Running out of credit at the worst possible moment? We’ve all been there! Whether you’re about to make an important call or desperately need internet data, knowing how to check your STC balance can save you from awkward situations.
If you’re using STC (Saudi Telecom Company) in Saudi Arabia, checking your balance is actually super simple. Let me show you exactly how to do it – no tech degree required!
Why Should You Check Your STC Balance?
Look, nobody likes surprises when it comes to phone bills or running out of data. Here’s why checking your balance regularly actually matters:
- Avoid sudden disconnections during important calls
- Plan your data usage before binge-watching shows
- Stay on budget by tracking your spending
- Prevent emergency top-ups at inconvenient times
- Know when to recharge before you actually need it
Think of it like checking your car’s fuel gauge – better to know before you’re stranded!
Video Guide
Method 1: Dial Codes (The Fastest Way!)
This is hands-down the quickest method. No app downloads, no SMS waiting – just instant results on your screen.
For SAWA Prepaid Balance:
*Dial: 166#
Press call, and boom! Your remaining balance appears right there. It shows your credit, data, and validity period all in one screen.
For Internet Data Only:
*Dial: 8885#
Want to know how much data you have left before your next Netflix session? This code tells you exactly that – your remaining internet balance in MB or GB.
Pro Tip: Save these numbers in your phone contacts as “Check Balance” and “Check Data” so you never forget them!
Method 2: Send an SMS (When You’re Low on Credit)
Sometimes you don’t even have enough credit to dial. That’s where SMS comes in handy!
Check SAWA Prepaid or Data:
Send: 166 to 900
You’ll get a text back with all your balance details. Simple!
Check Only Internet Data:
Send: 2220 to 900
OR
Send: Balance to 900
Both work the same way. STC replies within seconds with your remaining data balance.
Why use SMS? It uses minimal credit, works even with weak signals, and the reply stays in your messages so you can check it later without dialing again.
Method 3: Call Customer Service (Talk to a Real Person)
Prefer human interaction? Some people just like hearing a voice explain things, and that’s totally fine!
Call: 900 (from your STC number)
A customer service representative will:
- Check your balance for you
- Explain any charges you don’t understand
- Help with account issues
- Answer questions about packages
- Assist in Arabic, English, or other languages
This method is especially helpful if you’re confused about charges on your bill or need to ask questions while checking your balance.
Note: Calling 900 is free from your STC number, so don’t worry about eating up your credit!
Method 4: MySTC App (The Modern Way)
Okay, this is my personal favorite. Once you set it up, the MySTC app becomes your one-stop shop for everything STC-related.
What You Can Do with MySTC App:
Check Balances:
- Mobile credit balance
- Data usage (how much you’ve used vs. how much is left)
- Remaining validity period
- Package details
Manage Payments:
- View postpaid bills
- Pay bills online
- Set up payment reminders
- Check payment history
Recharge & Transfer:
- Top up your account
- Transfer balance to friends or family
- Buy data packages
- Subscribe to new plans
Order Services:
- Order new SIM cards
- Get SIM delivered to your home
- Activate services
- Check exclusive offers
Manage Multiple Numbers:
- View all numbers registered under your ID
- Switch between accounts
- Manage family plans
How to Get Started:
- Download the app:
- Android users: Go to Play Store
- iPhone users: Go to App Store
- Search “MySTC” and download
- Install and open the app
- Login with your STC number and password (you’ll create one if first time)
- Boom! You’re in. Your balance shows right on the home screen.
The app is in both Arabic and English, so you can switch languages based on your preference. The interface is clean, loads fast, and honestly makes life so much easier.
Why I Love the App: You can check everything without memorizing codes, view detailed usage history, and even catch special promotions that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
Quick Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?
Let me break it down based on different situations:
Use Dial Codes When:
- You need instant results (5 seconds!)
- You’re in a hurry
- Your internet isn’t working
- You want the quickest option
Use SMS When:
- You’re almost out of credit
- You have weak network signal
- You want a record of your balance
- Calls aren’t going through
Call 900 When:
- You have questions or concerns
- Something seems wrong with your account
- You prefer talking to people
- You need help understanding charges
Use MySTC App When:
- You want detailed information
- You’re managing payments
- You want to buy packages
- You need to transfer balance
- You manage multiple numbers
Additional Smart Tips
Set Up Balance Alerts
Did you know you can get automatic notifications when your balance runs low?
Through the MySTC app:
- Go to Settings
- Enable “Balance Alerts”
- Set your preferred threshold (like when balance drops below 10 SAR)
- Get notified automatically!
No more surprises. The app warns you before you run out.
Check Before International Travel
Planning to travel outside Saudi Arabia? Check your balance BEFORE you leave!
Important: These checking methods work abroad, but:
- Roaming charges may apply
- You might need an active roaming plan
- Check with STC about international rates
Pro tip: Download the MySTC app and check while on WiFi to avoid roaming charges for data.
Subscribe to Data Packages Wisely
Constantly running out of data? Instead of buying more credit repeatedly, consider subscribing to a data package through:
- MySTC app (easiest way)
- Dialing specific package codes
- Calling 900 and asking for package options
Packages are usually cheaper than pay-as-you-go data rates!
For Postpaid Users
If you’re on a postpaid plan:
- Your “balance” is actually your bill amount
- Check MySTC app for detailed bill breakdown
- See exactly what you’re being charged for
- Set up auto-pay to never miss a payment
Common Questions People Ask
“I dialed the code but nothing happened. Why?”
A few reasons:
- Make sure you dialed correctly (166# not 166)
- Check if you have network coverage
- Try restarting your phone
- If still nothing, call 900
“The SMS took too long to arrive”
Network congestion can delay SMS. If it takes more than 2 minutes, try dialing the code instead or use the app.
“I’m getting error messages”
Contact customer service at 900. There might be a technical issue with your account that needs fixing.
“Can I check someone else’s balance?”
No, for security reasons. You can only check balances for numbers registered under your ID through the MySTC app.
“Do these methods cost money?”
Dial codes and SMS to 900 are free for STC users. Calling 900 from your STC number is also free. The app uses data, but minimal amounts.
Which Method Do Most People Use?
Based on what I’ve seen:
- Young people: MySTC app (tech-savvy, like the features)
- Quick checkers: *166# code (fastest)
- Older generation: Call 900 (prefer human interaction)
- Budget-conscious: SMS (saves credit)
Honestly? Learn all methods! Different situations call for different solutions.
Final Thoughts
Checking your STC balance shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you prefer the lightning-fast dial codes, the convenience of SMS, the personal touch of calling customer service, or the modern MySTC app – STC gives you options that work for YOUR lifestyle.
My recommendation? Set up the MySTC app as your primary method (it’s genuinely helpful), but memorize *166# for quick checks when you’re on the move.
Stay connected, stay informed, and never let a low balance catch you off guard again!
Quick Reference Guide
Fastest Method: Dial *166#
For Data Only: Dial *8885#
Via SMS: Send 166 to 900
Customer Service: Call 900
Complete Management: Download MySTC App
Free Methods: All of them!
Works Abroad: Yes (roaming charges may apply)
Best Overall: MySTC App + Memorize *166#
Need More Help?
Visit your nearest STC store, call 900, or check the official STC website for more information about packages, plans, and services.
Stay connected! 📱
Helpful Links:
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Hi, I’m Haseeb Ahmed, the founder of KhaleejBlog.com — a premier travel platform dedicated to providing practical and up-to-date travel tips across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. My mission is to help travelers explore the Gulf region with ease, discover hidden gems, and make the most of every journey.
