Try “stc” as the APN and your data won’t work — despite the 2022 rebrand from VIVA, the underlying network APN never changed. It’s still “viva”, which trips up nearly everyone who assumes the settings updated along with the name.
Quick answer
APN: viva (not “stc”) — leave username and password blank.
Why it’s still “viva”
Rebranding a company doesn’t require rebuilding its underlying network infrastructure — the APN string is a technical identifier that predates the STC name change and was simply never updated, purely a legacy naming quirk rather than an error.
Manual setup
Android: Settings → Mobile Networks → APN → add “STC KW” with APN “viva” → save, select, restart.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network → APN “viva” → restart.
Need to check your data package too? See checking your STC Kuwait data balance.
Verified against STC Kuwait’s official help centre, August 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Automatic
Insert SIM, restart.
- 2
Manual
APN=viva (not "stc"). No credentials.
- 3
Restart
Save, select, restart.
Alternative Methods
Automatic
stc.com.kw > Support
Troubleshooting
APN "stc" not working
Use "viva" as APN — the legacy name is still active in the network.
iPhone locked
Restart. Check carrier update at Settings > General > About.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the APN "stc" or "viva"?
"viva" — the legacy name is still active in the network despite the 2022 STC rebrand.
Do I need manual setup?
Usually not — most phones auto-configure on SIM insertion.
Will this ever change to "stc"?
Possibly in future, but as of this guide the APN remains "viva" — always verify the current setting if data stops working.
Is it the same for prepaid and postpaid?
Yes, identical for all STC Kuwait account types.
iPhone won't let me edit the APN?
Restart and check Settings → General → About for a pending carrier update.