Quick Answer
STC eSIM is available in Saudi Arabia for both prepaid and postpaid users in 2026. To activate one, open the mySTC app, go to Store, select Voice and Data SIM, choose your preferred package, and select Use eSIM. STC then provides a QR code that you scan through your phone’s eSIM settings for activation. Converting a physical SIM to eSIM costs SAR 57.50 for postpaid users and SAR 28.75 for prepaid users, including VAT. A brand-new STC eSIM number costs around SAR 40 as a one-time fee. Once activated, the eSIM becomes linked to that device, and switching phones requires requesting a new eSIM profile.
What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is programmed directly into your device’s hardware. Unlike a traditional plastic SIM card that you physically insert and remove, an eSIM is a tiny chip soldered permanently inside your phone. You activate it by scanning a QR code to download a carrier profile, with no physical handling required.
STC began offering eSIM services in Saudi Arabia in 2020, making it one of the first major operators in the country to adopt the technology. In 2026, STC’s eSIM service will be mature, widely used, and available for all plan types.
Why eSIM matters for different users:
For expats and residents: You can run two numbers simultaneously on a dual-SIM/eSIM device — your home-country number on a physical SIM and your Saudi STC number on the eSIM. No need to swap cards when traveling. No risk of losing a tiny plastic card.
For business travelers: Add an STC data profile when arriving in Saudi Arabia without visiting a store, then delete it when you leave. Your main number stays active throughout.
For Hajj and Umrah pilgrims: Compatible pilgrims can get an STC eSIM at the airport counter without waiting for a physical SIM delivery, then activate it immediately via QR code on hotel WiFi.
For people who change phones frequently: While the eSIM locks to a device, transferring between Apple devices of the same type is free. Android transfers require a new eSIM request.
For anyone who has lost or damaged a SIM: An eSIM can never be physically lost, broken, bent, or dropped out of a pocket.
STC eSIM vs Physical SIM: The Key Differences
Understanding the practical differences between an STC eSIM and a traditional physical SIM helps you make the right choice before committing.
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Digital (embedded in device) | Plastic card (nano/micro/standard) |
| Activation | QR code scan (requires internet) | Insert into SIM tray |
| Can be physically lost | No | Yes |
| Device lock after activation | Yes — locked to that device | No — portable between phones |
| Change phone process | Request new eSIM (small fee) | Only if the phone has dual SIM tray |
| Dual SIM capability | Yes (eSIM + physical SIM simultaneously) | Only if the phone has a dual SIM tray |
| Available at airport | Yes (some STC counters) | Yes (all STC counters) |
| Requires internet to activate | Yes | No |
| Works without carrier signal | Yes (activate via WiFi) | No (needs signal to first register) |
| Transfer between Apple devices | Free | Free (physical card) |
| Best for | Tech-comfortable users, dual SIM, travel | First-time users, elderly pilgrims, easy troubleshooting |
The one limitation that surprises most new eSIM users: Once you activate your STC eSIM on a specific device, that eSIM profile is permanently bound to that device’s hardware. If you buy a new phone, you cannot simply transfer the eSIM — you must request a new eSIM from STC, which incurs the upgrade fee again. The exception is Apple devices, where free eSIM transfer between devices of the same Apple ID is supported in certain scenarios.
Who Can Get an STC eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
STC eSIM is available to:
Saudi citizens: Register with National ID at any STC branch or via the mySTC app.
Expatriate residents (Iqama holders): Register with Iqama number. Both prepaid Sawa and postpaid Mofawtar eSIMs are available.
Visitors and tourists: Can request an STC Visitor eSIM at STC counters at Saudi airports (KAIA Jeddah, KKIA Riyadh, DMIA Dammam). Passport and visa required. The same Visitor SIM packages (Visitor 35, 52, 65, 89, 104) are available on eSIM as on physical SIM.
Hajj and Umrah pilgrims: Available at STC counters in airports and in Makkah and Madinah. Pilgrims with eSIM-compatible phones can activate at the airport arrival hall, then complete setup via QR code scan on hotel WiFi within minutes of arrival.
Method 1: Get a New STC eSIM Number via mySTC App
This is the recommended route for anyone who wants a new STC number delivered digitally without visiting a store.
- Download the mySTC app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Open the app and tap the Store tab at the bottom
- Select Voice and Data SIM
- Choose your plan type: Postpaid (Mofawtar, requires Iqama) or Prepaid (Sawa)
- Browse available plans and select the one you want
- On the SIM type screen, select Use eSIM (instead of physical SIM delivery)
- Complete your profile with your Iqama number and personal details
- Confirm and pay
- Your eSIM QR code is generated and appears in the app under My Orders
- Connect to WiFi on your device
- Navigate to your phone’s settings and scan the QR code (see device-specific steps below)
- Wait for the eSIM to download and activate — typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Important: Your device must be connected to the internet (either via WiFi or via an existing SIM’s data) during the QR code scanning step. If you attempt the scan without the internet, the activation will fail.
