Idea Care Customer Care Number: The Complete 2025 Guide (Now Vi)

What “Idea Care” Means Today

Idea Cellular merged with Vodafone India in August 2018, creating Vodafone Idea Limited. In September 2020, the unified brand “Vi” was launched. If you’re looking for the Idea customer care number, you should now use Vi customer support channels. Your old Idea SIM and number continue to work, and the support process is handled by Vi across all 22 telecom circles in India.

This guide explains exactly which numbers to dial, what to expect in terms of charges and response times, how to escalate complaints, and where to find official, up-to-date contact details. It is designed to help you resolve issues like billing disputes, network problems, SIM replacement, plan changes, MNP (porting), and VAS (value-added service) deactivation without going in circles.

The Definitive Customer Care Numbers and Digital Channels

The two most important customer care short codes are 198 and 199. These are standardized across operators by regulation and remain the primary helplines for former Idea (now Vi) customers. 198 is reserved for complaints and is toll-free, while 199 is for general queries and requests and may be chargeable per your base plan.

In addition to voice support, Vi provides web and app channels that are often faster for plan changes, recharges, and service requests. The My Vi app also keeps a record of your Service Request (SR) numbers—useful if you need to escalate. If you are calling from a non-Vi number, use the website to locate a circle-specific number or visit a Vi Store with identity proof for SIM-related work.

• From your Vi/Idea mobile: 198 (toll-free) for complaints; 199 (charges may apply) for requests, plan info, and general queries.
• Regulatory hotlines: 1909 to activate/deactivate DND; 1900 to generate a porting code (send PORT <10-digit-number> by SMS to 1900; SMS is charged at standard rates).
• Official website: https://www.myvi.in/help-support/contact-us for current circle-wise contact options, store locator, and chat support.
• Self-care: My Vi app (Android and iOS) for plan changes, data add-ons, bill payments, and tracking SR numbers without calling.

Hours, Languages, Charges, and What to Keep Handy

Helplines via 198 and 199 are available 24×7 with IVR. Live agent availability can vary by circle and time of day. You’ll typically get the shortest wait times on weekdays between 10:00 and 12:00. Evenings, weekends, and month-end (billing cycles) tend to be busiest. IVR will offer language choices based on your circle; Hindi and English are widely available, with additional regional languages depending on location.

198 is toll-free for complaints. 199 may be billed at your base voice rate or standard charge as per your plan; check your plan’s tariff for exact pricing. For SMS to 1900 (porting) and 1909 (DND), standard SMS rates apply—expect approximately Rs 1 to Rs 3 per SMS if not covered by your plan. Keep your Vi number, last recharge/bill details, and a government ID handy for KYC-related requests (SIM swap, eSIM, or ownership change) to avoid repeat calls.

How to Raise and Escalate a Complaint (Your Rights and Timelines)

When you call 198 or raise a ticket via the My Vi app/web, insist on an SR (Service Request) or complaint number. You should receive it by SMS or in-app. This reference is essential for tracking and escalation. Describe your issue concisely, include dates, amounts, locations (for network issues), and your preferred resolution (e.g., bill correction of Rs 249 on invoice dated 05-Apr-2025).

If your issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, or within the time promised in the acknowledgement, escalate to your circle’s Nodal Officer, and then to the Appellate Authority. You will find circle-specific Nodal and Appellate contacts (email, phone, and postal address) on the Vi site: https://www.myvi.in/help-support/complain. As per consumer grievance regulations, you generally have up to 90 days from the date of the original complaint to file an appeal with the Appellate Authority, which is required to adjudicate within a defined timeframe (commonly up to 3 months). Always include your SR number, evidence (screenshots, bills), and a clear requested remedy in escalations.

Practical Tips to Get Faster, Better Resolutions

Clarity and documentation save time. Before you call or chat, write down the exact issue, when it started, any steps you tried, and your expected outcome. For billing issues, quote invoice numbers and line items. For network problems, run two to three tests with timestamps and locations (e.g., PIN code, landmark), and, if possible, include speed-test metrics (download, upload, latency) and signal indicators.

Digital channels are often quicker for routine tasks such as migrating to eSIM, changing plans, activating roaming, or deactivating value-added services. If a charge reappears after you deactivated a service, reference the original deactivation SR in your new complaint; repeated occurrences after a confirmed deactivation strengthen your case for a refund and penalty waiver.

• Always ask for and save the SR number; if it’s not sent by SMS, request it explicitly and note the date/time and agent name.
• For billing disputes, pay the undisputed portion before the due date to avoid late fees or service suspension; dispute only the contested amount with supporting evidence.
• For MNP (porting), generate a UPC by SMSing PORT <your-number> to 1900, which is valid for a limited time; complete porting at the new operator with KYC within that window.
• For SIM loss/theft, immediately block via 199 or the app, then visit a Vi Store with ID for replacement; ask if a SIM replacement fee applies in your circle.
• If you experience repeated call drops in a fixed area, request a network complaint via 198 and a field investigation; provide 3–5 recent timestamps and location details.

Addresses and Official Links You Can Trust

Registered Office (Vodafone Idea Limited): Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector 11, Gandhinagar 382011, Gujarat, India. Use this for formal correspondence if instructed in writing or when filing escalations that require postal documentation. For day-to-day service, the Vi Store and digital channels are faster and trackable.

Official online resources: Start with https://www.myvi.in for plans, recharges, and support. For contact options and store locator, use https://www.myvi.in/help-support/contact-us. For complaint escalation (Nodal/Appellate), use https://www.myvi.in/help-support/complain. Avoid third-party numbers or websites; phishing is common—verify that URLs are on the myvi.in domain and that any emails come from official Vi domains before sharing personal or KYC details.

Summary: Which Number Should You Use?

For former Idea (now Vi) customers, dial 198 (toll-free) for complaints and 199 for general queries and requests. Use 1909 for DND and SMS PORT to 1900 for porting. When in doubt, the My Vi app and the official contact pages above provide the most current, circle-specific details and escalation contacts. Keep your SR numbers and evidence organized—doing so dramatically improves turnaround time and outcomes.

How do I contact Idea?

Contact IDEA

1. Email us: [email protected].
2. Text us: +1 301-678-3210.
3. Write us:

What is contact vi?

You can call us on 199. Connect with us via Vi WhatsApp number 9654297000. Reach us at [email protected]. Or chat with us via the Vi chatbot (Vic — available 24×7)

What is a customer care number?

A customer care number is a direct line to a company’s support team. Often toll-free, it offers customers an easy, cost-free way to connect. Prominently displayed on websites and products, it serves as a critical touchpoint for enhancing trust and ensuring seamless communication.

What is 198 phone number in India?

You can complain to Vodafone by sending an SMS to the complaint number 198. This number is available for various regions, and you can find the specific number for your region on the Vodafone website. How to port my number to Vi?