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How to Use a Metro by T-Mobile SIM Card with the Mode Earn Phone

Updated

This article walks through connecting a Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) SIM card to your Mode Earn Phone. The Mode Earn Phone is fully compatible with Metro’s network, but Metro requires you to update your device IMEI in their system first.

Why this extra step is needed

Metro by T-Mobile requires customers to notify them when changing devices, even if the new device is fully compatible with Metro’s GSM, 3G, and 4G LTE bands. The Mode Earn Phone is compatible with Metro’s network. However:

  • Metro’s website may indicate the Mode Earn Phone is “unsupported” — this is because Mode isn’t on Metro’s official device list, not because of a technical incompatibility.
  • You must update Metro’s records to associate your Mode Earn Phone’s IMEI with your Metro account before service will work.

Before you start

Gather this information:

  • Your Metro phone number.
  • Your Metro account PIN (8-digit security PIN).
  • Your Mode Earn Phone’s IMEI number (find in Settings → About Phone → IMEI Information).

The Mode Earn Phone has two IMEI numbers (it’s a dual-SIM device). You only need to provide one IMEI during setup — typically IMEI 1.

Option 1: Visit a Metro store (recommended for first-time setup)

Step 1: Find a Metro store

Locate any Metro by T-Mobile store near you using Metro’s store finder.

Step 2: Request an IMEI update

At the store, ask Metro staff to update your account IMEI. Provide:

  • Your Metro phone number.
  • Your account PIN.
  • The Mode Earn Phone’s IMEI (either IMEI 1 or IMEI 2).

Step 3: Insert the SIM card

If you provided IMEI 1 to Metro, insert the SIM card into Slot 1 of your Mode Earn Phone. If you provided IMEI 2, use Slot 2. Matching the IMEI to the slot is important.

Note: Metro stores may charge a fee of $15–$20 for this IMEI update service. This fee is not covered by Mode Mobile.

Option 2: Use Metro’s automated service (by phone)

If you can’t easily visit a store, Metro’s automated phone service can update your IMEI.

Step 1: Prepare your old phone

Insert your Metro SIM card into your previous phone. You’ll call from this phone.

Step 2: Call Metro’s automated service

Dial 228 from your old phone.

Step 3: Follow the prompts

Provide:

  • Your current Metro phone number (find by dialing #686#).
  • Your 8-digit security PIN.
  • Your Mode Earn Phone’s IMEI (either IMEI 1 or IMEI 2).

Step 4: Wait for confirmation

  • You may need to choose a new pricing plan during the call.
  • Do not hang up until the system confirms your device setup is complete.

Step 5: Move your SIM

After the automated setup completes, move your Metro SIM from your old phone to your Mode Earn Phone. Insert it into the slot matching the IMEI you provided (Slot 1 for IMEI 1, Slot 2 for IMEI 2).

Step 6: Wait for activation

It may take a few hours for your phone to start working properly on the Metro network. If service isn’t active within 4 hours, contact Metro support.

After setup: confirm service

  1. Restart your Mode Earn Phone.
  2. Check that you see the Metro network name in the top bar.
  3. Test a call or send a text to confirm service is active.
  4. Check mobile data by turning off Wi-Fi and browsing a website.

If you encounter issues

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