Quick Facts
| SMS code (toggle Arabic/English) | Send 1390 to 900 |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to take effect | Usually within 1 to 2 minutes |
| Confirmation | You receive a confirmation SMS |
| Works on | Sawa prepaid and Mofawtar postpaid |
| mySTC app path | Settings → Number Properties → Contact Language |
| Helpline | Call 900, press 2 for English |
| What it changes | SMS and system message language only |
| What it does NOT change | Your balance, data, or active packages |
| Internet required | No, for SMS method. Yes, for app method |
| Can switch back anytime | Yes, unlimited times |
Why Your STC SMS Messages Come in Arabic by Default
When you activate a new STC SIM in Saudi Arabia, whether Sawa prepaid or Mofawtar postpaid, the default contact language is Arabic. This makes sense for the majority Arabic-speaking population, but for the millions of expatriates living and working across the Kingdom from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and dozens of other countries, Arabic-only SMS notifications, balance alerts, and package confirmations are a genuine daily inconvenience.
The good news: switching to English takes less than two minutes and the setting is completely free, reversible, and works identically across both prepaid and postpaid STC accounts.
Method 1: Switch via SMS Code (Fastest)
This is the quickest and most reliable method, and it works even without a mobile data connection since it uses standard SMS.
- Open your phone’s messaging app
- Type 1390
- Send it to 900
- Wait for a confirmation SMS (usually arrives within 1 to 2 minutes)
- Your STC SMS and system messages will now appear in English
To switch back to Arabic: Send the exact same code, 1390, to 900 again. The code works as a toggle — if your current language is Arabic, it switches to English, and if your current language is English, it switches back to Arabic. No separate code is needed for each direction.
Note: Some older or third-party sources mention separate codes (such as 1391 for switching back to Arabic). The current and most reliable method confirmed by STC is the single toggle code 1390, which flips your language setting each time you send it.
Method 2: Switch via the mySTC App
If you prefer a visual menu or want to manage multiple STC numbers from one account, the mySTC app gives you more control.
- Download and open the mySTC app (available on the App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android)
- Log in with your STC mobile number or Iqama
- Tap the Settings icon, usually located at the bottom of the screen
- Select Number Properties
- Tap on your mobile number
- Tap Contact Language
- Select your preferred language: Arabic or English
- Confirm — the change applies almost immediately
Best for: Anyone managing more than one STC line (for example, a family plan or multiple SIMs under MultiSIM), since the app lets you set the language independently for each number registered to your account.
Method 3: Call the STC Helpline
If SMS and the app are not working, or you simply prefer speaking with a representative:
- Call 900 from your STC number (free)
- Follow the automated prompts: press 2 for English service
- Press 1 to proceed with the number you are calling from
- Tell the representative you want to change your contact language to English (or Arabic)
- The representative updates your account language setting directly
Best for: Elderly users, anyone uncomfortable navigating apps or SMS codes, or situations where the SMS code does not produce a confirmation after a few attempts.
What Actually Changes When You Switch Language
It is worth being clear about exactly what this setting affects, since the scope is narrower than some users expect:
What changes:
- SMS notifications from STC (balance alerts, package confirmations, promotional offers)
- System messages and automated texts
- Some call center voice menu defaults may follow your saved preference
What does NOT change:
- Your account balance or active packages — these remain exactly as they were
- Your data allowance or call minutes — unaffected
- The mySTC app interface language — this is controlled separately in the app’s own language settings (usually a toggle in the top corner or within the app’s general settings) or your phone’s system language
- The stc.com.sa website language — also controlled independently via the language switcher on the site itself, typically in the top corner of the page
If you want everything (SMS, app, and website) in English, you may need to set each one individually, since the SMS/contact language setting controlled by code 1390 only governs the messages sent directly to your phone number.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Language Doesn’t Change
Sent 1390 but no confirmation message arrived: Wait a few minutes; delivery can occasionally be delayed on the network side. Confirm you sent the code exactly as 1390 (not 1309, 1930, or any other variation) to 900. If nothing arrives after 10 minutes, try restarting your phone and resending.
