Short answer up front: if the number is yours (your SIM/account) you can get call details quickly via the operator’s app/portal, customer-care, or by exporting phone backups.
If the number is not yours, operators will not release call detail records (CDRs) to private individuals those are released only against a formal legal request (police/ court order).
I’ll explain all legitimate routes, what information you can expect, what documents you need, how long operators keep records, and what to do if you need CDRs for someone else (the lawful process).
What “Call Details” means
When people say “call details” they usually mean either:
- Phone’s call log the history stored on the handset (incoming/outgoing/missed calls, timestamps, durations).
- Operator Call Detail Record (CDR) a telecom provider’s official record used for billing and network operations. CDRs include: calling number, called number, date & time, duration, call type (incoming/outgoing), call status, and billing/charging info. Some technical metadata (cell tower, IMSI/IMEI) exists in CDRs but is handled under strict controls.
Only the operator’s CDR is considered an authoritative “call record” for legal or billing disputes.
If the SIM / mobile account is YOURS – fast, legal ways to get call details
1) Use the operator app or web portal (fastest)
- Jio: Open MyJio → Account/Billing → Usage / Call history. MyJio shows recent activity and monthly statements.
- Airtel: Airtel Thanks app or selfcare.airtel.in → Bills & usage → Call details / Statement.
- Vi (Vodafone Idea): Vi app → My Account → Usage / Billing → Call history.
- BSNL: BSNL Selfcare portal or BSNL customer support (regional variations).
What you’ll get: recent call history, monthly statements, and downloadable bills. Some apps show last few months; others provide detailed call logs for the billing cycle.
2) Download or request a bill/CDR from “My Account” pages
Most providers allow you to download monthly bills (PDF) which may contain summary usage. For detailed CDRs, look for “Call details” or “Usage report” links in the billing section. Where allowed, you can download CSV/PDF of call records.
3) Customer care or retail store (if app/portal not enough)
- Call the provider’s customer support (from the same number or your registered alternate number). Request “detailed call statement for [period]”.
- Visit an authorized store with original ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID) and the SIM’s KYC document. The store can raise a request or print account statements.
Typical required documents: original photo ID, copy of ID, proof of ownership (SIM box/invoice or Aadhaar linked), SIM number, account holder name.
4) Email request to the operator (for official copies)
Operators sometimes accept written/email requests from the account holder. Include:
- Subject: Request for Detailed Call Statement / CDR for [Mobile Number] for [Date range]
- Body: Account holder name, mobile number, exact date range, purpose, Aadhar/PAN/ID proof attached, registered email/alternate contact.
- Attach scanned ID and proof of ownership.
Operators may charge a nominal fee for generating detailed CDRs and will deliver by secure email or physical copy to the account holder.
5) Get call logs from your phone (Android / iOS)
If you need the handset’s local call history (not operator CDR):
- Android: Phone app → Recents → you can screenshot or use call-log export apps (they require permission). If your phone is backed up, Google Takeout may include call logs if backup was enabled.
- iPhone: Recent calls are in the Phone app. Full exports may require third-party desktop software (requires connecting device to computer). iCloud backups may contain call history but extracting requires tools and Apple credentials.
Phone logs are quick but may be unavailable if the call history was cleared or the device reset.
If the number is NOT YOURS lawful process (you cannot get CDR privately)
Operators will not give call details of another subscriber to a private person. The lawful routes are:
1) Police / law-enforcement request
If you have been a victim of crime (harassment, fraud), file an FIR at the local police station. Investigating officers can request call logs from operators using the legal process. Operators release records only after receiving a formal request from authorized government agencies.
2) Court order / civil suits
For civil disputes (divorce, fraud), a court can order production of call records. A lawyer will file a petition and obtain a judicial order; the operator will comply and provide CDRs per the court direction.
3) Authorized agencies under Indian law
Intelligence or statutory agencies with sanction can request records under appropriate provisions. Operators keep strict logs of such disclosures.
Important: Trying to obtain someone else’s CDR without legal authority is illegal and may amount to invasion of privacy and criminal liability. I cannot help with hacking, spoofing, or bypassing legal safeguards.
How long do operators retain CDRs?
Retention periods vary but generally:
- Billing records and basic CDRs: several months to years (commonly 6–36 months depending on operator/policy).
- Detailed technical logs with location data: retained for a shorter period and released under strict conditions.
If you need older records, expect to require a formal/legal process.
Typical charges and turnaround
- App/portal downloads: usually free for summaries and bills.
- Operator-generated detailed CDR (physical/CSV): may incur a small administrative fee and take 3–15 working days.
- Legal requests (police/court): operator compliance time varies; they keep internal SLAs for providing records to authorities.
How to read a CDR (what fields mean) quick guide
A typical operator CDR / usage export will include:
- Calling number / Called number the two numbers involved.
- Date and Time (start) timestamp when the call started.
- Duration call length (seconds / mm:ss).
- Call Type Outgoing / Incoming / Missed / SMS.
- Charge / Billing amount amount billed (if applicable).
- Status connected, failed, busy.
- (Sometimes) Cell site ID or location code technical, usually only for investigations.
Sample email template to request your own CDR from operator
Subject: Request for Detailed Call Statement / CDR [Your Mobile Number] — [Date Range]
Body:
“Dear [Operator] customer support, I, [Full Name], am the account holder of mobile number [XXXXXXXXXX]. I request a detailed call statement (CDR) for the period from [DD-MM-YYYY] to [DD-MM-YYYY] for personal/verification/billing purposes. Attached is a scanned copy of my [Aadhaar/Passport/PAN] and proof of ownership (SIM card copy/bill). Please advise any charges and the expected turnaround time. You may send the CDR to my registered email [[email protected]] or notify me for collection at the nearest store. Regards, [Name], [Registered address], [Alternate contact number].”
Attach scanned ID and any KYC proof.
Quick checklist before you ask for CDR
- Are you the account holder? If yes use the app/portal first.
- Have your ID and account details ready (Aadhaar, registered mobile/email, bill/invoice).
- Specify exact date range and format (operators prefer billing cycles).
- Be prepared to pay small administrative fees for official extracts.
- If it’s someone else’s number consult police or a lawyer for the lawful route.
FAQs (short)
Q: Can I get someone else’s call details if they gave me permission?
A: If the account holder provides written, signed authorization and ID, operators may release records to that authorized person but policies vary. Always confirm operator requirements.
Q: How long will it take to get a CDR from operator customer care?
A: Typically 3–15 working days depending on the operator and whether you need an official certified copy.
Q: Will operator apps show every single call?
A: Apps usually show recent history and monthly statements. For complete CDRs covering every single call in a date range, request the detailed usage/ CDR export.
Q: Can I use Google Takeout to get call logs?
A: If your Android device backed up call history to your Google account, Google Takeout can export that backup. It’s the handset log, not the operator’s CDR.
Final note (important legal & ethical reminder)
I can’t help with or provide instructions for illegal access (hacking, SIM spoofing, social engineering). If you think a crime has occurred or you need another person’s call records legitimately, the correct path is: file an FIR and let the police initiate the legal request to the operator, or seek a court order through a lawyer. That protects you legally and ensures the operator will comply.