DND Registration in India: DNC / NDNC Guide
Learn how to activate Do Not Disturb (DND), manage promotional SMS and calls, and find official DND instructions from Airtel, Vi and Jio.
Consumers can use DND preferences to reduce unwanted commercial communication. The steps and available preference options can change, so always confirm the latest process with your telecom operator. Businesses and bulk SMS senders should separately verify applicable TRAI requirements for consent, customer preferences and commercial messaging.
Do Not Disturb (DND), DNC & NDNC
How to manage unwanted promotional calls and SMS
DND helps mobile subscribers manage unsolicited commercial communication (UCC). In India, consumer preferences and complaints are handled under the telecom regulatory framework overseen by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and implemented by telecom service providers.
- DND: Do Not Disturb preferences let subscribers restrict promotional calls and messages, either broadly or by permitted preference categories.
- DNC / NDNC: These are older terms commonly used for do-not-call and national do-not-call registry concepts. Current processes may use the term National Customer Preference Register (NCPR).
- For businesses: Before sending commercial SMS or making promotional calls, telemarketers must follow applicable consent, preference, registration and telecom compliance requirements.
For the latest activation steps, use your telecom operator's official DND service or contact customer care. Available menus and instructions may change.
How to Activate DND on Your Mobile Number
Use your telecom operator's official service to register or update your Do Not Disturb preferences.
Operator-specific instructions
| Operator | Steps to Activate DND | |
|---|---|---|
 |
AIRTEL |
Step 1: Visit the company's website Airtel DND page and tap on the Airtel Mobile Services section. Step 2: Tap on the Click here option and enter your mobile number to receive the OTP. Step 3: Enter the OTP in the box and validate the code. Then, it will redirect you towards another section, which allows you to block all sections and promo codes. Also, the company allows you to control calls from banks, real- estate, health education, food, beverages, tourism, and more. |
 |
Vi (Vodafone Idea) |
Step 1: Check the Vi Vi DND page page and write your mobile number in the column. Step 2: Now, you have to verify the OTP and write your details like number, email address, and name. Step 3: Then, you have to click on the full or partial section and tap on the submit button. |
 |
JIO |
Step 1: You need to visit the Jio DND instructions page. You can also do the same via the MyJio application. Step 2: Sign in to the MyJio and click on the menu section along with Profile & other Settings option. Click on the DND option. Step 3: Click on the preference segment and click on the submit button. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DND?
DND means Do Not Disturb. It allows subscribers to manage unwanted promotional calls and SMS. This is DND facility is accessible from all telecom Operators by unsing the number 1909 . After your preference is registered and applied, promotional calls and SMS should be handled according to the preference and applicable rules. DND may not block service, transactional or other permitted communications. This service is mainly to block unwanted Calls/SMS from Telemarketers.
Processing times and confirmation steps can vary by operator; follow the confirmation message from your telecom provider.
Telemarketers are required to follow applicable customer preferences and telecom rules. If you continue to receive unwanted commercial communication, use your operator’s complaint channel or the applicable 1909 process.
Which authority oversees DND rules in India?
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). TRAI is the Indian governmental agency tasked with defining various policies and regulations for wireless communication service providers in India. As per TRAI regulation, every mobile service provider in India is required to set up a Do Not Disturb (DND) registry. All telecom wireless or wiredline service provider should allow 1909 .
How can I register my number for DND?
- Send an SMS to 1909 (toll-free) from the number you want to activate DND for. The text should read start dnd or start 0 (varies from carrier to carrier). You will get a message from your carrier saying your request will go into effect within 24 hours.
- Alternatively, you can also call 1909 (toll-free) from the number you are trying to register for DND. Depending on your carrier, you may or may not get a language selection option first up. Then, follow the prompts to register for DND in India.
Do I have an option to opt out for promotional sms from particular category?
Yes.
TRAI has also given an option to opt out for promotional sms from particular category; they have divided it into 7 categories.
- START 1 - Banking: This sector includes, stock tips, investment opportunities, promotional messages from banks, policy changes, credit card promotions etc.
- START 2 - Real Estate: This sector includes Big builders and their promotions, real estate investment opportunities and updates on government policies on real estate etc.
- START 3 - Education: This sector includes schools and universities, exams and opportunities they create, online education websites etc.
- START 4 - Health: This sector includes hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, gyms etc
- START 5 - Consumer Goods and Automobiles: This sector includes all grocery stores, retail outlets, car manufacturers etc.
- START 6 - Entertainment/IT: This sector includes the film and tv industry, online streaming services, all websites and even your internet service provider to name a few.
- START 7 - Tourism: This sector includes airlines and their offers, hotels and Airbnb promotions, package tourism opportunities etc.
How can I opt for NDNC?
If you want to restrict promotional calls or SMS, register or update your DND preferences through your telecom operator’s official website or app, or follow the current instructions available through 1909. Some permitted service or transactional communications may still be delivered. If unwanted commercial communication continues, report it using your operator’s complaint process and retain the message details.
Where can I check my DND status?
Check your DND preference or registration status through your telecom operator’s official app, website or customer-care channel. You can also contact your operator through the 1909 DND/UCC service, where supported.