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

If you’re searching for the “Idea customer care number,” the brand you now need is Vodafone Idea Limited (rebranded as “Vi”). Idea Cellular and Vodafone India completed their merger on 31 August 2018, and the unified brand “Vi” launched publicly in September 2020. From a customer-care standpoint, the key access numbers have remained consistent across India, and knowing which one to use saves time and prevents misrouting.

This guide explains exactly which number to dial, when to use each line, what information to keep handy, how to escalate a complaint correctly, and where to find verified contact options online. It is written for prepaid and postpaid Vi (formerly Idea) users in every telecom circle.

The Two Numbers That Matter

198 — For Complaints and Service Requests (Toll-free on Vi)

Dial 198 from your Vi/Idea number for complaint registration and service requests. This is a toll-free line on the Vi network, intended for issues such as billing disputes, incorrect deductions, SIM/network problems, pack activation errors, VAS deactivation requests, and other service grievances. The system will generate a docket (complaint) number and send it by SMS—keep that number for tracking and escalation.

198 operates 24×7 and is the most direct way to create a formal ticket. After you state your issue, ask the agent to read back the complaint category and the expected resolution timeline. You should also receive an SMS with the same details; save it. If you don’t receive a docket ID during or immediately after the call, request one before disconnecting.

199 — For General Information, Plans, and Account Help

Dial 199 from your Vi/Idea number for general queries: plan information, data/voice pack details, recharge assistance, bill explanations, international roaming information, and basic account troubleshooting. Standard call charges may apply as per your current plan or circle; 199 is not the “complaints” line—use 198 for official grievance registration.

199 is also a convenient entry point for IVR self-service such as balance prompts or quick pack activation. If you only need information or help choosing/understanding a pack, 199 is appropriate. If money is involved (e.g., an incorrect charge) or a service isn’t working as expected, switch to 198 to create a formal ticket.

Verified Contact Channels and Where to Find Circle-Specific Numbers

If you’re calling from a non-Vi number or from a landline, the access number can vary by circle (state/region). Vi publishes the latest circle-wise contact numbers on its official site. This is the most reliable source when you can’t place the call from your Vi SIM or when you need the local long-code helpline.

• Official website help portal: https://www.myvi.in/help-support — Select your state/circle to view the current customer care contact options (including long-code numbers for calls from other networks).
• MyVi app (Android/iOS): Use the in-app Help & Support section to chat, raise tickets, or request callbacks. The app also shows plan details, active packs, and recent transactions for faster resolution.
• Social care (X/Twitter): @ViCustomerCare — For quick status checks or to nudge follow-ups. Do not share full KYC details publicly; move to DM and provide only what is asked after verification.
• Store visit: Use the store locator at https://www.myvi.in/stores to find the nearest Vi store with address, hours, and services (SIM replacement, eKYC, bill payments). Carry a government-issued ID for SIM-related requests.
• Corporate/registered office for formal correspondence: Vodafone Idea Limited, Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector 11, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011. Note: This is not a walk-in customer service desk; it is suitable for formal notices and postal communication.

What to Keep Ready Before You Call (Speeds Up Resolution)

Having specific details at hand dramatically improves first-contact resolution on both 198 and 199. It helps the agent locate your account, confirm identity, and act without multiple call-backs. The more precise your timeline and examples, the faster the fix.

• Your Vi mobile number, full name (as per KYC), and an alternate number or email for callbacks.
• For billing/recharge queries: last recharge amount, date/time, mode (UPI, wallet, card), and transaction/reference ID from the app/SMS/bank.
• For plan/pack issues: exact pack name, price, activation date/time, and the message confirming activation or renewal.
• For network/data issues: your location (landmark + PIN code), exact dates/times of failure, handset make/model, and whether VoLTE/VoWiFi were on.
• Any existing docket (complaint) numbers and what was promised earlier (e.g., “resolution within 48 hours”).
• SIM details if relevant: last 4 digits of the SIM ICCID (printed on SIM tray/card) and whether you recently did a SIM swap or eSIM activation.