Confirmation arrived but messages are still in Arabic: There can be a short sync delay between your account setting and the messaging system. Give it up to a few hours. If it persists beyond a day, use the mySTC app method or call 900 to confirm the change was applied correctly on STC’s side.
The mySTC app does not show a Contact Language option: Ensure you are using the latest version of the app — update it from the App Store or Google Play if you have not done so recently. The menu path occasionally shifts between app versions; if Number Properties does not show Contact Language directly, check under Account Settings or My Profile instead.
Traveling or roaming and the code does not work: If your number is active and roaming is enabled, the SMS method generally works from abroad as well, though delivery speed can vary depending on your roaming network. If you are abroad and it is not working, the mySTC app (with WiFi or roaming data) is usually more reliable than the SMS method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my STC SIM language to English?
Send 1390 as an SMS to 900 from your STC number. This is a free, instant toggle that switches your contact language to English if it is currently Arabic. You will receive a confirmation message and your STC SMS and notifications will appear in English from that point onward. You can also make the change through the mySTC app under Settings, Number Properties, Contact Language, or by calling 900 and selecting the English language option.
How do I switch my STC SIM language back to Arabic?
Send the same code, 1390, to 900 again. The code works as a toggle: if your current language is English, sending 1390 switches it back to Arabic. There is no need to remember a separate code for each direction.
Does changing my STC SIM language cost anything?
No. Switching your STC SIM contact language between Arabic and English is completely free, regardless of how many times you do it or which method (SMS, app, or helpline) you use.
Does changing the SIM language affect my STC balance or data?
No. The language setting only controls which language your SMS notifications, balance alerts, and system messages are sent in. Your balance, active packages, data allowance, and call minutes are completely unaffected by this change.
Does this work for both STC prepaid and postpaid numbers?
Yes. The language switch method (SMS code 1390, mySTC app, or calling 900) works identically for Sawa prepaid numbers and Mofawtar postpaid numbers. There is no difference in process between the two account types.
How long does it take for the language change to apply?
Typically within 1 to 2 minutes after sending the SMS code, though it can occasionally take up to a few hours during high network load. The mySTC app change is usually faster, often applying within seconds of confirming your selection.
Can I change the mySTC app language separately from my SMS language?
Yes. The 1390 SMS code only controls the language of SMS messages and notifications sent to your phone number. The mySTC app interface language and the stc.com.sa website language are each controlled independently, typically through a language toggle within the app’s own settings menu or in the corner of the website.
Is there a different code for STC Sawa versus Mofawtar?
No. The same code, 1390 sent to 900, applies to both Sawa prepaid and Mofawtar postpaid accounts. There is no separate code needed based on your plan type.
Conclusion
Switching your STC SIM language between Arabic and English takes under two minutes and costs nothing. For most users, the SMS method (send 1390 to 900) is the fastest and most reliable option, working without any app download or internet connection. If you manage multiple numbers or prefer a visual interface, the mySTC app offers the same result with a few extra taps. And if neither works as expected, the STC helpline at 900 will resolve it directly.
Related STC guides on Saudi Scoop:
- STC eSIM Saudi Arabia 2026 for digital SIM activation and management
- STC Sawa Prepaid Internet Packages 2026 for all Sawa plans and codes
- STC Mofawtar Postpaid Plans 2026 for postpaid plan details
- How to Check STC SIM Number 2026 for balance and account check codes
DISCLAIMER: STC codes and procedures are subject to change at any time. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with STC. Always verify current methods at stc.com.sa or by calling 900.
Aleena Tanveer is a dentist, author, and writer with a passion for both healthcare and storytelling. She combines her medical expertise with her love for writing to create informative, engaging content that educates and inspires readers.
