Step-by-step instructions
Check whether your exact handset supports eSIM
Open the phone settings and look for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan. Look up the device model, regional variant and network restrictions on the manufacturer website. A phone marketed under the same name in a different region can have different SIM capabilities. Do not buy a QR activation code from an unknown seller.
Confirm your NTC number and ownership details
Keep the physical SIM active so you can receive confirmation messages and OTPs. If the mobile account was registered in a relative’s name or old citizenship details, contact Nepal Telecom before starting. An identity mismatch may lead to a rejection or a counter visit.
Open the official digital services portal yourself
Type esim.ntc.net.np directly in your browser, check its help page and choose the correct service for your situation: a new prepaid eSIM or conversion of an existing physical SIM. Do not assume these are identical processes. Carefully read the portal’s current conditions.
Prepare documents and a stable Wi-Fi network
Have any requested identity document and a well-lit photo ready. Nepal Telecom’s guidance specifically recommends using Wi-Fi when activating and downloading the eSIM: switching your existing number off the physical SIM can disconnect the mobile-data session that you would otherwise need.
Complete the request and wait for the decision
Follow the identity and OTP checks in the portal. Double-check the email and number where status messages will arrive. Do not repeatedly resubmit the same form if it says the request is under review; keep its reference or confirmation details.
Install the digital profile only when instructed
Use your phone’s Add eSIM option and the activation instructions supplied by Nepal Telecom. Keep the Wi-Fi working until installation and network registration finish. If you have multiple SIM profiles, check which is selected for calls, text messages and mobile data.
Test OTPs, calls, mobile data and VoLTE
Make a test call, receive an SMS and confirm mobile data works. The operator help page provides VoLTE guidance; consult it if call service needs enabling. Check that banking and wallet apps are still receiving legitimate codes, and contact NT support if activation becomes stuck.
Secure the phone and save your support information
Turn on a device screen lock and retain the operator’s confirmation. An eSIM is not a backup of your phone number that you can casually transfer by screenshot: replacement after a phone reset or loss may require operator verification again.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the same physical SIM mobile data to download its replacement eSIM.
- Assuming all versions of one phone model support eSIM.
- Scanning an activation QR code from a social-media seller or sharing identity and OTP details.
Frequently asked questions
Will my old physical NTC SIM keep working after conversion?
Do not assume so. Conversion may deactivate the old SIM profile; make sure Wi-Fi and the new profile are ready before proceeding.
What if the form says my citizenship details do not match?
Follow NT’s guidance to update your subscriber profile through its approved support process. Avoid guessing details to make verification pass.
Does every NTC customer qualify for online eSIM?
Eligibility depends on account status, updated records, phone support and current NT rules. The official help page is the authoritative source.
Official sources and further reading
Operator rules, application screens and government procedures can change. Check the latest official instructions before sharing personal details or paying a fee.
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