Ncell eSIM Apply Online 2026: Form, Rs 100 Fee & QR Setup Guide
You can apply for an Ncell eSIM online without visiting an Ncell Centre. You fill in Ncell’s eSIM conversion form, Ncell calls you back to verify your KYC, and you scan a QR code to install the eSIM. It costs Rs 100, deducted from your SIM balance.
Many guides still say the upgrade is free by sending an SMS to 17125. That was the method when Ncell launched eSIM in November 2022. Ncell’s own eSIM page now lists the online form and the Rs 100 charge instead. This guide follows the current official process, checked on 8 October 2026.
Quick answer: Ncell eSIM apply online
- Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
- Keep at least Rs 100 balance on the Ncell number.
- Open Ncell’s eSIM conversion form (linked on Ncell’s official eSIM page).
- Enter your mobile number, ID document number, email and an alternate number, and agree to the Rs 100 fee.
- Answer Ncell’s verification call and follow the agent’s instructions.
- Scan the eSIM QR code in your phone settings. Your physical SIM stops working.
Before You Apply: 5 Checks That Save a Rejected Request
Most failed eSIM requests come from one of these five problems. Check them first.
| Check | How to check | If it fails |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Phone supports eSIM | Dial *#06#. Look for an EID number below the IMEI. | No EID means no eSIM. Keep your physical SIM. |
| 2. Phone is not carrier-locked | iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”. | Ncell eSIM will not work on carrier-locked phones imported from abroad. |
| 3. SIM is in your name | Check the Ncell SIM owner name with a USSD code. | Only the SIM owner can request the upgrade. Transfer ownership first. |
| 4. Balance is Rs 100 or more | Dial *101# (see all Ncell USSD codes). | Recharge, or ask family to transfer balance on Ncell. |
| 5. SMS is working | Make sure you can receive SMS on the number. | Clear a full inbox. Ncell sends status updates by SMS. |
Also make sure the name and document number you enter match your SIM registration exactly. Ncell has said that requests are rejected when the name in the form does not match its system.
How to Apply for Ncell eSIM Online (Step by Step)
This is the official online route for converting an existing Ncell physical SIM to an eSIM.
Step 1: Open the eSIM conversion form
Go to ncell.com.np > Latest Offers > Ncell eSIM. Under “How to get my physical SIM converted to eSIM via online process”, tap the Click here link. It opens a Microsoft Forms page. Open it from Ncell’s site rather than a link shared on social media, so you know the form is genuine.
Step 2: Fill in your details
The form asks for:
- The Ncell mobile number you want to convert
- Your document number (citizenship, passport or National ID, the same one used to register the SIM)
- Your email address (use one you can open on another device)
- An alternate contact number
- Your consent to deduct Rs 100 from the SIM balance as the conversion fee
Step 3: Submit and wait for Ncell’s response
If any field is missing, the request is not processed. You get an SMS and must submit the form again. If the form is complete, Ncell moves it to the next step.
Step 4: Answer the KYC verification call
Ncell calls you back to verify your identity. Keep your ID document nearby. Answer calls on both your Ncell number and the alternate number you gave.
Step 5: Get the QR code and install the eSIM
Follow the agent’s instructions. You will get an eSIM QR code, normally to the email address you entered. Scan it on the phone where you want the number (steps below). Once the eSIM is active, your old physical SIM is deactivated.
Tip: Open the QR email on a laptop or another phone, then scan it with the phone you are converting. You cannot scan a QR code that is displayed on the same screen.
Is the “SMS to 17125” Method Still Valid?
When Ncell launched eSIM on 25 November 2022, users could request it by texting citizenship number,email to 17125, and the upgrade was free. Most top-ranking articles still describe this method.
Ncell’s current eSIM page no longer mentions 17125. It lists only the online form and the Ncell Centre, and states that the upgrade costs Rs 100. Ekantipur also reported the Rs 100 charge in March 2025. If you have seen a guide promising a free SMS upgrade, follow the official form instead.
How to Install the Ncell eSIM QR Code
Connect to Wi-Fi before scanning so the eSIM profile downloads without interruption. Menu names change a little between phone models and software versions.
iPhone
- Open Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular).
- Tap Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
- Scan the Ncell QR code and tap Continue.
- Label the line (for example, “Ncell”) and choose it for calls, SMS and mobile data.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM > Scan QR code from service provider.
- Scan the code, confirm, and switch the new line on.
Google Pixel and other Android phones
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM (or +) > Download a SIM instead or Use QR code.
- Scan the code and follow the prompts.
If the network does not show up, restart the phone or switch Airplane mode on and off.
