Idea Company Customer Care Number: The Complete, Up-to-Date Guide (Vodafone Idea/Vi)

First Things First: “Idea” Is Now Vi (Vodafone Idea)

Idea Cellular merged with Vodafone India on 31 August 2018 to form Vodafone Idea Limited, and the unified consumer brand “Vi” launched on 7 September 2020. If you’re looking for the Idea customer care number today, you should use Vi’s customer care channels. SIM cards, plans, and services that were previously under the Idea brand are supported by Vi without any change in your mobile number.

All India–standard care numbers for mobile users remain valid under TRAI’s short-code framework. The two numbers you’ll use the most are 198 (complaints) and 199 (information and requests). Additional regulatory helplines like 1909 for DND are also active across operators, including Vi.

Primary Helplines (India-Wide) and What They’re For

Use the correct helpline to get a faster resolution and the right queue. Calling from your Vi (ex-Idea) number ensures your account is automatically identified on the IVR, which speeds up verification and routing.

Charges vary by number: 198 is toll-free for complaints from your Vi number. 199 is typically chargeable at standard call rates unless your plan includes free service calls; check your plan details. Regulatory helplines like 1909 are toll-free.

• 198 (toll-free): Register a complaint (e.g., network, billing, wrong VAS activation, recharge issues). Keep the complaint “docket number” you receive by SMS.
• 199 (may be chargeable): Plan/recharge info, data balance queries, SIM swap status, value-added services, IR activation, tariff details, and general requests.
• 1909 (toll-free): DND activation/deactivation and unsolicited commercial communication complaints. You can call 1909 or send an SMS as guided by the IVR.
• Emergency/critical actions: If your phone is lost/stolen, call 198 immediately to block your SIM; follow up at a Vi store for a replacement SIM with KYC.

Digital Support: Fastest Alternatives to Calling

Website: myvi.in offers account management, recharges, plan changes, itemized usage for postpaid, and complaint tracking. Use “Help” or “Support” to raise/track requests if you don’t want to call. This is especially useful when traveling or if you’re temporarily not reachable on your Vi SIM.

Vi App: Available on Google Play and the App Store as “Vi” or “Vi App.” It allows instant plan changes, add-ons, complaint registration, SIM swap status, and bill payments. Log in with your Vi number and OTP. App chat typically routes you to care agents after the bot triage, reducing wait time versus IVR queues.

WhatsApp, Social Media, and Store Support

WhatsApp Care: Start the official WhatsApp chat via myvi.in (Help > WhatsApp). This ensures you reach the verified Vi Care account for your circle. You can check plan details, file simple requests, and receive links for payments or add-ons. For security, never share full card numbers or OTPs on chat.

Social handles: On X (Twitter), use @ViCustomerCare for public mentions and DMs. Provide your contact number only via DM and request a “docket ID” for every service issue. For in-person help, use the Store Locator on myvi.in to find the nearest Vi Store or Mini Store; carry original ID for SIM-related work.

Escalation and Getting Things Resolved

Every complaint gets a “docket number” via SMS or app notification. Keep this ID and the date/time of your call. If the promised resolution date passes without a fix—or if the resolution is unsatisfactory—you can escalate to the Nodal Officer and, subsequently, the Appellate Authority for your circle (state). Both contacts and escalation forms are published at myvi.in under Help/Contact.

When escalating, attach evidence: screenshots of deductions, speed tests with time/location, recharge receipts, and call/SMS timestamps. For billing disputes, include invoice numbers and the exact charge line items. Clear documentation shortens investigation times and reduces back-and-forth.

• Level 1: 198/199 or App/Website complaint. Note the docket number and the resolution due date shared by Vi.
• Level 2 (Nodal Officer): Escalate if the due date passes or the resolution is unsatisfactory. Quote your docket number and provide fresh evidence, if any.
• Level 3 (Appellate Authority): File within the timeline stated on the circle page, attaching all prior correspondence and docket numbers. You’ll receive an appellate docket for tracking.

Practical Scenarios and Exact Steps

Lost/stolen phone: Immediately call 198 from another phone (or use the Help section on myvi.in) to block your SIM. Visit a Vi Store with original ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence) and a passport-size photo if requested. SIM replacement typically incurs a nominal fee (commonly ₹0–₹100, varies by circle) and activates within a few hours after KYC. Ask the agent to link the existing complaint docket to your SIM swap for continuity.

Wrong deduction/unknown VAS: Call 198 the same day for best chances of reversal. Note the exact time and amount of deduction. If a value-added service was auto-activated, request a refund and permanent VAS barring. You can also ask to enable “service barring” for chargeable caller tunes/third-party content. Keep the refund confirmation SMS.

Porting and DND

Porting: To port your number to Vi (or out of Vi), send an SMS “PORT <10-digit mobile number>” to 1900. You’ll receive a UPC (Unique Porting Code) via SMS. Share UPC with the new operator/store. Porting generally completes within 3–5 working days (within circle) and up to 7 days in some inter-circle cases. Keep your number active (don’t let it expire) and clear any pending dues for postpaid before port-out.

DND: To activate or modify DND, call 1909 (toll-free) and follow IVR prompts, or use the DND option via myvi.in or the Vi App. Allow up to 7 days for full effect; unsolicited calls/SMS after that can be complained about using 1909 with exact sender ID/time samples.

Corporate Details and Where to Verify Numbers

Official website: myvi.in. This is the definitive source for circle-specific long-form care numbers (useful when calling from a non-Vi phone), Nodal/Appellate contacts, store addresses, and updated processes. Always cross-check care numbers on myvi.in if you see a number on third-party sites.

Registered office (as per public corporate filings): Vodafone Idea Limited, Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector 11, Gandhinagar – 382011, Gujarat, India. Corporate identity number (CIN): L32100GJ1996PLC030976. Corporate/administrative offices are located in Mumbai; see the corporate section on myvi.in for the latest address and investor contacts.

Quick Reference: What to Keep Ready When You Call

Have your Vi mobile number, recent recharge or invoice details, last known location/time of the issue, and an alternate contact number ready. For network problems, note the exact address or landmark, device model, and whether the issue occurs indoors/outdoors. For billing, keep the bill cycle and disputed amount handy.

After every interaction, ask for the complaint/request “docket number” and the committed resolution date. If you don’t receive an SMS confirmation within minutes, call back or raise the request via the Vi App to ensure your case is logged in the system.