Last Updated on June 11, 2026
Summary✨
- Ncell eSIM launched on November 25, 2022, allows users to upgrade for free via SMS.
- To upgrade, send your citizenship number and email to 17125, and then receive a QR code for activation.
- Both Android and iPhone users can easily activate Ncell eSIM by scanning the QR code through their settings.
- Ncell eSIM works abroad, and users can activate it while traveling by dialing *17129# if roaming is available.
- Users can also enjoy dual-SIM functionality with both eSIM and physical SIM cards on compatible devices.
Ncell eSIM service was launched on November 25, 2022. So, you can upgrade to eSIM service for free online. Find out how you can upgrade to Ncell eSIM in 2026, with its latest activation process, compatible devices, and more in this post.
With eSIM technology, Ncell customers don’t need to worry for a physical chip. There’s no issue with damaging SIM cards, pulling it out for switching a SIM, or else. An eSIM is a virtual product that stays within the system of the phone inside. Thanks to Ncell, their users with eligible handsets can benefit from this next-generation SIM technology.
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Table of contents
Ncell eSIM Upgrade [2026]
To get an Ncell eSIM or upgrade to it, you need to
- Send an SMS containing your citizenship identity number to “17125”. Type your citizenship number followed by a comma and your email address. The format is <Citizenship Number>comma<email address> and send the SMS to 17125.
- You get a call from Ncell for confirmation.
- You’ll receive a QR Code in your email to activate the Ncell eSIM on your smartphone.
- The format of your SMS shall appear as below:
- xxxxxx-xxx,xyz@abc.com
Now that you get the QR code, you can find the eSIM activation process on your phone.
How to activate Ncell eSIM on my Android phone?
To install eSIM on an Android smartphone, you can go through these steps:
- First, go to the “Settings app” on your smartphone.
- Find “SIM Cards & Mobile Networks” or similar settings like “Connection or Mobile Network”.
- Then, tap on “SIM Card Manager”.
- Click on the “Add Mobile Plan” option.
- Then select the “Scan carrier QR code” option.
- After registration, tap “OK” to turn on/activate a new mobile plan.
- And this will generate the eSIM profile on your phone.
How to install eSIM on iPhones?
If you have an iPhone and want to install an eSIM, follow the steps below:
- For setting up an eSIM on iPhone, make sure your device has an internet connection, WiFi, or a Cellular Network.
- Head toward the “Settings app” on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Cellular option”.
- Select “Add Data/Cellular” plan.
- Scan the eSIM QR code you receive from the carrier.
- Tap on the “Add Data Plan” option and save the eSIM details.
- Customize the name of the plan and select “Continue”.
- Choose the carrier as the default line and select “Continue”.
- Select the carrier as the default mobile data line and tap “Done”.
How to use Ncell eSIM Abroad?
Ncell eSIM can be used abroad. While traveling, you can dial *17129# to activate Ncell eSIM if roaming is available for your subscription. Next time, you are out of Nepal and have a compatible device, count on the eSIM service to stay connected with your dear ones back home.
✔️How to Activate International Roaming in Ncell?
Which phones support eSIM?
Select iPhone and Samsung Galaxy handsets that support Ncell eSIM. As the technology is still new to Nepal, it will take time for telcos to add support to more devices however the process shouldn’t take long. Major flagship phones and other devices come with eSIM support and thankfully the number is only growing in the current days. Let’s find out which Apple, and Samsung devices support the service:
- Apple iPhones: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and the latest iPhone 17 series. Additionally, the iPhone SE 2 (2020), and SE 3 (2022) can support the virtual SIM profile.
- iPads: The iPad series from 3rd Gen to the present, and the Apple Watch Series since 3, have the support of an eSIM. The US and Canada variants of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series have support for two active eSIMs.
- Samsung Galaxy devices: Samsung Galaxy phones like Note 20, S20, S21 & S22 series can run eSIM. The Galaxy S23 series, to the latest Galaxy S26 series, also carries the support. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold base model, LTE variant, Fold2 to Fold7/Flip7 are also able to use the next gen eSIM service.
- Google’s Pixel devices also have eSIM support. Pixel phones like Pixel 4, 5, 6, and the Pixel 7 series, Pixel 10 series also have support for eSIMs, but these devices haven’t officially entered the Nepalese market yet. But if you still get any of these devices, then you will be able to use an eSIM for your mobile services.
- Others: The newer models from Huaewi, OPPO, and OnePlus, like the OnePlus 15, also get the embedded SIM functionality.
The latest iPhones are now eSIM-only models, as with the current US version of the iPhone 15 series. Further, eSIM technology is the only feasible way to use mobile networks for the Internet of Things (IoT) wearable devices.
Ncell eSIM Compared with Ntc
Nepal Telecom, Ncell’s direct competitor, also began the eSIM service in late 2022. Previously, customers had to visit the company’s offices, but now, users can upgrade to NTC eSIM via NT app or website. Ncell also provides a rather hassle-free SMS activation service for eSIM. So, both companies have kind of brought similar convenience in terms of upgrading to eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ncell eSIM
Yes, Ncell provides eSIM service nationwide.
Ncell eSIM upgrade comes free of cost. The company doesn’t charge any amount for eSIM upgrades.
To convert your regular physical Ncell SIM card into eSIM, you need to type your Citizenship number and email ID and send the SMS to 17125. The SMS will be free and after the verification, your Ncell SIM profile will be converted into an eSIM.
Yes, the dual-SIM card technology allows users to use a regular physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time. Most premium phones these days should enable you to use both physical SIM and eSIM.
Yes, you can apply for Ncell eSIM from home via an SMS.
Yes. You can convert back to a regular Ncell SIM card or USIM from eSIM with standard charges.
If you want to activate Ncell eSIM on your phone, do let us know in the comments below. We will be more than happy to guide you through the steps.
