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Metro by T-Mobile Port-In Offer: 64GB Apple iPhone 11 + One Month of Service Expired

$110
$559.99
(In-Store Only, New Lines)
+59 Deal Score
130,723 Views
Metro by T-Mobile Corporate Stores have 64GB Apple iPhone 11 (Black) on sale for $49.99 after instant $450 automatic rebate when you Port-In a number to a new line on their $60 30-day Metro prepaid plan.

Thanks to community member DealDragon22 finding this deal.
  • Note: Click here to read more in-depth instructions.
Steps:
  1. Visit a participating corporate store location (strongly recommended, as pricing/fees can vary at non-corporate 'authorized dealer' locations).
    • How to find a corporate store: click here, select 'Filter', check the 'corporate' box, then search by zip code.
  2. Port-in a non-T-Mobile/T-Mobile-based MVNO (i.e. Mint Mobile) number to a new line on Metro's $60/month prepaid plan
    • Number must not have been active on the T-Mobile network within the past 180 days.
  3. Doing so will make you eligible to purchase the 64GB Apple iPhone 11 at sign-up for $49.99 (applicable sales tax will be due at time of sign-up)
    • Reference Metro's iPhone 11 Switcher Promo to the agent assisting you & present them with the webpage (link) displaying $49.99 for the phone w/ eligible port-in on the $60 plan.
  4. Price: $49.99 (phone) + 1-month of the $60 prepaid plan = $109.99 total + tax
Notes:
  • You may cancel at any time or change your service to a different plan option at any time, if desired.
  • No service contract (only the initial $60 / 1st month required to get the device at $49.99).
  • Device can be unlocked after 180 consecutive days (6 months) of paid service on Metro.
Device Features:
  • 6.1" 1792 x 828 resolution IPS display
  • Apple A13 Bionic six-core processor
  • 64GB built-in NVMe storage, 4GB RAM
  • Main Cameras: 12MP OIS (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
  • Selfie Camera: 12MP (wide)
  • Video recording: up to 4K at 60fps
  • 4G LTE, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Stereo speakers
  • IP68 dust/water resistant
  • Face ID security w/ Apple Pay support
  • USB 2.0 Lightning port w/ 18W fast charging (Power Delivery 2.0)
  • Qi wireless charging support (7.5W)
  • 3110 mAh battery
  • Upgradable to latest iOS 15 software update (planned upgrade to iOS 16 upon release)
Good Deal?

Original Post

Written by
Edited December 24, 2022 at 11:02 PM by
Mods: Please don't delete or merge with other threads. I know there are at least 2 other threads on this, but this thread has the most up-to-date and correct information compared to the other threads.

Authorized Dealers: Do not go to an Authorized Dealer for this deal. It will simply not work due to the dealers adding Activation & other fees, add-ons and accessories with or without your knowledge. They have to make money somehow, and from what I have been told, they don't get that high of a margin on plain jane phone sales / activations only.

Corporate Stores: Corporate stores are supposed to follow a set standard and rules but that does not always happen. Depending on the managers, the floor staff and how the store is being run, they may or may not be following those rules. I know this because I visited at least 4 different corporate stores and was given different stories by each. It wasn't until I did my own research with the web site and the call center staff that I finally found the correct deal and it's requirements for the Apple iPhone 11 deal.

Now, on to the deal.

1) First, have a number to port in ready. While only the Phone Number, the Account Number and the PIN are required to successfully port-in your number to Metro by T-Mobile, they may ask for a name & address as well (this mostly happens in case the port is not instantaneous and they have to call the backend porting team to move that process along). Any other reason they give you will most probably be a made-up reason.

2) Go to Metro by T-Mobile's web site here [metrobyt-mobile.com]. Print out the Promo details. More specifically, the part that says Get one on us. That is what will ensure you get the correct price later on in the process.

3) Go to a Corporate Store. How you find one is by going to Metro by T-Mobile's web site, going to the Store Locator, typing in your zip code and performing the search. When the results populate, use the Filter option to filter the results to Corporate Stores only.

4) Tell them you are there for the Apple iPhone 11 Switcher Promotion for $49.99. While the promo has changed a bit at least 2 times that I know of, this promotion has been running for a while and the sales displays are there in most of the stores. They clearly indicate the Switcher Promo price of $49.99 for the Apple iPhone 11 64GB.

