You can get a metro free phone switch deal from Metro by T-Mobile, but it is not a completely free phone. The offer provides an instant discount at checkout that brings the phone price to $0, though you still must pay the applicable sales tax and the first month of service at activation.
What is the metro free phone switch deal?
Metro by T-Mobile offers a limited-time promotion for new customers who switch their phone number and buy a qualifying plan. The phone is discounted to $0 instantly at checkout, meaning you do not need to wait for a mail-in rebate or submit paperwork after purchase. The catch is that sales tax on the phone and the first month of your plan are due at the time of activation, so you will pay something upfront even though the phone itself is free.
How the 'free phone' offer really works
The transaction works as an instant discount applied at the register or online checkout. Metro deducts the full retail price of the phone from your total, leaving you with a $0 charge for the device. You are then required to pay the sales tax on that phone and the cost of your first month of service before you leave the store or complete the order. This is not a mail-in rebate or a deferred credit; the discount happens immediately, and the only upfront costs are the tax and plan payment.
Who qualifies for the free phone (and who doesn't)
You must be a new Metro by T-Mobile customer porting in a phone number from another carrier. The offer is not available to people currently with T-Mobile. Current T-Mobile customers do not qualify, and former Metro customers who have had Metro service within the past 180 days are also excluded. The offer requires you to purchase a qualifying plan, which Metro says starts at $40 per month. If you are simply opening a new line without switching a number, you are not eligible for this promotion.
Limits and other key terms you need to know
The free phone switch deal is limited to up to 4 lines per account. Metro does not publish a public, model-by-model device list for this specific promotion, so the phones available as free options can vary by location and inventory. Metro says the deal is limited-time and subject to change. The offer is limited-time and subject to change, meaning it may not be available at all stores or on all dates. Existing Metro customers cannot use this deal, and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) multi-month plan is excluded from discounted or promotional phone offers. Metro's terms page confirms that promotional terms are governed by current Metro terms and conditions, which can change by effective date. If you want to understand how T-Mobile purchases and billing work for your account, you can review the T-Mobile Billing, Insurance and Purchases Explained documentation on the Metro site.
Bring your own device instead: a quick comparison
If you have an unlocked, compatible phone, Metro offers a separate BYOD option that does not require you to buy a new device. Metro's BYOD page says you must bring your own eligible, unlocked device. You must bring your own eligible, unlocked phone, and compatibility is verified during activation. Devices purchased at Metro are not eligible for the BYOD offer. Devices purchased at Metro are not eligible for the BYOD offer, and discounted or promotional phone offers are not available with the BYOD multi-month plan. Metro's separate prepaid multi-month page says most phones that are unlocked and compatible with the Metro network are eligible, but compatibility is still verified during activation. This route avoids the upfront sales tax on a new phone but still requires you to pay for your first month of service at activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I actually pay upfront for the "free" phone?
You will pay the sales tax on the phone plus the cost of your first month of service. The exact amount depends on the phone model and your chosen plan, but the phone itself is discounted to $0 at checkout.
How do I prove I am eligible for the free phone switch deal?
You do not need to submit separate proof. Metro will verify your eligibility during activation by checking that you are a new customer, that you are porting in a number, and that you have not had Metro service in the last 180 days.
What if I was a Metro customer before but left more than 180 days ago?
You may qualify as a new customer if you have not had Metro service in the past 180 days. The offer is not available to former customers who had Metro service within that window.
Can I combine the free phone offer with other Metro promotions or discounts?
No. Promotional terms vary by offer, and Metro's terms state that discounted or promotional phone offers are not available with certain plans, such as the BYOD multi-month plan. You cannot stack this deal with other active promotions.
Does the free phone offer require a credit check?
Metro by T-Mobile does not require a credit check for its prepaid plans. The free phone switch deal is a prepaid promotion, so no credit check is needed to qualify.