Escalation Path and How to Use It Properly

Every complaint raised via 198 receives a docket ID and an estimated resolution time via SMS. If your issue isn’t resolved within that time or the resolution is unsatisfactory, escalate with that docket ID. The first escalation is to the circle’s Appellate Authority. You’ll find the contact and submission method for your circle on https://www.myvi.in/help-support by choosing “Grievance/Appeal” or “Appellate Authority” after selecting your state.

When escalating, include: your Vi number, docket ID(s), a concise description of the issue, the resolution promised (if any), and evidence (screenshots of charges, speed tests with timestamps, recharge receipts). The Appellate Authority will acknowledge and provide a fresh reference number. Keep all communication in writing when possible and store acknowledgments for future reference.

If you’re still not satisfied after the appellate stage, retain the full paper trail. You may seek further remedies per applicable telecom consumer regulations. Maintaining clear timestamps and documented interactions (call logs, SMS confirmations) significantly improves your case.

Costs, Availability, and Roaming Considerations

198 is toll-free from your Vi/Idea number anywhere in India, including when you are on national roaming. 199 is generally reachable nationwide from your Vi number and may be chargeable as per your plan/circle. If you cannot connect to either number while roaming (for example, due to network selection), use the MyVi app over Wi‑Fi or refer to the circle-wise long-code helpline listed on the official site.

For best results, call from the SIM/slot that has the Vi line active. On 4G/VoLTE-only devices, ensure VoLTE is enabled for calls to go through reliably. If your line is barred or SIM is lost, use a different phone to access the circle-specific long code from the website or visit a Vi store with valid identification for urgent SIM services.

Common Scenarios and How to Phrase Your Request

Billing dispute example (via 198): “I was charged Rs. 99 on 15-Jul at 09:12 IST for a pack I didn’t activate. My last recharge was Rs. 239 via UPI on 10-Jul, UTR XXXXX. Please raise a complaint for incorrect VAS/pack activation and issue a refund or reversal. Kindly share the docket number and expected resolution time by SMS.” Always ask agents to read back the complaint category and timeline.

Lost or stolen SIM: If your phone is lost, immediately call 198 or 199 from another phone using the circle’s long-code helpline (find it on myvi.in/help-support) and request an urgent SIM block to prevent misuse. Follow up with a store visit (https://www.myvi.in/stores) for SIM replacement; carry a government ID for KYC. A nominal replacement charge may apply depending on circle and SIM type (physical vs eSIM). For eSIM, the store or app flow will guide re-provisioning on your device.

Quick Reference

For any current or former Idea (now Vi) customer in India, start with: 198 (toll-free complaints) and 199 (general care). If calling from another network or a landline, use the official page https://www.myvi.in/help-support to fetch your circle’s long-code helpline. For in-person help, use the store locator at https://www.myvi.in/stores. Keep your docket numbers and evidence handy to ensure the fastest resolution.

Finally, never share full KYC IDs, OTPs, or card details with anyone claiming to be “customer care” on unofficial channels. Stick to 198/199, the MyVi app, or links and contacts published on the official site. This simple habit prevents the majority of telecom-related fraud and ensures your complaint is handled within the formal process.

How do I reset my idea settings?

Go to File | Manage IDE Settings | Restore Default Settings. Alternatively, press Shift twice and type Restore default settings . Click Restore and Restart. The IDE will be restarted with the default configuration.

How do I contact Idea?

Contact IDEA

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

What is the phone number for ideas?

helpline details

Vi Helpline Number Details	Vi Contact Number
Data Activation/ Deactivation	1925
Televerification	59059
Mobile Number Portability Helpline	18001234567
COCP/Enterprise	55666

What is the number to talk to a person?

List of available warmlines and other support lines

State	Name of warmline or support line	Phone number
CA	California Peer-run Warmline	(855) 845-7415
CA	CAL Voices Consumer-Operated Warmline	(916) 366-4668
CA	San Joaquin Warmline	(209) 468-3585
CA	Contra Costa Crisis Center	(800) 833-2900