4a) Step 4 is where you will get the most variations of this deal. This is either because the staff at the Corporate Store is not properly informed or trained on the Apple iPhone Switcher Promo, or it is deliberate coming from the top down in order to charge the customers more than they should. I can't think of a 3rd reason why they would do this. Most will tell you that you need to pay at least $99.99 upfront and after 3 months of service, you will get a $50 rebate thereby making the phone $49.99. This is absolutely wrong. Please refer to Step 2 above, and make them read it. It clearly states that the phone is free after the 3 month $50 rebate.

5) Give them your ID and the number port-in information and let them do their magic. They have to type all that information into the system and it does take a while so be patient. The port usually goes through within your visit. I am not sure how correct this information is but I was told that the port has to go through for them to be able to hand you the Apple iPhone 11 after the transaction. This is a true system limitation that it does not show them if the number did in fact port over successfully until after you have paid and the receipt has printed out. I confirmed this myself.

5a) Depending on the store and staff, at this point they will try to add the unnecessary add-ons with or without your knowledge like for example, Insurance. Know and be firm on your stance that add-ons are NOT required. You just need the phone with the 1-Month $60 Plan and nothing else.

6) This just started. Corporate stores are not charging Activation fees. I am not sure how long it will last, but for now they are not charging it on any of the deals. So your transaction would look something like:

Apple iPhone 11 64GB: $499.99
SIM: $0.00
Switcher Plus Promo: -$450.00
Service Payment: $60.00
Sub Total: $109.99
Sales Tax: $x.xx
Total: $109.99 + Tax

PAY CASH ONLY. This will confirm that you are Prepaid only in case you want to do the Drawer trick.

7) Corporate Store staff will open the new iPhone 11 64GB box, insert the SIM, activate it, make sure that the number is ported over, and that you can call and text without setting up any of the Apple setup stuff. This is required of them.

8) They will hand your over your new phone, the receipt and the 3-in-1 SIM Card. Thank them and enjoy your new $110 Apple iPhone 11 64GB.

Note: Please be responsible and don't abuse this deal. There is a reason why so many restrictions have been placed on deals like these. There is a limit of 2 Switcher Promos per household (single address) every 6 months. They verify this using your ID.
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Deal
Score
+59
130,723 Views
$110
$559.99

Community Wiki

Last Edited by desi_babu_2010 January 30, 2023 at 10:01 AM
Brick and Mortar - Metro by T-Mobile Corporate Store Locations ONLY.
NOT @ "Authorized Dealer Locations."
NOT Online Either.


Port-in / The number you will transfer to Metro by T-Mobile MUST be owned by AT&T or Verizon, or one of their eligible MVNOS or the port will not go through. You can also call in to the store (if they answer), and have them check your number for you for eligibility.

Just like buying a car or anything thru a commissioned salesperson, if you know what you want and know it should be available at the advertised price point and are prepared to say: "NO", then it is just a little adventure!

The beauty of this thread is that it outlines what you Should be able to achieve, and all the ways you can be prepared.


Quote :
My experience is different. We did this deal on 12/20/2022 @corporate store.

1. They will make you wait depending upon the people in store. Sometimes, if you lucky and they had less activation on that day, they will take you on priority if you tell number port-in.

2. If activating 2 lines, they may tell you that plan for 2 lines is $100 or more for first month. But you should tell politely that you called customer service and confirmed its $90. Its $60 for the first line and $30 for the second line.

3. The maximum you can get is 2 switcher promo per Verified ID / Account / Household / Address. It can be any of the 2 phones they offer.

4. Remember: The charges are per store rep wish, if they have target to achieve, they may or may not add many add-ons. The system only requires the minimum, however they have the ability to modify the deal and charges as they like. That's how people have different experiences.

5. For 2 iPhone 11, the cost was , $49.99 + $3 tax + $49.99 + $3 tax + $95 for first month plan = $201 for me.

5. Luckily she didn't charge $20/line activation so we saved around $35 on total bill as she charged $95 for first month of service instead $90.