Method 2: Convert Your Existing Physical STC SIM to eSIM
If you already have an STC number on a physical SIM card and want to convert to eSIM:
Via mySTC app:
- Open the mySTC app
- Go to Manage Numbers (or Account section)
- Select Replace SIM
- Choose eSIM
- Confirm the conversion request
- A QR code is generated in the app
- Connect to WiFi
- Scan the QR code in your phone settings
- Wait for activation
- Your existing STC number is now on eSIM; the physical SIM becomes inactive
Cost: SAR 57.50 (postpaid) or SAR 28.75 (prepaid), including 15% VAT.
Via STC branch:
- Visit any STC store with your Iqama and your phone
- Request an eSIM conversion
- The store representative generates the QR code on their system
- You scan it in your phone settings in-store
- Activation completes while you wait
Important: Once you complete the eSIM conversion, the physical SIM card you used previously is permanently deactivated. Do not convert until you are ready to use the eSIM exclusively on that device.
Method 3: Buy via the STC Website (stc.com.sa)
- Go to stc.com.sa and log in to your account
- Navigate to Personal, then Mobile, then SIM Services, or search for eSIM
- Select eSIM order or replacement
- Choose your plan and confirm eSIM format
- Complete the order with payment
- QR code is delivered to your mySTC app or email
- Scan and activate as described above
Method 4: Get STC eSIM at a Branch (For First-Time or Visitors)
- Visit any STC store in Saudi Arabia with your Iqama or passport
- Request an eSIM (new number or conversion of existing number)
- The store staff generates the QR code on-site
- You scan it on your phone using the steps below while still in the store
- Staff can help troubleshoot if activation does not complete immediately
Recommended for: First-time eSIM users who want hands-on assistance, elderly pilgrims, and anyone whose device is unfamiliar to them. Being in-store when you scan the QR code means any technical issue can be resolved on the spot.
How to Scan the eSIM QR Code: Device-by-Device Guide
Once you have your STC eSIM QR code (from the mySTC app, the website, or generated in-store), activating it requires scanning it in your device settings. The exact path varies by device:
iPhone (iOS)
- Go to Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data on some regional iOS versions)
- Tap Add Cellular Plan
- Point your camera at the QR code and hold steady until it registers
- Tap Add Cellular Plan on the confirmation screen
- Choose your label (Primary or Secondary) if using dual SIM
- Choose which line to use for calls, data, and messages
- Wait for the plan to activate (30 seconds to 2 minutes)
Alternative iPhone activation via mySTC app: Open the mySTC app, go to My Orders, find the eSIM order, tap View SIM, then tap Activate eSIM on Device and follow the prompts. This bypasses the need to manually navigate iOS settings.
Samsung Galaxy (Android)
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM Manager
- Tap Add Mobile Plan
- Tap Scan Carrier QR Code
- Scan your STC QR code
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm
Google Pixel and Most Other Android Devices
- Go to Settings
- Tap Network and Internet (or Connections)
- Tap SIMs (or Mobile Network)
- Tap Add Mobile Plan or the + icon
- Tap Scan QR Code
- Scan your STC eSIM QR code
- Confirm activation
Huawei Devices
- Go to Settings
- Tap Mobile Network
- Tap Manage SIM Cards
- Tap Add eSIM
- Scan the QR code
- Follow prompts to complete
Apple Watch (LTE Models)
Apple Watch LTE models support eSIM for calling and data without needing the iPhone nearby:
- On your iPhone, open the Watch app
- Go to Mobile Data, then Set Up Mobile Data
- Follow the in-app steps to add an STC eSIM line to your Apple Watch
- The Watch uses its own eSIM profile, separate from your iPhone’s STC line
Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE
STC eSIM is supported on Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE models. Set up via the Galaxy Wearable app following the carrier activation steps for eSIM.
Supported Devices for STC eSIM
STC eSIM works on all devices with a hardware eSIM chip. As of 2026, compatible devices include:
Apple iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, 16 series, SE (2nd generation and later). All current iPhones support eSIM.
Apple iPad: iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later).
Apple Watch: Series 3 LTE and all LTE models since (Series 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ultra, Ultra 2, SE).
Samsung Galaxy: S20 series and all S series since, Z Fold series, Z Flip series, Galaxy Watch LTE models.
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later (most Pixel models except some region-specific variants).
Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, and newer models with eSIM support. Note: Some Huawei models require manual APN configuration after eSIM activation.
Other devices: Most flagship Android devices from 2021 onward support eSIM. Check your specific model in Settings under SIM or Cellular to confirm.
How to check if your device supports eSIM:
- iPhone: Go to Settings, General, About. If you see an EID number (Embedded Identification Number), your device supports eSIM.
- Android: Go to Settings, About Phone, and look for an EID entry. Alternatively, go to Connections or SIM Manager and look for an “Add Mobile Plan” or “Add eSIM” option.
Devices that do NOT support eSIM: Entry-level Android phones from most brands, all Huawei devices released after the US ban that removed Google services, and some market-specific variants of otherwise eSIM-compatible models.
Using Dual SIM with STC eSIM
One of the strongest practical advantages of eSIM is the ability to run two active phone numbers simultaneously on a single device. This is called Dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM).
Common dual SIM setups used by residents and expats:
Setup 1 (Most popular for expats): Home-country SIM (physical, for receiving calls from family and maintaining your home number) + STC Sawa eSIM (for local Saudi data and calls). Both active simultaneously. Your home SIM receives calls from your family; your STC eSIM handles all local Saudi network activity.
Setup 2 (Business travelers): Business SIM (physical, for your company number) + STC Visitor eSIM (for data during Saudi Arabia stay). Delete the STC eSIM profile when you leave.
Setup 3 (Budget optimization): Zain or Mobily physical SIM (for calls if you get better call rates) + STC eSIM (for data, using STC’s widest 5G coverage).
How to manage dual SIM on iPhone:
- Settings, Cellular: you see two lines listed (Primary and Secondary or custom labels)
- Set which line handles calls by default
- Set which line handles data by default
- Set which line handles SMS
- You can enable “Allow Mobile Data Switching” to automatically use the line with the better signal for data
How to manage dual SIM on Samsung/Android:
- Settings, Connections, SIM Manager: both lines visible
- Set default SIM for calls, data, and messages separately
- Turn either line on or off independently
STC APN Settings for eSIM
In most cases, the STC APN settings are configured automatically when you activate the eSIM. If your data is not working after activation, manually entering the APN settings resolves the issue in almost all cases.
STC APN settings:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| APN Name | stcm |
| APN | stcm |
| Username | (leave blank) |
| Password | (leave blank) |
| MCC | 420 |
| MNC | 01 |
| Authentication type | None |
| APN type | default |
How to set APN on iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Network, APN: enter stcm. Leave all other fields blank.
How to set APN on Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names, tap the + icon, enter the values above, then save.
After entering the APN settings, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh the connection.
Troubleshooting: Common STC eSIM Problems
QR code scan fails or is not recognized: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (WiFi recommended). Poor internet is the most common cause of eSIM activation failure. Move closer to a WiFi router, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If scanning via the camera is not working, try entering the QR code details manually (the numeric code below the QR image).
eSIM downloaded but no signal after activation: Wait 5 minutes for the network to register your device. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Restart your phone. If still no signal, check the APN settings (stcm) as described above.
“This plan is already in use.” This means the eSIM profile has already been activated on another device. Contact STC customer care at 900 to report the issue and request a fresh QR code.
eSIM activated but mobile data not working: Check that the eSIM line is set as the default data line in your Dual SIM settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data, and ensure the STC eSIM line is selected. On Android, go to SIM Manager and confirm the STC line is set for mobile data.
Activated on old phone, now have a new phone: Your STC eSIM is locked to the original device. You need to request a new eSIM from STC (via the mySTC app or at any STC branch). The standard upgrade fee applies. For Apple users, check if the free Apple-to-Apple transfer path is available for your specific device models before paying.
QR code expired: STC eSIM QR codes have a limited validity window. If your QR code was generated more than a few hours ago and has not been scanned, it may have expired. Request a new QR code through the mySTC app under My Orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open the mySTC app, go to Store, select Voice and Data SIM, choose your preferred plan (prepaid or postpaid), and select Use eSIM instead of a physical SIM. A QR code is generated in your app. Connect to WiFi and scan the QR code in your phone’s cellular settings. Activation completes in under 2 minutes. Alternatively, visit any STC branch with your Iqama or passport to have the QR code generated in-store.
Converting an existing physical STC SIM to eSIM costs SAR 57.50 for postpaid numbers and SAR 28.75 for prepaid numbers, including 15% VAT. Getting a brand-new eSIM number from STC costs a one-time fee of approximately SAR 40. Transferring an eSIM between Apple devices is free of charge. After the initial setup fee, you only pay for your chosen prepaid or postpaid plan.
