Generally, you buy a Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) phone from a physical store or authorized dealer without activating it. Metro’s dealer agreements typically require that every phone sold in-store be activated on their service before leaving the premises. Why In-Store Purchase Requires Activation
: You can purchase Metro-branded phones from Walmart and often take them home without immediate carrier activation. can you buy a metropcs phone without activating it
: Store owners sign agreements stating they must activate a phone to sell it. Generally, you buy a Metro by T-Mobile (formerly