Activating your NTC SIM is a simple process, but it needs a few steps to make sure everything works fine. This guide gives you a simple and easy way to get your newly purchased SIM working without any hassle, how long it usually takes to activate, and also how to activate a SIM if it has been unused for a long time.
How to Activate an NTC SIM for the Very First Time
If you just buy a new NTC SIM card, you need to activate it before using it for calls, SMS, or mobile data. Here is the process with which you can activate your SIM:
Step 1: Fill and Submit the Form
When you buy an NTC SIM from a shop, retailer, or NTC office, you have to fill registration form. It asks for your personal details like name, date of birth, and a copy of ID (citizenship for locals or passport for tourists, any is fine). The shop or seller will send this form to Nepal Telecom for checking. Make sure they tell you that your details are sent, because without this SIM cannot be activated.
Step 2: Insert SIM and Dial Activation Code
- Put your NTC SIM into an unlocked phone.
- Open dialer and type *1414# or *1415#.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to register the SIM with the NTC network.
- To check your number, dial *9#, and it will show your mobile number.
Step 3: Activate 4G or VoLTE (Optional)
Most NTC SIMs come with 4G already active. But if you want the VoLTE for better call quality, then dial *444# and select option 1. You will afterwards get a message when 4G or VoLTE is active.
Step 4: Check Balance
Dial *400# to see the starting balance. Prepaid SIMs usually have quite small starter credit (like Rs. 50).
If the SIM doesn’t activate after these steps, go back to the shop where you bought it and ask them to resend the registration form to NTC. If you buy directly from the NTC office, activation usually works instantly using *1415#.
How Long Does It Take to Activate an NTC SIM?
For a new NTC SIM, activation can take a few minutes or sometimes a few hours, depending on how fast the shop or seller sends your registration form to NTC. If you buy a SIM directly from the NTC office, activation can happen instantly. But if bought from other local shops, it can take up to 24 hours to fully register your SIM card for the network. To make the process faster, make sure your documents are correct, and also check with the seller once again. After SIM is activated, you will get a confirmation message, and then it will be ready for calls, texts, and mobile data.
How to Activate an NTC SIM After Being Unused for a Long Time
If your NTC SIM has been sitting unused for months or even years, maybe because you were traveling or just didn’t use it, you can still activate it as long as it’s not permanently closed. NTC SIMs go into a “frozen” state after 180 days of no use. If you don’t recharge within another 90 days, the SIM might be recycled and given to someone else. Here is what you can do on your own to activate the SIM card to activate after a long duration:
Step 1: Check SIM Status
Put your SIM in your phone and dial *400# to see if it still works. If nothing shows up, then your SIM card might be just frozen, or it could even be terminated.
Step 2: Recharge the SIM
You have to add at least Rs 50 in order to make the SIM active again. There are quite a few ways to do this:
- Recharge Card: Dial 412<13-digit PIN>#
- Digital Wallets: Use eSewa, Khalti, or mobile banking
- NTC App: Download the Nepal Telecom app, log in, and choose Recharge Now
Rs 50 usually gives 30 days validity, Rs 100 gives 60 days, Rs 500 gives 1 year, and Rs 1000 gives 2 years.
Step 3: Contact NTC if Needed
If your SIM is frozen, you can just go to any NTC office with your ID (citizenship or passport, any works) or send an email to roaming.support@ntc.net.np
and ask them to activate it again. You may have to pay any pending dues for postpaid SIMs, or simply confirm your identity if it’s prepaid. If the SIM is still in a frozen state (within 90 days after losing service), NTC can restore it and keep your old balance.
Step 4: Activate Services
After the SIM is working again, you can dial *1414# or *1415# to see if it is working properly or not. For 4G or VoLTE, dial *444# and choose option no 1. Check your balance with *400# and explore data or voice packs via *1415#.
If the SIM has been recycled, then you have to buy a new one, because your old number might already be given to someone else after long inactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Activating NTC SIM
Can I use my NTC SIM right after purchase?
No. You must activate your SIM first using either *1414# or *1415# before making calls, sending SMS, or using mobile data.
What documents are needed for SIM activation?
You need a valid ID (citizenship for locals or a passport for international tourists). Personal details like name and date of birth are required on the registration form.
My SIM has been unused for months. Can I activate it again?
Yes, as long as the SIM is not permanently recycled. NTC SIMs go into a “frozen” state after 180 days of no use. Recharge and contact NTC if needed to restore it.
How much recharge is needed to reactivate a frozen SIM?
At least Rs 50 is needed. Rs 50 gives 30 days validity, Rs 100 gives 60 days, Rs 500 gives 1 year, and Rs 1000 gives 2 years.
