Learn how to register and verify your NTC e-SIM in Nepal. Step-by-step guide on online activation, costs, MDMS rules, and troubleshooting tips.
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Whether you’re an existing user looking to upgrade or you’ve just brought a new iPhone from abroad, this guide covers the exact, verified steps to get your NTC e-SIM working in 2026.
Also Read: How to Check NTC Number Owner Name?[post_ads_2]
1. Check if Your Phone is Ready
Not all phones support e-SIM. Before spending money or visiting an office, do a quick "Compatibility Test":- Dial *#06# on your smartphone.
- Look for an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number. If you see it, your phone is e-SIM compatible.
- For iPhones from Abroad: If you have a US-variant iPhone (14, 15,16 or 17), it is e-SIM only and will work perfectly with NTC, provided it is unlocked.
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2. Registering Your NTC e-SIM Online
You can now skip the physical queues and register from home via the NTC Mobile App or the e-SIM Portal.Step 1: Access the Portal
Visit the official NTC e-SIM Portal or open the latest version of the Nepal Telecom App.Step 2: OTP Verification
Enter your current NTC mobile number. You will receive a 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS. Enter it to verify that you own the number.Step 3: Document Upload & Verification
This is where most users get stuck. To pass verification:- Match your KYC: Your Citizenship ID and Issued District must match NTC’s existing records exactly.
- Live Photo: You must take a clear, live photo of the front and back of your Citizenship (Nagarikta).
- The "Selfie" Check: You may be asked to take a photo holding your ID card next to your face for final identity verification.
Step 4: Payment
For existing users converting from physical to e-SIM, a fee of Rs. 50 is deducted from your main balance. Ensure you have sufficient balance before starting.[adsense-inside-post-2]
3. What You Need to Know
While the online process is the goal, here are three things often left out of official brochures:- The "KYC Fail" : If your NTC records are old (e.g., registered 10 years ago), the online portal might fail to verify your ID. If it fails twice, stop. You must visit an NTC counter once to update your profile.
- New Numbers via Third-Party Apps: You can often buy new e-SIM numbers through apps like Khalti or Namaste Pay without visiting an office.
- MDMS Registration: If your phone is from the US or Australia, it must be registered in the MDMS portal (Mobile Device Management System). While the e-SIM will work initially, the network may block your phone after 15 days if the IMEI isn't registered with the NTA.
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4. Activation: Scanning the QR Code
Once approved, you will receive a QR code. Connect to Wi-Fi and follow these steps:- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
- Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR Code.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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- Can I switch back to a physical SIM?
- es, but you cannot do this online. You must visit an NTC counter, pay a small fee (~Rs. 50), and get a new physical card.
- Is NTC e-SIM free for everyone?
- Existing users pay a Rs. 50 conversion fee. New subscribers pay the standard SIM price plus the e-SIM charge (totaling around Rs. 140-150).
- Can I use the same e-SIM on two different phones?
- No. A QR code is a one-time activation. To move the e-SIM to a new phone, you must go through the "Change SIM" process again and get a new QR code.
- My phone shows "No Service" after scanning the QR?
- Ensure you have enabled VoLTE by dialing *444# and that your phone is not "Network Locked" by a foreign carrier (like T-Mobile or Verizon).
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