Missed Call Alert Service: How to Activate It on Jio, Airtel, Vi & BSNL

Has your phone ever been switched off or out of network when someone tried to call you? When you switch it on again, you may not know who called. A missed call alert service helps you find out. Once your phone gets network coverage, your mobile operator sends you a message with the caller’s number and call time.

This service is for calls that come when your phone is unreachable. If your phone rang but you did not answer, you can check that call in your call log.

The steps to activate missed call alerts are different for Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL. The service may be free, paid or depend on your BSNL circle. 

This guide explains how to activate it for each operator and what you can do if the alerts stop coming.

What Is a Missed Call Alert Service?

A missed call alert service helps you know who called while your phone was switched off or outside network coverage. It is provided by your mobile operator.

When your phone is unreachable, the operator’s network records the caller’s number and the time of the call. Once your phone reconnects to the network, the operator sends you an SMS or an app notification. The method may differ by operator.

For example, the message may say:

“You have 2 missed calls. 98XXXXXX21 called at 10:42 AM. 97XXXXXX08 called at 11:15 AM.”

The exact message depends on your operator. This service is meant for calls you miss because your phone is unreachable. If your phone rings but you do not answer, you can check that call in your phone’s call log.

How Does a Missed Call Alert Service Work?

A missed call alert is managed by your mobile operator’s network. So, your phone does not need to be on when someone calls. If the service is active, the network can record the call attempt and send you an alert when your phone reconnects.

1. Someone calls you: The call reaches your mobile operator’s network.
2. Your phone is unreachable: If your phone is switched off or outside network coverage, it cannot receive the call.
3. The network records the call: If missed call alerts are available and active on your number, the operator records details such as the caller’s number and the time of the call.
4. Your phone reconnects: When you switch it on or return to an area with network coverage, your SIM registers on the network again.
5. You receive an alert: The operator sends an SMS or app notification with the missed call details. The format and delivery method may differ by operator.

You can then check who called and call them back. This service is for calls made while your phone was unreachable. Calls that ring but go unanswered are usually shown in your phone’s call log.

How to Activate Missed Call Alert on Jio

You don’t need to do anything. Jio’s missed call alert is pre-activated on every Jio number (prepaid and postpaid), and it is free. There is no USSD code to dial.

When your Jio phone is off or out of coverage, Jio sends you an SMS with the missed numbers as soon as you are back on the network. It also works on national and international roaming.

Jio missed call alert not working?

1. Switch off call forwarding. This is the most common reason. Dial ##002# to cancel all call forwarding. Jio also lets you manage call forwarding from the MyJio app.
2. Check your SIM is active. Your number must have a valid recharge plan.
3. Check your SMS inbox. If the inbox is full or the sender is blocked, the alert cannot reach you.
4. Contact Jio support. Use the chat in the MyJio app, visit Jio Help & Support, or call 198 or 199 from your Jio number.

Read more: Call Forwarding: Everything You Need to Know for Indian Businesses

How to Activate Missed Call Alert on Airtel

Airtel’s missed call alert is free for both prepaid and postpaid users. Airtel’s official guide says the Airtel Thanks app is the way to turn it on.

Steps to activate (Airtel Thanks app)

1. Download the Airtel Thanks app from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Log in with your Airtel mobile number.
3. On the home screen, tap Missed Call Alerts.
4. Turn it on.

After this, the app shows the number and time of every call you missed while your phone was off or out of range. You can call back with one tap.

What about USSD codes for Airtel?

You will find many codes online, like *321*881# or *888#. Different websites give different codes, and Airtel changes them from time to time. The Airtel Thanks app is the most reliable method. If you still face a problem, call Airtel customer care on 121 from your Airtel number.

How to Activate Missed Call Alert on Vi (Vodafone Idea)

Vi calls this service MCI (Missed Call Information). Unlike Jio and Airtel, Vi charges for it.

Vi MCI price

Pack	Price	Validity
Monthly MCI (Vi official page)	₹30	30 days
Long-validity MCA pack (reported by TelecomTalk)	₹45	180 days (6 months)

Prices can change, so check the current price in the Vi App before you activate.

Method 1: Activate by SMS

• Type ACT MCI and send it to 54300.
• Activation takes up to 2 hours.

Method 2: Activate through the Vi App

1. Open the Vi App (update it to the latest version).
2. Go to Vi Services from the menu.
3. Select MCI and follow the steps.

These steps are also listed in Vi’s official FAQ.

How to deactivate Vi MCI

Send STOP to 155223. Deactivation happens immediately.

How to Activate Missed Call Alert on BSNL

BSNL does not publish one common activation code for the whole country. The process and charges for its Missed Call Alert (MCA) service can be different in each circle (state).

The safest way to activate it:

• Open the BSNL Selfcare app and check the value-added services section, or
• Visit the BSNL official website or call BSNL customer care on 1800-180-1503 (toll-free) and ask them to activate MCA on your number.

Avoid random codes you see on websites. Many of them belong to other operators or are outdated.

How to Fix Missed Call Alerts: 6 Checks to Try

If you have activated missed call alerts but are not receiving them, try these checks one by one.

