Idea Customer Care Number (now Vi): The complete, up‑to‑date guide

“Idea customer care no” typically refers to the helplines that now operate under Vodafone Idea Limited (brand name: Vi). Idea Cellular merged with Vodafone India on 31 August 2018, and the unified brand “Vi” launched in September 2020. If you were an Idea user, your customer care touchpoints are now Vi’s. Below is a practical, verified rundown of which numbers to dial, what they’re for, and how to escalate if needed.

These contact options work across India unless noted otherwise. Always call from your Vi number when possible—short codes like 198 and 199 are designed to work from your active Vi SIM on the Vi network. For alternate routes (other networks, traveling abroad, or a lost SIM), see the sections below.

The helpline numbers that matter: 199 vs 198

For day‑to‑day requests, plan details, and account help, dial 199 from your Vi (ex‑Idea) number. This connects you to Vi Care’s IVR with language selection and self‑service menus; you can usually reach a human advisor after navigating the prompts. Calls to 199 may be chargeable as per your current plan’s voice tariff; check your plan for exact charges.

For service complaints—network issues, billing disputes, wrongful deductions, value‑added service deactivation problems—dial 198 from your Vi number. This is Vi’s complaint helpline and is toll‑free nationwide. You should receive a unique Complaint Reference Number by SMS immediately after registering an issue on 198; keep that safe for tracking and escalation.

When to use which number

• Dial 199 (requests/info): plan changes, recharge help, activating/deactivating add‑ons, VoLTE/eSIM queries, SIM upgrade guidance, international roaming packs, number portability status, data balance and validity.
• Dial 198 (complaints): billing errors, unexpected balance deductions, call/SMS/data not working, coverage or call‑drop problems, failed recharge but amount debited, incorrect VAS activation, unresolved 199 requests.

Get more done on the first call (IVR flow, documents, and tips)

Have these ready before you call: the Vi mobile number in question; your full name and last 4 digits of any ID used for KYC; last recharge date and amount; approximate time and location of any network issues (e.g., “5–8 pm near PIN 560103”); and screenshots of failed transactions if applicable. For SIM swap/porting/billing, keep the last 3 dialed numbers handy for verification.

On 199 you’ll hear language options, followed by categories such as “recharge,” “data,” “plan,” and “network.” Menu layouts change occasionally, but the “speak to advisor” path is usually announced after you select a category (in many circles, choosing the relevant option and then selecting “more help” or “other queries” gets you there). On 198, the system will register a formal complaint and send an SMS reference instantly; note the promised resolution timeline. If you don’t receive the SMS within a few minutes, ask the agent to repeat or resend the complaint ID before ending the call.

If your Vi SIM isn’t working, you’re calling from another network, or you’re abroad

Short codes 198 and 199 are intended for Vi numbers on the Vi network. If your SIM is lost, inactive, or you’re using another operator, use Vi’s digital and in‑person routes: the Help & Support portal at https://www.myvi.in/help-support for live chat and request forms; and the Store Locator at https://www.myvi.in/stores to find the nearest Vi store by city or PIN code. Most Vi stores operate between 10:00 and 19:00 local time (hours may vary on Sundays and regional holidays).

For SIM replacement (e.g., lost/blocked SIM or upgrading to a new form factor), visit a Vi store with original, valid ID proof. Typical in‑store SIM replacement fees range from Rs 25 to Rs 50 depending on circle and stock (subject to change). If you’re abroad and your Vi SIM can still register on a partner network, you can try 199; otherwise, use the Vi website or app over Wi‑Fi to raise a callback request, or coordinate with someone in India to visit a store on your behalf with an authorization letter and a copy of your ID.

Escalation path: Nodal Officer and Appellate Authority

If a 198 complaint isn’t resolved by the promised date/time, escalate using your Complaint Reference Number. Vi publishes circle‑wise Nodal Officer and Appellate Authority contact details on its Help & Support pages; start at https://www.myvi.in/help-support and choose “Register a complaint” or “Escalations.” File the nodal escalation first; include your 198 complaint ID, a concise issue summary, dates/times, and any evidence (screenshots, receipts).

If the nodal team response is unsatisfactory or delayed, file an appeal with the Appellate Authority for your circle within the allowed time window (generally within 90 days of the original complaint). Appellate submissions typically accept web forms and email; some circles also provide a postal address. Retain all acknowledgments. For billing‑related matters, keep bank statements or UPI references handy; for network issues, note exact locations (landmarks and PIN codes) and times to help technical teams replicate the problem.

Important addresses and official references

Registered Office (useful for formal correspondence and legal notices): Vodafone Idea Limited, Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India. Include your mobile number, complaint IDs, and contact details in any registered post; postal routes are slower than digital channels, so use them for formal notice rather than first‑line support.

Corporate Office: Vodafone Idea Limited, Birla Centurion, 7th Floor, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai 400030, India. Primary consumer support is not handled at corporate desks; for fastest resolution, use 198/199, the Vi app/website, or a Vi store. Official website: https://www.myvi.in (Help & Support: https://www.myvi.in/help-support; Store Locator: https://www.myvi.in/stores).

Quick checklist to reach the right help fast

• From your Vi number in India: dial 199 for requests/info; dial 198 (toll‑free) to register complaints and get a Complaint Reference Number by SMS.
• No network or using another operator: use https://www.myvi.in/help-support for web forms/chat and https://www.myvi.in/stores to find the nearest store; carry valid ID for SIM issues.
• Before calling: note last recharge, failed transaction references, exact problem times/locations, and keep ID details for verification.
• Escalate with your 198 complaint ID: first to the Nodal Officer, then the Appellate Authority via the links under Help & Support; file within the stated timelines.
• Never share full KYC numbers, OTPs, UPI PINs, or card CVV with anyone claiming to be support; rely on the numbers/links above and the official Vi app/website.

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.

Where can I find my Amazon customer care number?

Customer Queries & Complaints

Level 1	Customer Support	Phone – 1800-1200-1571 Website -https://www.amazon.in/contact-us
Level 2	Grievance Officer	Email – [email protected]
Level 3	Nodal Officer	Email – [email protected]

How do I contact Idea?

Contact IDEA

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