Airtel customer care phone number: the precise numbers to reach support (India, 2025)

If you’re an Airtel mobile customer in India, there are two short, always-on helplines you can dial from your Airtel SIM: 121 for general service requests and 198 for complaints and fault reporting. Both numbers route through an IVR and then to a live advisor when required. Keep your Airtel number and any recent transaction details handy so the system can identify your account quickly.

These short codes are designed to be fast and reliable. 121 handles routine queries such as plan changes, bill explanations, and add‑on packs, while 198 is reserved for reporting service disruptions, incorrect charges, or other issues that need formal complaint handling. You’ll receive a complaint/docket ID by SMS when you use 198—save it for follow‑up and escalations.

The Airtel numbers you can dial right now

Use the numbers below exactly as shown. They work nationwide across India from an Airtel mobile connection and are available 24×7. If you’re calling from outside Airtel (another operator, landline, or VoIP), see the guidance in the next section to locate the correct long-form contact per circle.

• 121 — Customer care and service requests (Airtel mobile, India). Automated self‑service is free; agent-assisted calls may be charged as per your tariff. Use this for plan information, data add‑ons, billing clarifications, international roaming activation, and SIM/number services.
• 198 — Complaints and fault reporting (Airtel mobile, India). Toll‑free. Use this to register network issues, wrongful charges, service outages, or unresolved matters. You will receive a complaint ID by SMS.
• *121# — USSD self‑care menu (free). Check balance and validity, view best offers, buy data packs, or manage value‑added services without calling an agent.

For Airtel Xstream Fiber (broadband) and Airtel Digital TV linked to your Airtel mobile account, 121 is still the starting point—authenticate with your mobile number and follow the IVR path to Broadband or DTH. The system pulls your linked service IDs and routes you to the right queue.

What to expect when you call 121 or 198

After you dial, the IVR will confirm your mobile number and present common options (data balance, pack purchase, bill details, network issues). Say “advisor” or choose the agent option to speak to a human if the menu doesn’t cover your need. Keep a pen or notes app open—agents often share a reference number and the exact plan or action taken during the call.

Call queues move fastest during business hours on weekdays. If you call for billing or plan changes within 48 hours of a recharge or bill generation, have your payment reference (bank UTR, UPI ID, or last 4 digits of card) available. For complaints on 198, clearly state the problem, location (city/area and pincode), device model, and time window of the issue to help the network/support teams triage faster.

Calling from a non‑Airtel number, landline, or from abroad

Circle‑wise long‑form contact numbers and email addresses are published on Airtel’s official contact pages. Because these vary by state/circle and service (mobile, broadband, DTH, enterprise), the most reliable way to get the correct number is to use Airtel’s live directory:

Visit https://www.airtel.in/contact-us/ for consumer contacts and store locations, and https://www.airtel.in/complaints/ for circle‑specific Nodal Officer and Appellate Authority details. If you have the Airtel Thanks app installed, tap Help & Support → Contact us to see the correct non‑Airtel dial‑in for your circle or to request a callback.

If you need to write to Airtel by post (for formal correspondence), use the corporate office address: Airtel Centre, Plot No. 16, Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram – 122015, Haryana, India. Include your mobile number, account details, copies of bills/recharges, and any complaint ID you have already received via 198.

Escalations and complaint handling (India)

Start with 198 to register a formal complaint. You will immediately receive an SMS with your complaint/docket number. Keep this safe; it’s required if you need to escalate. Airtel’s front‑line team will typically confirm actions taken or the expected resolution steps. Network or coverage issues may be forwarded to field teams, while billing disputes usually go to back‑office verification.

If you’re not satisfied with the resolution, or the promised timeline lapses, escalate via your circle’s Nodal Officer and then the Appellate Authority. The escalation contacts and submission forms are listed at https://www.airtel.in/complaints/ (Telecom Consumer Complaint Redressal Regulations, 2012 apply). When escalating, include: your complaint ID from 198, dates/time of interactions, exact charges in dispute (if any), and any evidence (screenshots of the Airtel Thanks app, speed tests with location and timestamp, payment UTR/transaction IDs).

Special situations: lost phone/SIM, porting, and service links

If your SIM/phone is lost, act quickly. From another Airtel number, dial 121 and choose the SIM lost/stolen option to block your number. If you don’t have access to any Airtel line, use the Airtel Thanks app on a logged‑in device to suspend the SIM, or visit the nearest Airtel Store (use the locator at https://www.airtel.in/store/). Bring a valid ID for SIM replacement (existing KYC details will be verified).

For Mobile Number Portability (MNP), send an SMS “PORT ” to 1900 to receive your Unique Porting Code (UPC). Share the UPC with Airtel only when you’re ready to switch or with your current operator if you’re porting out. Porting normally completes within a few days, subject to regulatory rules and any outstanding dues on postpaid accounts.

Quick, proven tips for faster help

• Before calling 121/198, open the Airtel Thanks app → Help → Recent interactions to note any existing ticket IDs; reference these to avoid duplicate cases.
• For network problems, note exact locations (pincode, landmark), dates/times, and whether the issue is indoors or outdoors; this context helps triage.
• For billing/refund issues, keep payment proofs (UPI/IMPS reference, UTR, or gateway transaction ID) and the timestamp; ask the agent to read back the complaint ID.
• If a promised callback is missed, reply to the automated complaint SMS to keep the thread active, then escalate via https://www.airtel.in/complaints/ with your docket number.

Bottom line: from an Airtel mobile in India, 121 is your all‑purpose customer care line and 198 is the toll‑free complaints helpline. Use the official contact directory for non‑Airtel dialing and escalations, and always capture the complaint ID the system shares by SMS for tracking and resolution.