Idea Cellular Customer Care Number (now Vi™ – Vodafone Idea Limited): Complete, Up‑to‑date Guide

Idea Cellular merged with Vodafone India to form Vodafone Idea Limited on 31 August 2018, and the unified brand “Vi” was launched on 7 September 2020. If you are searching for the old “Idea customer care no,” you should now use Vi’s support channels. This guide lists the working nationwide helpline numbers, essential SMS/USSD codes, escalation steps, and official addresses so you can get quick, accurate help.

All numbers and processes below are current for Vi (formerly Idea) subscribers across India. Keep your Vi number, last recharge amount, and any Service Request Number (SRN) handy when you contact support to speed up resolution.

The right Idea/Vi customer care numbers to dial

The fastest way to reach a live agent is from your Vi mobile. Dial 198 for complaints (toll‑free) or 199 for general queries, plan info, activation, VAS issues, and account support (199 is chargeable as per your base plan’s call rates). Both numbers are available 24×7 with IVR options in English, Hindi, and your circle language.

For DND (Do Not Disturb) or unsolicited commercial communication complaints and preferences, use the TRAI‑mandated shortcode 1909. For mobile number portability, send an SMS (see details below) to 1900 to receive your Unique Porting Code (UPC). These shortcodes work uniformly across operators in India.

• 198 — Vi complaint helpline (toll‑free). Use for billing disputes, service faults, network issues, service outages, and formal complaints; you will receive an SRN by SMS.
• 199 — Vi general care (chargeable as per plan). Use for plan information, activation/deactivation of packs, roaming queries, and account assistance.
• 1909 — DND help. Call to set preferences, or send SMS commands (START/STOP) to manage DND as per TRAI rules.
• 1900 — MNP (porting). Send “PORT <your 10‑digit mobile number>” by SMS to obtain your UPC for porting to another operator.

Calling from a non‑Vi phone or from overseas: Vi provides circle‑specific “long” customer care numbers (standard mobile numbers) for each state/circle. These are published on the official site under Help & Support. Visit https://www.myvi.in/help-support, choose your circle, and use the listed contact; standard local/ISD charges apply when calling from non‑Vi lines.

Use the Vi website and app for faster self‑service

The Vi portal at https://www.myvi.in lets you sign in with OTP, check balance and validity, view active packs, raise and track complaints (SRNs), download bills, and pay/recharge instantly. The Help & Support section includes FAQs, complaint tracking, and a store locator.

The Vi App (search “Vi App” on Google Play and Apple App Store) mirrors these capabilities and adds chat support, real‑time usage analytics, quick pack activation, and offers personalized to your number. In many cases, tasks like data top‑ups, pack changes, PUK retrieval instructions, and SIM replacement requests are faster in the app than over IVR.

Tip: When you raise a complaint via the website/app, you will immediately get a Service Request Number by SMS and on‑screen. Save this SRN; you’ll need it for any escalation to the Nodal Officer or Appellate Authority.

Escalation path and how to get issues resolved

Step 1 — Frontline resolution: Call 198 (toll‑free) or raise a ticket in the Vi App/website. Ask the agent to confirm the SRN and the committed resolution date/time. Network faults, billing disputes, and activation/deactivation requests are typically handled at this level.

Step 2 — Nodal Officer: If the issue is not resolved by the promised date or the resolution is unsatisfactory, escalate with your SRN to your circle’s Nodal Officer. The contact details (phone/email/working hours) are listed by circle at https://www.myvi.in/help-support (look for “Nodal Officer”). Document all interactions (dates, times, and responses).

Step 3 — Appellate Authority: If the nodal escalation does not resolve the issue, file an appeal with your circle’s Appellate Authority within 90 days of the SRN closure or missed resolution. As per TRAI consumer grievance regulations, the Appellate Authority is required to adjudicate appeals within a defined timeframe (generally within a few weeks, not exceeding three months). If needed, you may also lodge a grievance on the Government of India’s PG Portal at https://www.pgportal.gov.in/ under the Department of Telecommunications, referencing your SRNs and all correspondence.

Frequently used self‑service codes (fastest for routine requests)

Many common tasks can be completed without waiting on an agent. The following USSD and SMS codes are widely supported across Vi circles. If a code doesn’t respond in your circle, use the Vi App or call 199 to have the action completed by an agent.

• *199# — Opens Vi’s interactive USSD menu for balance, validity, data usage, active plans, and best offers. Navigate via on‑screen prompts.
• Send “START 0” to 1909 — Activates full DND (blocks all promotional calls/SMS). You can also send “START 1” through “START 7” to allow only specific categories as per TRAI (e.g., 1=Banking/Insurance/Financial, 2=Real Estate, etc.).
• Send “STOP” to 1909 — Deactivates DND or resets preferences; you will receive a confirmation SMS.
• Send “PORT <10‑digit number>” to 1900 — Requests your Unique Porting Code (UPC) for MNP. The UPC typically arrives within minutes by SMS and remains valid for a limited period as per TRAI rules; do not share it publicly.

For SIM loss or suspected fraud, immediately block your SIM via the Vi App or by calling 198/199 from another phone (use your circle’s long contact from the Help & Support page). Follow up with a SIM replacement at a Vi Store with valid KYC documents.

Corporate and regulatory information (for formal correspondence)

Operator identity: Vodafone Idea Limited (formerly Idea Cellular Limited and Vodafone India). Brand name in market: Vi. Merger completion date: 31 August 2018. Brand launch: 7 September 2020. Official website: https://www.myvi.in

Registered Office (as historically associated with the Idea entity and continued post‑merger): Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector 11, Gandhinagar – 382011, Gujarat, India.

Corporate/Head Office (Mumbai): Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai – 400030, Maharashtra, India. For physical submissions (e.g., legal notices), send via registered post/courier and retain acknowledgment; include your Vi number, circle, SRN(s), copies of bills/SMS, and a concise problem statement.

Find a Vi Store and handle SIM replacements

Store locator: https://www.myvi.in/stores shows nearby Vi Stores with addresses and timings. You can filter by city or allow location access to find the nearest outlet for KYC, SIM swap (lost/damaged), eSIM activation (supported devices), bill payment, and number portability assistance.

Carry an original government‑issued photo ID and address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or DL as accepted in your circle). SIM replacement typically completes within minutes after KYC; a nominal replacement charge may apply as per circle tariff. For corporate connections, carry an authorization letter on company letterhead along with the corporate ID proof specified by Vi.