Other Ways to Get an Ncell eSIM
At an Ncell Centre
Visit your nearest Ncell Centre with your original citizenship, passport or National ID. Your SIM is upgraded after verification. This is the best route if the online request keeps failing.
New Ncell number as an eSIM
The online form is only for converting an existing SIM. To buy a new Ncell eSIM number, go to an Ncell Centre with a valid ID and a photo. You can hold up to three Ncell eSIMs, the same limit as physical SIMs.
Corporate (company-owned) numbers
Submit a request letter on company letterhead with the official stamp at an Ncell Centre, or send a scanned copy to your Ncell account manager. The letter must include the number to convert, an email address and an alternate number.
Ncell eSIM Cost and Charges
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Physical SIM to eSIM conversion | Rs 100 (deducted from balance) |
| Call, SMS and data rates on eSIM | Same as your current plan; no extra charge |
| eSIM back to physical USIM | Standard SIM replacement charge |
| Bonus data/voice for upgrading | None |
Your number stays the same, and so do your tariff plan and services. Packs such as Ncell SMS packs work on an eSIM exactly as they do on a physical SIM. Before converting, it is a good time to review anything you no longer use. See how to activate and deactivate Ncell services.
Which Phones Support Ncell eSIM?
Ncell’s list names these models. Newer models from the same lines also support eSIM, but the *#06# EID check is the final answer.
| Brand | Models listed by Ncell |
|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone XS series, 11, 12, 13 and 14 series (and newer) |
| Samsung | Galaxy S21 and S22 series, Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series (and newer flagships) |
| Pixel 4, 5 and 6 series (and newer) |
Many budget and mid-range Android phones sold in Nepal do not support eSIM, even when they are new. Always check for the EID before you submit the form, because the Rs 100 fee is charged for the conversion.
Ncell eSIM vs NTC eSIM
| Ncell | Nepal Telecom (NTC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Online conversion | Online form + KYC callback | eSIM portal / NT app with OTP |
| Conversion fee | Rs 100 | Rs 50 |
| New eSIM number | Ncell Centre | Office or online portal (prepaid) |
Using NTC as well? Follow our guide to activate an NTC eSIM in Nepal. A phone that supports two eSIMs, or one eSIM plus a physical SIM, can run Ncell and NTC together.
Using Ncell eSIM Abroad
Ncell eSIM works abroad once international roaming is active. Dial *17129# to activate roaming before you leave Nepal. If you are going for work abroad and want to keep your Nepali number for bank OTPs, an eSIM is safer than a plastic SIM that can get lost or damaged.
Ncell eSIM Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| SMS says request not processed | Form incomplete | Fill every field and submit again |
| Verification rejected | SIM not in your name, or details don’t match | Check the owner name; use the exact registration document |
| Fee not deducted / request stuck | Balance below Rs 100 | Recharge to Rs 100+ and resubmit |
| No callback | Missed call or wrong alternate number | Keep both numbers reachable; contact Ncell support |
| QR won’t scan / “cannot add eSIM” | No internet, carrier lock, or QR already used | Use Wi-Fi; check unlock status; ask Ncell for a new QR |
| No signal after install | Line switched off or not set as default | Turn the eSIM line on, restart the phone |
Do not delete the eSIM from your phone when resetting or selling it unless you have a plan. Getting the number back on a new phone needs a fresh QR code from Ncell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Ncell eSIM online from home?
Yes. Fill in Ncell’s eSIM conversion form (linked on Ncell’s eSIM page), complete the KYC callback, and scan the QR code. You do not need to visit an Ncell Centre if your SIM is in your name.
How much does Ncell eSIM cost?
Converting a physical Ncell SIM to an eSIM costs Rs 100, deducted from your SIM balance. Call and data rates stay the same as your plan.
Is Ncell eSIM still free with SMS to 17125?
The free SMS-to-17125 method was used at the 2022 launch. Ncell’s current eSIM page lists only the online form and Ncell Centres, with a Rs 100 fee.
How do I know if my phone supports Ncell eSIM?
Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. It must also be carrier-unlocked.
Can someone else apply for my Ncell eSIM?
No. Only the registered SIM owner can request an eSIM upgrade.
Can I switch back from eSIM to a physical SIM?
Yes. Ncell can convert your eSIM back to a physical USIM for the standard replacement charge.
Will my balance and number change after converting?
No. Your number and plan stay the same. Only the SIM changes from a plastic card to a digital profile, and the old card is deactivated.
Sources: Ncell eSIM page (checked 8 Oct 2026); Ncell press release, 25 Nov 2022; Ekantipur, 18 Mar 2025. Ncell can change its process or fees at any time; confirm on Ncell’s site before applying.