STC (Saudi Telecom Company) runs the Kingdom’s largest network, and its prepaid brand Sawa is the most widely held SIM in the country. Checking your balance is a daily habit for Sawa users — and STC gives you several codes depending on whether you want credit, data, or a full plan summary. There is also one quirk worth solving up front: the codes reply in Arabic by default.
The core code: *166#
Dial *166# from your STC line to see your main balance in SAR. It is free, works without data, and covers both Sawa prepaid and postpaid lines. It is often searched as the “Sawa balance code” — Sawa is simply STC’s prepaid product, so the code is identical.
Different codes for different answers
| You want | Dial |
|---|---|
| Main SAR credit | *166# |
| Remaining data + expiry | *888*5# or *166*11# |
| All active plans at a glance | *888*5# |
If you only remember one, make it *888*5#: it lists every active package with its data, minutes, and expiry in a single view, where *166# shows just the credit figure. For a full walkthrough, see checking your STC data balance.
Solving the Arabic-response problem
STC USSD menus default to Arabic. If the reply is unreadable to you, two workarounds return English:
- SMS method — send 2220 to 900 for a data-balance reply you can read at leisure.
- MySTC app — fully English, and the clearest way to see credit, data meters, and (postpaid) your bill. Set the app language once and everything follows.
MySTC app and web
Beyond codes, the MySTC app and my.stc.com.sa show real-time usage, active packages, recharge history, and let you buy add-ons or pay a postpaid bill directly. For anyone who checks often, the app is less fiddly than dialling — and it works over Wi-Fi when you are abroad, where USSD usually will not. When your credit runs low, our guide to recharging your Sawa line covers STC Pay, SADAD, and vouchers.
Codes verified against STC’s official Sawa prepaid pages, July 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Open your phone dialer
Open the Phone app on your device. Ensure your STC SIM card is active and showing network signal in Saudi Arabia.
- 2
Dial *166# for main balance
Type *166# and press Call. Your main account balance in SAR will appear on screen within seconds. This works for both prepaid and postpaid.
- 3
Dial *166*11# for data balance
For a specific data balance check, type *166*11# and press Call. This shows your remaining internet data, active data package name, and its expiry date.
Alternative Methods
Dial *166# from your phone dialer.
Send "2220" to 900
MySTC App > Dashboard
Login at my.stc.com.sa
Troubleshooting
USSD code returns Arabic text I cannot read
STC USSD responses default to Arabic in Saudi Arabia. Use the MySTC app which supports English, or send the SMS method (send 2220 to 900) for an English-language response.
Balance shows 0 SAR but my SIM is still active
Your prepaid balance may have expired. STC credit has a validity period — if not recharged within that window, credit expires but the SIM stays active for a grace period. Recharge immediately to restore your balance.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STC / Sawa balance check code?
Dial *166# for your main SAR balance. Sawa is STC's prepaid brand, so the same code works for both.
How do I check my STC data balance?
Dial *888*5# or *166*11#, or send 2220 to 900 by SMS for an English reply.
Why is my STC balance reply in Arabic?
STC USSD defaults to Arabic. Use the MySTC app (English) or the SMS method (2220 to 900) to get a readable result.
Is checking my STC balance free?
Yes. All balance codes, the SMS to 900, and the MySTC app are free for prepaid and postpaid customers.
What is the STC customer care number?
Dial 900 from your STC line for customer support. From outside the network or abroad, call +966 11 455 5555.