait until you’re abroad to activate your Metro eSIM for the first time. Metro says compatible devices must be registered on its US network before international use, making it safest to activate and test your service while you’re still in the US.
International roaming works the same with a Metro eSIM as with a physical SIM, including the same availability, rates, and plan limits.
The information about prices and features in this comparison was last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 13, 2026, and is subject to change.
When a travel eSIM makes more sense than a Metro eSIM
If you want data the moment you land in the US, a travel eSIM solves a problem Metro may not — you can set it up before departure so you don’t have to wait until you land to get mobile data. Our guides to roaming in the USA, mobile internet in the USA as a tourist, and how to install an eSIM before travel cover the main options. Heading to Canada or Mexico too? A North America eSIM can cover all three countries with one plan.
The equation changes if you already use a Metro plan and you’re traveling abroad. Keep the Metro line for calls and texts, use a Saily eSIM for data, and switch off data roaming on Metro so your phone doesn’t route data through that line.
For frequent trips or heavier data use, Saily Ultra includes unlimited global data in 121+ destinations. Travelers who need calls and texts can also add a US eSIM phone number.