1. Check whether call forwarding is on

Call forwarding can send calls to another number, which may stop missed call alerts from reaching your phone. Try dialling ##002# to cancel call forwarding. For operator-specific steps, see this call forwarding guide.

2. Check your SMS and DND settings

Check your Messages app’s spam or blocked folder. If you use an SMS-blocking app, make sure it allows messages from your operator. For information about DND preferences, visit the TRAI website.

3. Check if your SMS inbox is full

If your phone’s SMS storage is full, it may not receive new messages. Delete old messages and check if alerts start coming in.

4. Check your Vi MCI pack validity

Vi’s Missed Call Information (MCI) service is paid. If your pack has expired, you may stop receiving alerts. Check its validity and renew it if needed.

5. Restart your phone after it gets network coverage

Once your phone is back in network coverage, restart it. This can help your SIM reconnect to the network.

6. Contact your mobile operator

If you still do not receive alerts, contact your operator’s customer care team.

Operator	Customer care
Jio	198 / 199
Airtel	121
Vi	199
BSNL	1800-180-1503

Missed Call Alert vs Voicemail vs Call Forwarding

Feature	What it does	Best for
Missed call alert	Tells you who called while you were unreachable	Knowing whom to call back
Voicemail	Lets the caller leave a voice message	Knowing why they called
Call forwarding	Sends your calls to another number	Not missing the call at all

Important: You cannot use call forwarding and missed call alert together. When forwarding is on, the call reaches another number, so there is no missed call to alert you about.

Read more: How to Set Up Call Forwarding: A Guide for Businesses in India

For Businesses: A Missed Call Can Mean a Lost Customer

For a person, a missed call is a small problem. For a business, it is often a lost sale. A customer who cannot reach you usually calls the next business on Google.

A missed call alert on one SIM does not solve this for a team. A business needs:

• A number that is never “switched off.” A virtual number can ring on several phones at the same time, so someone always answers.
• A log of every missed call. Each missed call is saved with the number and time, so your team knows whom to call back. With the CallerDesk Android app, your team can see and return these calls from their phones.
• Automatic follow-up. With an IVR system, an unanswered call can trigger an instant SMS like “Sorry we missed your call. We will call you back in 10 minutes.”
• Missed call service for leads. Put a number on your ads or packaging. Customers give a missed call for free, and you call them back. You get a lead, they pay nothing.

Not sure what to look for? Read Top Features to Look for in a Virtual Number.

Missing customer calls? CallerDesk gives your business a virtual number that rings on your whole team’s phones, logs every missed call, and sends an automatic SMS follow-up. Start a free trial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a missed call alert service?

It is a service from your mobile operator that sends you an SMS or app notification with the number and time of calls you missed while your phone was switched off or out of coverage.

Is missed call alert free in India?

On Jio and Airtel, yes. Vi charges ₹30 for 30 days (or ₹45 for 180 days) for its MCI service. BSNL charges can vary by circle, so check with BSNL customer care.

How do I activate missed call alert on Jio?

You don’t have to. It is already active on all Jio numbers, free of cost. If it is not working, dial ##002# to turn off call forwarding and contact Jio on 198 or 199.

How do I activate missed call alert on Airtel?

Open the Airtel Thanks app and tap Missed Call Alerts on the home screen. It is free. For help, call 121 from your Airtel number.

How do I activate missed call alert on Vi?

Send ACT MCI to 54300, or open the Vi App → Vi Services → MCI. It costs ₹30 for 30 days and takes up to 2 hours to activate.

How do I stop Vi missed call alert?

Send STOP to 155223. It is deactivated immediately.

Why am I not getting missed call alerts?

The most common reason is call forwarding. Dial ##002# to turn it off. Also check that your SMS inbox is not full, your SIM has an active plan, and (on Vi) your MCI pack has not expired.

Does missed call alert work when the phone is switched off?

Yes. That is exactly what it is made for. The operator records the calls and sends you the alert once your phone is back on the network.

Will I get alerts for calls missed in flight mode?

Usually yes. In flight mode your number is unreachable, just like when the phone is switched off, so the operator covers those calls too.

What is a missed call service for business?

Customers give a missed call to a business number, and the business calls them back or sends an SMS. It is used for lead generation, order confirmation, feedback and verification. It costs the customer nothing. Read the complete guide to missed call service to learn how it works.

Conclusion

Missed call alerts are a small feature that saves you from many “who called me?” moments:

• Jio: Already on, free
• Airtel: Free, turn it on in the Airtel Thanks app
• Vi: Paid (₹30/30 days), SMS ACT MCI to 54300
• BSNL: Ask BSNL customer care (1800-180-1503)

If alerts stop coming, check call forwarding first (dial ##002#).

And if you run a business, don’t depend on one phone’s missed call alert. Use a business virtual number that rings on your whole team and logs every missed call, so no customer goes unanswered.

Disclaimer: Jio, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone Idea) and BSNL are trademarks of their respective owners. CallerDesk is not affiliated with these operators. Prices, codes and steps are based on publicly available information as of the date above and may change, so please confirm with your operator.