Are you willing to know what is Android STK, and why it is on your smartphone? Then, you have come to the right place. In this article, you get to learn about Android STK, how Android STK works, and other details about it. Android STK or Android SIM toolkit is a system app that is available on the latest Android smartphones. Once you insert a SIM into your smartphone, phone STK will be enabled. The important functions of STK are mainly connected to performing different carrier services. As soon as you insert a SIM, the app will detect the service provider automatically. Then, you get to see all the information on the display.
STK Android can showcase the package details and subscriptions of the current SIM card. However, this app displays a null problem sometimes and can not connect with the server. Let’s go through this article to learn how to fix this kind of issue.
What is Android STK on Your Phone?
It is called the SIM Toolkit App Android. The software is usually installed on the carrier provider’s SIM card. Once you insert a SIM into your Android smartphone, the STK software will be installed automatically. This app allows you to check different network plans and subscriptions.
The app’s package name is Com.android.stk. If you see the app on your phone, you can make sure that the package will also be available there. The app has a different name on the old phones. However, this software now has some advanced features. Enabling a higher security level is one of the advanced features of this software. The app is available on the latest phones as a SIM ToolKit App.
More Information about Android STK:
It’s an app that lets you access different information and services which the mobile network operator provides through the SIM card. You can access different information like SMS packages, call packages, etc. Different networks will display their company-relevant menus.
STK is a set of commands that can define the interaction of a SIM Card with the outside world and is programmed into the SIM card. A few common SIM Toolkit applications are as follows:
- Asking for user input
- Launching apps like browser
- Playing tones
- Showing text as SIM Toolkit as service has instructed
Things You Should Know About Android STK:
In order to run some features, it is necessary to use the STK-based menu on the SIM. These features depend on the provider’s SIM. If you are willing to switch SIM, menus are going to be changed accordingly. You can get information from menus about different things including Entertainment, SIM numbers, Horoscopes Details, etc. Additionally, New & Weather reports, Sports Information, Menu Prices, etc are some topics about which you can get information.
In order to run apps on GSM network-based SIM cards, the STK app was developed. Service providers and mobile network operators use this standard. Their aim is to execute those actions which can trigger different value-added services. In order to bring menus and custom UI of a carrier on separate handsets, it is possible to implement the value-added services on your SIM card. Generally, all the features are paid for. Network companies charge some cents for a subscription on a regular basis and some $ for subscriptions on a monthly basis.
What Feature Does The Android STK Offer?
The operation of Android SIM toolkit is divided into different groups that can provide different functions.
- User Interface Control: This feature allows you to play tones. In addition, it helps to display text and menus. Besides, you can select language notifications and the menu item.
- SIM Control: This feature allows you to check poll intervals and enable events. Besides, it enables you to refresh SIM cards and disable polling. Moreover, switching ON/OFF SIM card and getting reader status are possible.
- Network Control: You are able to send short messages and set up a call using the feature. Additionally, you can send USSD and DTMF info.
- Inter-networking Control: This feature helps to send or receive data and allows you to open channels and the browser. Also, it enables you to retain channel status.
- Other Functions: It lets you access local phone info and timer management.
Are you wondering what all these things mean? In simple words, this app lets you use the value-added services of your operator easily. Based on the operator, you will get services. For example, you can get utility services such as information about air info, International calls, missed calls, and rail info. In addition, your operator can provide caller tunes, sports scores, news, astrology, jokes, etc. Also, it allows you to contact your operator’s customer care directly.
Moreover, the app offers enhanced security to its users for digital transactions. The reason is that the app enables your identity’s encryption and verification.
How Does Android STK Work?
The Toolkit app does not rely on your smartphone’s model. It looks almost the same on every Android device. Menus and options, which are available on-screen are the things that make this app different from one phone to another. The options you get from a network could be different from other value-added services of a carrier. With the help of the app, you can initiate the SIM of your phone. Also, you can use the app to relay commands between your network and smartphone.
Imagine the app is a client-server, and your smartphone is working as the client. Your inserted SIM card works as server-side. Many layers are implemented by this app in order to work with your smartphone and service provider. The layers are:
- RIL: Vendor-side software
- SIM Toolkit: It uses machine code to translate raw text from RIL into the app.
- UI: This interface can read the application-level messages. These are available as menus and options on the smartphone.
Previously, the app was locked using a phone lock or a PIN in order to avoid the misuse of its applications. When the toolkit is locked, you could not access the app on your smartphone without the SIM card.
Before 4G, the toolkit was based on the GSM 11.14 standard. For LTE SIMs, 3GPP 31.111 is the current standard that incorporates the USIM Application Toolkit for 3G-based networks.
