If promotional calls keep interrupting your day, you can register for DND with your mobile operator. DND stands for Do Not Disturb, and it is run under rules from the telecom regulator, TRAI. Registration is free and takes only a minute.

Quick answer

  • SMS START DND to 1909 to block all promotional messages and calls.
  • To block only some types, add numbers 1 to 7, for example START DND 1,3,5.
  • You can also call 1909 or use the TRAI DND app.
  • Activation can take up to 7 days.
  • Check status by sending STATUS DND to 1909.

Ways to register for DND

The simplest route is SMS. Send START DND from your mobile to 1909. This blocks all commercial messages and calls. You can also dial 1909 and follow the voice prompts.

Another option is the official TRAI DND app, which lets you pick categories and report spam in one place. You can also call your operator’s customer care. Citizen guides list Jio 198, Airtel 121, Vi 199 and BSNL 1800 180 1503, but numbers can change, so confirm on your operator’s app.

Choose which categories to block

Full DND blocks everything commercial. But some people still want, for example, bank offers. In that case, add category numbers to your SMS. The seven categories are:

  • 1: banking, insurance and financial products
  • 2: real estate
  • 3: education
  • 4: health
  • 5: consumer goods and automobiles
  • 6: communication, broadcasting, entertainment and IT
  • 7: tourism and leisure

So START DND 1,3 would block finance and education offers only. Other categories would continue to reach you.

How long does it take, and how to check

Activation can take up to 7 days. During that time you may still get a few calls. After a week, send STATUS DND to 1909 to confirm that your number is registered. Then wait and watch for new spam.

What DND does not block

DND stops commercial promotions. However, it does not stop transactional messages, such as OTPs, bank alerts and delivery updates. These are important, so they still arrive. Also, scammers ignore rules, so DND will not stop fraud calls.

For fraud, use the Sanchar Saathi route described in our guide to the Chakshu portal. If money is already lost, read about the golden hour and the 1930 helpline.

How to complain about spam after you register

If you still get promotional calls after DND is active, you can complain through your operator or the TRAI DND app. Citizen guides note that complaints should be filed within 3 days of the call or message. They also say operators investigate within 7 days. Keep the number, date and time ready. For the rules behind this, see the TRAI website.

Habits that cut spam beyond DND

Many promotional calls start with a form you filled in. So untick consent boxes for offers on shopping sites, loan forms and event sign ups. Also avoid sharing your number where it is not needed. Then use the spam report option in the TRAI DND app each time a call slips through. Over time, repeated reports help operators act on bulk senders.

FAQ

How do I register for DND?

Send START DND to 1909 from your mobile. You can also call 1909 or use the TRAI DND app. Activation may take up to 7 days.

Will DND block OTP messages?

No. DND does not block transactional messages like OTPs and bank alerts. That is by design, so you do not miss important codes.

How do I check if DND is active?

Send STATUS DND to 1909. The reply tells you whether your number is registered.