Have you ever tried making a call or sending a message on your Vi (Vodafone Idea) mobile number, only to receive a notification that incoming and outgoing services are barred? This issue can be frustrating, especially if you need to communicate urgently.
This message means that your mobile network provider has restricted your ability to make or receive calls. It can happen for several reasons, including unpaid bills, expired prepaid plans, SIM card issues, or even technical network problems.
In this topic, we will explore why Vi incoming and outgoing services get barred, how to fix the issue, and ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
What Does “VI Incoming and Outgoing Service Barred” Mean?
When your Vi number shows this message, it means that your calling and messaging services have been temporarily or permanently disabled by the network provider.
This can affect:
- Incoming calls (you won’t receive calls from anyone).
- Outgoing calls (you cannot make calls).
- SMS services (sending or receiving messages may be restricted).
- Mobile data access (in some cases, internet services may also be affected).
The reasons behind this issue vary, but they usually relate to account status, network provider policies, or technical difficulties.
Common Reasons for Vi Incoming and Outgoing Service Barred
1. Unpaid Bills or Expired Prepaid Plan
One of the most common reasons is non-payment of bills (for postpaid users) or an expired recharge plan (for prepaid users). If you have not recharged your Vi number, your services may be suspended until you make a payment.
2. SIM Card Deactivation Due to Inactivity
If your Vi SIM card has been inactive for a long period (typically 90 to 180 days), the provider may deactivate it. In such cases, incoming and outgoing services are barred until you reactivate the number.
3. Account Suspension or Disconnection
Your number may be suspended or permanently disconnected due to:
- Violation of telecom policies (such as fraudulent activities).
- KYC (Know Your Customer) verification issues.
- Failure to submit valid identity documents.
4. Network Issues or System Glitches
Sometimes, Vi experiences technical problems or network outages, which can cause temporary service restrictions. In such cases, all affected users in the area may experience call barring.
5. SIM Card Registration Problems
If your Vi SIM card is not registered properly with the network, you may face restrictions on incoming and outgoing calls. This can happen if:
- The SIM card is damaged or faulty.
- The SIM is not inserted correctly.
- The network is unable to authenticate your SIM.
6. International Roaming Restrictions
If you are traveling abroad and have not activated international roaming, your outgoing and incoming calls may be barred. Some prepaid plans do not support international roaming unless a specific pack is purchased.
7. Call Barring Settings on Your Phone
Your phone may have call barring settings enabled, which can block both incoming and outgoing calls. This setting is usually found in the Call Settings menu on your phone.
8. Temporary Service Suspension by Vi
Sometimes, Vi may temporarily suspend services for maintenance, system updates, or security reasons. If this is the case, the issue is usually resolved automatically after some time.
How to Fix VI Incoming and Outgoing Service Barred
If you are facing this issue, follow these steps to restore your Vi services:
1. Check If Your Prepaid Plan Has Expired
- Dial *199# or use the Vi app to check your account balance and validity.
- If your plan has expired, recharge with a valid plan to restore services.
2. Pay Outstanding Bills (For Postpaid Users)
- If you have an unpaid bill, Vi may bar your outgoing and incoming services.
- Pay your bill using the Vi app, website, or third-party payment apps like Google Pay or Paytm.
3. Restart Your Phone
- A simple restart can sometimes fix network-related issues.
- Turn off your phone, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
4. Check for SIM Card Issues
- Remove the SIM card and reinsert it properly into the SIM slot.
- Try using the SIM card in another phone to see if the issue persists.
- If the SIM is damaged, visit a Vi store for a replacement.
5. Disable Call Barring on Your Phone
- Open the Phone app → Go to Settings → Select Call Barring.
- Disable any active barring options and enter your network’s PIN if required.
6. Enable International Roaming (If Abroad)
- If you are traveling, activate an international roaming plan via the Vi app or customer care.
- Dial +91 199 to contact Vi customer support while abroad.
7. Contact Vi Customer Support
- If none of the above solutions work, contact Vi’s customer service for assistance.
- Dial 199 (from a Vi number) or 1800 123 1234 (from another network).
8. Visit a Vi Store for KYC Verification
- If your number has been suspended due to KYC issues, visit the nearest Vi store with your Aadhaar card or other ID proof to verify your identity and reactivate your services.
How to Prevent This Issue in the Future
1. Keep Your Number Active
- Make at least one outgoing call or message every 30 days to keep your number active.
- If you are not using the number frequently, consider a minimum recharge plan to keep it valid.
2. Pay Your Bills on Time
- Set up auto-payments for postpaid bills to avoid service interruptions.
- Regularly check your account balance and recharge when necessary.
3. Use the Vi App for Account Management
- The Vi app helps you monitor your balance, validity, and plan details.
- You can also recharge and manage services easily through the app.
4. Update Your KYC Information
- Ensure your KYC details are up to date with Vi to prevent service suspension.
- If you change your address, update it with Vi to avoid verification issues.
5. Check for Network Outages Before Panicking
- Sometimes, service issues are due to Vi network maintenance.
- Check Vi’s official website or social media for outage updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my Vi number showing “Incoming and Outgoing Service Barred”?
Your number may be barred due to unpaid bills, expired prepaid plans, SIM deactivation, or network issues.
2. Can I fix this issue myself?
Yes, you can try recharging, restarting your phone, checking SIM settings, or contacting Vi customer support for help.
3. How long does it take to restore Vi services?
If the issue is due to recharge or unpaid bills, services are restored within minutes. For KYC or account suspension, it may take 24-48 hours after verification.
4. Will my number be permanently deactivated?
If your number remains inactive for over 180 days, Vi may permanently deactivate it.
5. Can I use Wi-Fi calling if my SIM is barred?
No, Wi-Fi calling still requires an active mobile number. If your Vi SIM is barred, Wi-Fi calling will not work.
The “Vi Incoming and Outgoing Service Barred” issue can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. Whether it’s an unpaid bill, expired plan, or SIM issue, following the right steps can help restore your services quickly.
By keeping your number active, paying bills on time, and updating KYC details, you can avoid this problem in the future. If you still face issues, contact Vi customer care for further assistance.