6. Make sure number porting is done fully by calling that number. Incoming should work or you should get message on phone that your number transfer is complete.
On 12/26:

Quote :
Onto the second store I called, they did have one iPhone left and I drove about 12 mins to that authorized dealer. The guy already know the procedure and I went through the process. Of course they have to ask you if you want any cases/accessories. I politely declined. I paid out the door $50 for iPhone, $60 for the service, and taxes (which is charged to the full price of the phone). I paid $148.xx with cash. The guy activated the phone for me and I was on my way.
Quote :
Just walked out with 2 iPhone 11's from a corporate store in SoCal for $218. Bought 2 Boost Mobile numbers from eBay for $20.

________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Answers to FAQ:

1. This is prepaid. No need to cancel. Just stop paying. Most will pay the forced first monthly fee (that comes with initial order) and then simply stop paying.

2. Phones are locked to Metro ONLY for first 180 days and chances are slim to none that you can get them unlocked before 180 days to use on other carriers.
a. Some exceptions: A few phones will work on TM from Day 1 {keep reading below}

3. Phones will/should unlock after 180 days. even if u only pay for 1 month

4. You can order online or in store.

If ordering on line:
a. if website says find a store. that means it is temporary OOS. Check again later.
b. order may not get through immediately. try again. try different browser.
c. no activation fee.
d. once u receive the package in mail....the Sim card is there, look in a brown/white bag that looks like packing material


If ordering in store:
a. $20 AF (occasionally ,rarely is promo where it gets waived)
b. best discount is if u port a number. this has to be in store only
c. lots so potential scams from employees {read below to find out more}

5. It is unclear if phone has to be in USA to unlock

6. During first 30 days, make sure u activate phone properly, make a call every 5-10 days (just as a example)
a. It is possible that those folks who did not get their unlock in 180 days, never fully activated their phone.

TBD



____________________________________

Each phone )Android or Apple) has different ways to unlock.
Generally, To unlock the phone after 180 days
Phone's settings, connection, more connection settings, network unlock

________________________________________________________________________
To have the phone unlock automatically in 180 days (6 months)

You need to have activated the phone 180 days ago.
You do not. repeat do NOT have to pay for service for 180 days.

the above has been true for most every metro deal in the past.
both apple and android

Most people get the 1 month service.
Then simply place phone in a drawer [or use as wi fi device].
wait 6 months.

The sim can be left in phone or stored safely.
It does not matter, as long as you DO NOT THROW AWAY THE SIM until you get a confirmed unlock

Phone should/will unlock in ~180 days + 6 -10 days.

best chance of success as follows:
During the ~6 month wait.
YOU can use as wifi device.
keep sim in phone.
when getting near the 180 day , have phone connected to wi-fi.
Try to unlock the device, once 1-2 days from day 180 onwards.

- None of us knows when Metro is going to close this unofficial loophole, .
-However this has been in effect with Metro phone deals for last ~4-5 years

Exercise your own judgement,
________________________________________________________

https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/t...olicy.html
Please read the OFFICIAL Metro by Tmobile unlock policy.

Unlock eligibility requirements
We unlock mobile devices that meet the following eligibility criteria free of charge:

The device must be purchased from Metro by T-Mobile.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked.
One hundred eighty (180) days must have passed since the device's activation date

{180 days since activation. no mention of payment requirement during those 180 days}

Countless number of people have reported.
Both iphone + Android have auto unlocked ~180 days from purchase.
Even when paying for ONLY 1 month of service.
___________________________________________________________

Only a select few "newer" phones work with T-mobile out of box Day 1 without being unlocked.

Phones that work with Tmobile from Day 1:
Oneplus N200
Samsung a53 (don't update the A53 firmware past July 2022 or your T-Mobile sim won't work until 180 days like other phones do)
Moto g stylus 5g 2021

note: Metro may close this loop whole at any time.

phones that DO NOT work with T-Mobile from Day 1:
Moto G Stylus 5g 2022
Moto G 5G 2022
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
OnePlus N20 5G
_____________________________________________________________________

How to activate:
In your shipment confirmation email, there's a link on the bottom that says track your status "here".
Click on that link, enter your order number and zip, it will show you shipment progress. At the very bottom of that page, there's a spot that says activate service. Just click on that and it will populate the phone number and activate the sim.

