Airtel Users Surprised as ₹199 Recharge Plan Disappears from UPI Apps

By | May 12, 2025

In a move that has caught users off guard, Airtel’s popular ₹199 prepaid recharge plan is no longer available on popular UPI-based platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. While Airtel hasn’t officially explained the change, many prepaid users have noticed that this affordable plan now only appears on Airtel’s own platforms—the official website and the Airtel Thanks app.

This unexpected shift has frustrated users who rely on UPI apps for quick and convenient mobile recharges. Instead of the ₹199 option, these platforms now highlight a ₹219 plan, which offers the same benefits at a higher price.

What Did the ₹199 Plan Offer?

The ₹199 pack offered great value for prepaid users. It included 1.5GB of daily data, unlimited voice calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. For those with moderate data needs, this plan balanced affordability and functionality.

However, users who try to find this recharge on UPI apps won’t see it listed anymore. These apps now show only the ₹219 plan, which mirrors the same benefits with a ₹20 hike.

Where Can You Still Find It?

Despite its removal from third-party apps, the ₹199 plan remains active on Airtel’s website and the Airtel Thanks app. Users can still access it there using any payment method.

This shift has created inconvenience for people who prefer using UPI platforms due to their speed, ease of use, and occasional cashback deals. Now, they must either switch to Airtel’s official platforms or pay more for the same service.

A Strategic Shift?

Telecom experts believe this move aligns with a broader strategy. Instead of sharing customer engagement with third-party apps, telecom companies now aim to centralize user activity on their own platforms.

By steering customers toward its Thanks app, Airtel gains better control over promotions, user behavior, and future marketing. This approach also helps the company avoid sharing commissions with external platforms.

Other major telecoms, like Jio and Vodafone Idea, have also started offering certain plans exclusively through their official apps or websites. Airtel appears to be following a similar path.

The ₹219 Plan: Any Differences?

The ₹219 recharge includes the same offerings: 1.5GB daily data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. The only difference lies in the cost—₹20 more than the ₹199 plan.

Users who rely on UPI apps may end up choosing this higher-priced plan simply for the convenience, especially if they’re unaware that the cheaper alternative still exists on Airtel’s own platforms.

Over time, this subtle change could lead to higher revenue for Airtel, particularly if a large number of customers pay extra without realizing it.

Airtel’s ₹469 Plan for Feature Phone Users

To serve 2G or feature phone users, Airtel continues to offer a ₹469 voice-only recharge. It provides unlimited voice calling for 84 days and is tailored to customers who don’t need mobile data.

Although unrelated to the ₹199 situation, this plan highlights Airtel’s attempt to cater to various user segments, from smartphone owners to basic phone users.

User Backlash and Social Media Buzz

Many customers have voiced their frustration on social media. They’ve called out Airtel for quietly removing the plan without warning or notice.

Some users expressed concern about being forced to download another app to access the same recharge plan. Others feel misled by the sudden price jump on third-party apps, which now promote the ₹219 pack instead.

How Can You Still Get the ₹199 Plan?

If you’re an Airtel user looking to save, here’s how you can still access the ₹199 plan:

  • Use the Airtel Thanks app: The plan is clearly listed and available for recharge.
  • Visit the Airtel website: Recharging directly through Airtel’s official portal is another option.
  • Check with local recharge vendors: Some physical outlets may still offer manual recharge options at the original price.

Being proactive can help you avoid unnecessary extra charges.

A Glimpse of Telecom’s Digital Future

Airtel’s decision to limit plan availability on third-party apps suggests a trend that might reshape how users manage mobile services. Telecom providers are moving toward full control of the digital recharge experience—from discovery to payment.

If this approach continues, users might need to juggle multiple apps and platforms to find the best deals. It also means staying informed and comparing options before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

The quiet removal of the ₹199 plan from UPI apps marks a subtle but important shift in Airtel’s digital strategy. While the plan hasn’t been discontinued, its limited availability pushes users toward the company’s platforms or more expensive alternatives.

If you’re an Airtel prepaid customer, taking a few extra seconds to check Airtel’s own app or website could save you money each month. In today’s digital recharge landscape, awareness truly pays off.