How to Use SIM Toolkit on Android:
The app will showcase a list containing services or options that are available for a SIM card. Such options rely on the service or carrier provider. These are as follows:
- Balance inquiry
- Recharge or top-up
- Entertainment
- Roaming services
- Value-added services
You need to open the application on the Android smartphone. After opening the app, you have to choose the service or option you are willing to use.
How to Open STK File On Android:
- If you are willing to open the app on your smartphone, your task is to open the settings of your phone.
- Then, you have to tap on Apps or App Manager.
- Now, your job is to look for the toolkit app which has a SIM icon or Android shape icon.
- After selecting the app, your task is to click on the option ‘open’.
- You will then see a list of menus appearing on the display. According to your needs, you are able to select any of these menus.
- As soon as you choose a package you like, the carrier network on the SIM card will activate it automatically.
How to Access SIM Toolkit Android:
It is simple to access the SIM Toolkit on an Android smartphone. Your only task is to navigate to the app’s menu or phone’s settings. Then, you need to search for the Toolkit app. As soon as you find the app, you can open it by tapping on the icon. Now, you are able to explore every feature it offers.
You can generally see the app in the app drawer menu. Otherwise, you are also capable of finding this under apps in the settings. Based on the carrier and device you use, the app will have a different icon or name. These include:
- SIM Services
- SIM Menu
- SIM toolkit
How to Enable SIM Toolkit Android:
The steps you have to follow to enable the app are as follows:
- Your first job is to navigate to the Settings App.
- Then, you need to select Wireless & Networks.
- After that, you have to tap on Dual SIM Settings.
- Finally, your job is to tick the slider off.
SIM Toolkit is Not Ready Or Unsupported:
You can see the message “SIM Toolkit is Not Ready or Unsupported” on your device. Remember that the message appears when there is any compatibility issue on your smartphone with the network. When you try to change the SIM card or restart your smartphone, you will see the message appearing despite turning off the flash messages. A notification appears saying that you have to register on UPI apps. If you face this kind of situation, you need to call the network carrier’s helpline so that they can check the problem manually and fix the problem.
Is Android STK Spyware?
No, it’s not a spyware. Although the app uses storage and data, it is safe to use. Disabling the app will be the best option if this app consumes a lot of data. This tool allows you to access different SIM card services. However, ensure that security and privacy of your smartphone are not affected by other suspicious apps.
SIM Toolkit App Download:
Once you insert your SIM, you will see the app installed on your smartphone. If you are unable to find the app in your smartphone, you need to download it from the Play Store. Otherwise, you can download this from any third-party source. If you want, install the SIM Tool Manager from the Play Store. The app can display contact numbers. Also, it offers detailed information about devices, SIM cards and network operators.
Do You Need The SIM Toolkit App?
In order to run the smartphone, a SIM Toolkit app is not essential. However, it lets you subscribe to the value-added services. Do you prefer SMS-based services? If so, then you can keep the app. The app can be removed if you find that the app is not beneficial to you.
Can Users Disable Android STK?
The app is integrated into the smartphone via SIM. Therefore, you are unable to disable the app. This important feature allows operators to activate new SIM cards. You can’t disable this because it is a crucial part of the smartphone. Remember that the app will not obstruct the use of your smartphone. Therefore, you should leave this as is.
How Can You Disable SIM ToolKit?
It is not recommended to uninstall or remove the app forcibly from your smartphone. However, you should know that disabling the app for some time can be a temporary solution. As a user, you may receive plenty of notifications sometimes which come from a system when the network will not be aligned with the smartphone. Turning off notifications is possible by settings. By navigating to the settings for a specific app, you can turn the notification alerts off.
The Bottom Line:
In this article, we have discussed what is Android STK. In conclusion, it can be said that this is a supportive application for users and can offer all the details without the internet connection. While the app supports caller tunes, it is capable of managing mobile data settings. Additionally, you can get customer service information on the menus. This one is a useful app for smartphones. So, as a user, you should not disable the app until you find it consuming too much data or storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to remove the SIM Toolkit?
Most smartphone users think whether the SIM Toolkit (STK) is safe or spyware. Simply, it can be said that it is safe. The STK, which is considered a standard component of the GSM SIM card, can offer several network and value-added services.
- How can you restore the SIM Toolkit?
Sometimes, you are unable to find the app on your smartphone. Or it may happen that the app is deleted accidentally. In that case, you can restore the app. To do this, you have to first navigate to the phone’s settings or app store. Then, your job is to search for the option to download the SIM Toolkit app or reinstall it.
- What happens if you clear SIM Toolkit data?
Once you clear the toolkit data, you will erase everything that you saved previously. In recent times, most telephones do not keep whatever is on the SIM. Therefore, if you clear the SIM Toolkit, it may erase records related to chat, song videos, horoscopes, and so on.