STC eSIM is supported on iPhone XS and all later iPhone models, all iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models from 2018 onward, Apple Watch Series 3 LTE and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Samsung Z Fold and Z Flip series, Google Pixel 3 and later, Huawei P40 and later, and most flagship Android devices from 2021 onward. To verify your specific device, look for an EID number in Settings under About Phone or About Device.
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible smartphones support Dual SIM: running a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. This lets you keep your home-country SIM active for calls and SMS while using your STC eSIM for local Saudi data and calls. You set which line handles calls, data, and SMS independently in your phone’s SIM settings.
Yes. The eSIM QR code scan requires an active internet connection to download and install the carrier profile. Connect to WiFi (hotel, airport, or any available network) before scanning the QR code. If you have an existing SIM with data in a second slot, that connection also works. Attempting to scan the QR code without internet will fail.
No. Once an STC eSIM is activated on a specific device, it is locked to that device’s hardware. If you get a new phone, you must request a new eSIM replacement from STC via the mySTC app or at a branch. The standard replacement fee applies. The exception is Apple-to-Apple transfers, which in some configurations can be done without an additional fee.
Yes. Visitors and Hajj or Umrah pilgrims with eSIM-compatible phones can request an STC Visitor eSIM at STC counters in Saudi airports. You need your passport and Saudi visa. The same Visitor SIM packages (Visitor 35, Visitor 52, Visitor 89, and others) are available on eSIM. The eSIM QR code is generated at the counter, and you scan it on the hotel WiFi after check-in.
If you cancel your STC plan or it expires (prepaid), the eSIM profile remains on your device but becomes inactive. Activating a new plan on the same number reactivates it. If you switch to a completely different STC number, a new eSIM profile is needed.
Yes. If you need to revert to a physical SIM (for example, to move to a phone that does not support eSIM), visit any STC branch and request a new physical SIM for your number. The same STC number transfers back to the physical card. Standard SIM replacement fees may apply.
The STC APN setting is stcm. In most cases, it configures automatically on activation. If data is not working, go to Settings, Cellular Data Network (iPhone) or Mobile Networks, Access Point Names (Android), and manually enter stcm in the APN field. Leave all other fields blank. Toggle Airplane Mode to refresh.
STC eSIM vs Third-Party eSIM Providers
Some travelers and short-stay visitors consider international eSIM providers (Airalo, Gigago, eSIMNeo, and others) as an alternative to getting an STC eSIM directly. Here is an honest comparison:
| Feature | STC eSIM (direct) | International eSIM provider |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi number (SMS/calls) | Yes — full local number | No — data only |
| Absher OTP delivery | Yes (via SMS to Saudi number) | No |
| Bank OTP delivery | Yes | No |
| WhatsApp verification | Yes | No |
| Data quality | STC’s own 5G network | Depends on partner network |
| Price (short term) | SAR 40 to 102 (2 to 4 weeks) | USD 4 to 20 (data only) |
| Setup | mySTC app or branch (QR code) | Instant online purchase + QR email |
| Iqama required | Yes (for residents); passport for visitors | No |
| Best for | Residents, expats, anyone needing a Saudi number | Tourists wanting data only, no local number |
The critical difference: A local STC number is required to receive SMS OTPs from Absher, Saudi banks, government services, and WhatsApp verification. If you need any of these, an international data-only eSIM cannot substitute for an actual STC number.
Conclusion: Is the STC eSIM Worth It?
For most residents and frequent visitors to Saudi Arabia, the STC eSIM is the cleanest solution to mobile connectivity available. The SAR 28.75 to 57.50 conversion fee is a one-time cost that removes the need to ever handle a physical SIM again, enables dual SIM for international travelers, and eliminates the risk of losing or damaging your SIM card.
For pilgrims arriving in Makkah or Madinah, the eSIM option at the airport counter combined with QR activation on hotel WiFi is faster and less stressful than physical SIM setup, provided your device is compatible.
The only meaningful limitation is the device lock: once activated, the eSIM stays on that device. Plan your conversion around when you are stable with your current phone, rather than in the middle of a phone upgrade.
For everything else, the mySTC app handles activation, management, plan changes, and package activation identically to a physical SIM — just without the card.
Related STC guides on Saudi Scoop:
- STC Sawa Prepaid Internet Packages 2026 for all Sawa plans available on eSIM
- STC Mofawtar Postpaid Plans 2026 for postpaid plans available on eSIM
- Visitor SIM Card Packages Saudi Arabia 2026 for tourist and pilgrim SIM options
- How to Check STC SIM Number 2026 for Account Management Codes
DISCLAIMER: STC eSIM costs, activation steps, and device compatibility are subject to change. All prices include 15% VAT. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with STC. Always verify current procedures 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.
