We receive several promotional calls and messages daily. Sometimes calls are too frequent that it becomes frustrating. So, TRAI introduced the DND initiative to help mobile subscribers in India. If a consumer activates DND, it becomes illegal for telemarketers to send promotional SMS or calls on the number. DND service is completely free and your telecom operator will not charge a single penny for activating DND on your phone number. It takes 4 to 7 days to start the DND service on your phone number. You can always deactivate DND on your phone number if you want.
What is DND?
In the context of TRAI, DND stands for “Do Not Disturb”. It is the service that allows consumers to opt out of receiving marketing calls and SMS messages. Consumers can register their phone numbers with DND registry to block these marketing and promotional calls and messages.
It is really easy to activate DND on any Indian telecom network. Different telecom networks have their own way of enabling DND but there is also a common way to activate DND using SMS or a call. In this article, I will explain how you can enable DND on your phone number.
Activate DND via SMS
To activate DND via SMS, open the messaging app and type Start 0. Send this to 1909.
There are different DND codes for partial and select DND. Here is a list of different DND codes. If you do not want to completely block all promotional calls, use these DND codes.
| DND code | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SMS ‘START 0’ to 1909 | Block completely. |
| SMS ‘START 1’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS of Banking, Insurance |
| SMS ‘START 2’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS of Real Estate |
| SMS ‘START 3’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS of Educational |
| SMS ‘START 4’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS from Health |
| SMS ‘START 5’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS of Consumer Goods |
| SMS ‘START 6’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS of Communication, Broadcasting |
| SMS ‘START 7’ to 1909 | Stop getting calls and SMS from Tourism |
Activate DND via call
Open the dialer app of your phone and dial 1909. Now follow the instructions to activate the DND on your phone number.
Ways to activate DND on different telecom operators
Different telecom operators also have their dedicated ways to activate DND. Now let’s have a look at that.
Activate DND on Airtel
Open the DND page on the Airtel website. Then look for Airtel Mobile Services and click on the CLICK HERE link. It will ask for your phone number. Enter the phone number and you will receive an OTP. Enter the OTP and finally select the ‘Stop all’ option, and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Activate DND on VI
VI also has a dedicated DND page on the Vodafone website. Enter your phone number and click send OTP button. Enter the OTP you receive. Then select Full and click the submit button. It will request DND for your number.
Activate DND on Jio
If you are a Jio subscriber, open the My Jio app on your phone. Then tap the hamburger (three bars) icon at the top-left corner and select the ‘Profile & other Settings’ option. Now, tap on ‘Do not Disturb’ and on ‘Set Preference.’ Choose your preference & submit the request.
Activate DND on BSNL or MTNL
If you are a BSNL or MTNL consumer, you can send the SMS to 1909. Send Start 0 to 1909. I have already explained this was of activating DND.
