: Store owners sign agreements stating they must activate a phone to sell it.

: Even for existing customers upgrading, stores often charge a device change fee (typically around $20–$25) to move service to the new phone. How to Buy Without In-Store Activation

: You can purchase Metro-branded phones from Walmart and often take them home without immediate carrier activation.

: Metro phones are locked to their network upon purchase. Official policy states you must wait 365 days (one year) after activation before the device can be unlocked for use with other carriers.