How to activate and avoid some common issues:
the URL:https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/order-status
  1. after you placed your order and received order confirmation email (subject should be We've received your Metro order!), you should be able to start tracking order and delivery status at the above URL
  2. once you received your phone, insert sim and power up the phone. for the initial phone software setup (not activation), I connected phone to wifi and skipped all of the google things so phone would say I'm only XX% through setup which doesn't really matter. I didn't have to download any app either. before next step I'm already at phone's "desktop" without google account or phone maker (ex. moto) account on the phone
  3. on your PC or whatever device you know website access would work, go to the same above URL
  4. enter your order info to track your order
  5. after page loaded the tracking info, scroll to the bottom and click on the button to start activate your phone/sim. go through the activation process which would setup an Metro online account if you don't already have one. make sure your phone is already powered up with sim inserted before you start the activation process!
  6. you should be able to do calls and texts if activation went through properly. I have both working within less than a minute where phone shows 5G UC icon and both wifi calling & VoLTE registered for Metro by T-Mobile. you should receive an email with subject You did it! Your phone is active within 24 hours. the email with subject Ready. Set. Activate will come some time later as well. I received both emails one day after I had already activated and started using the phone with full services
________________________________________________________________

ALTERNATE method to activate your new phone

1. Use the order status page and enter the order# and zip, below the status is a link to activate.
2. Once you click this, you will see your new phone#.
3. Login to your account with your new phone# and the pin you created when creating the order
4. OTP is sent to the phone that is not yet setup - LOL
5. Setup the new phone
6. Repeat #3 and this time you can get the OTP on your new phone
7. Login - confirm auto billing option is OFF
________________________________________________________________

If purchasing in store:

many times M reps will make up rules...

if it sounds odd...its probably made up

Most common scam=insurance.
they will say it is required. usually `~$10.
total lie.
insurance not required for any promotion to date.
sometimes they will add it as part of monthly fee.
like saying the monthly fee is $50.
when in fact it is actually 40+10 insurance.
know exactly what u r paying for before, i repeat BEFORE u pay.
get it itemized.
specifically say "I do not want insurance"
follow up with "are u adding insurance?'
_________________________________________________

Your comment cannot be blank.

Featured Comments

Got a couple phones in the past. (They've been running this promo on and off forever.)
Nightmarish experience:

- Even corporate store employees covertly tacked multiple extras onto my account (worth $80/month) despite my saying outright that I wanted the cheapest plan with no extras
- My metro app is broken
- website is broken
- porting numbers out was an adventure
- stores and employees are sketchy, but will require you to show your ID

Will not do it again. Too much aggravation, risk, and hassle.
Beware that it probably won't be a smooth ride for you.
What is the drawer trick?

And what about those folks who do not have any corporate store around?

Dealers are charging activation, insurance and tax on full price of the phone. Making this deal almost $200 OTD.
Buy two of this and hope you can get it before end of this year.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28503028...SwAPdjaWv0

If you get them before end of 2022, you can activate one of them first and begin a new tracfone award account with a refereral code. Then add 2 devices to
it. With all of these, you should get 25k rewards points pending. In case you get them after end of 2022 and tracfone stop the 10k per line promotion, you need
to activate one of them first and add all left 3 devices later. Then you should get 26k rewards points pending.

After 2 months the rewards points vest, you need to monitor these 2 urls:

https://www.tracfone.com/phone/ap...gb-prepaid

https://www.tracfone.com/phone/ap...onditioned

Whenever they are in stock, just change your 20k reward points to a $300 discount coupon.
If it's a new phone, you only need to pay $30 + $10 (for service).
If it's a reconditioned, you can buy two and then pay $30 + $20 (for service).

Activate the iPhone after you get them and they will automatically get unlocked after another 2 months.

So it will take you around $150 and 4-5 months in total to get either a new iPhone 11 or two reconditioned iPhone 11.

At same time, you also got several years Tracfone service and several basic phones.

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Joined Oct 2010
L4: Apprentice
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shamanstar
06-24-2023 at 11:40 PM.
06-24-2023 at 11:40 PM.
Mine unlocked on the 182nd day after activation (if you don't count the day you activated and the day you are currently on when it unlocks, that is 180 days.) I checked at 12:01 and it wasn't unlocked but when I checked at 1:01am, the sim showed no restrictions.

Check unlock status in iPhone settings. General>About>Carrier Lock.

Before unlock it says something like Sim card locked. After unlock, it says "No SIM restrictions"

Calculate days here: https://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html
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Last edited by shamanstar June 24, 2023 at 11:55 PM.
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