Turn on full DND — SMS "START 0" to 1909 (blocks promotional SMS and calls) — or use your operator's app. Report violators to 1909 and block senders on your phone. But DND only stops registered senders, so also remove your number from the data-broker lists that spammers buy.
Loan offers, "you've won", crypto tips, fake delivery links — the spam SMS never stops because your number keeps getting sold. Here's how to turn down the volume.
1. Activate SMS DND
Block promotional SMS
SMS START 0 to 1909 for a full block, or pick categories (banking, real estate, etc.) in your Airtel/Jio/Vi app or the TRAI DND 2.0 app. Takes up to 7 days.
2. Report & block
Report unregistered senders
Forward spam to 1909 with the sender ID and time, or use the DND app. On your phone, mark as spam and block. Banks and brands use registered DLT headers (6-character IDs) — random-number SMS are a red flag.
3. Never click the links
Treat links as scams
Fake "KYC", parcel and electricity-bill SMS are phishing. Don't click; don't call back. Report and delete.
4. Cut off the supply
Remove your number from broker lists
Scam senders ignore DND entirely — they buy your number from data brokers and breaches. The durable fix is to remove your number from those sources and keep it removed.
We do this for you — across 50+ brokers
Saaph scans 50+ Indian data brokers for your number, sends DPDP removal requests, and re-checks so it stays gone — and we do the same for your name, email and address. One scan, the whole job.
Run a free scan →FAQ
How do I stop promotional SMS in India?
Send "START 0" to 1909 (or use your operator's app) to activate full DND, which blocks promotional SMS and calls.
Why do I still get spam SMS after DND?
DND stops registered senders. Unregistered spammers buy your number from data brokers and leaked lists, so you also need to remove it from those sources.
How do I report a spam SMS?
Forward it to 1909 with the sender ID and time, or use the TRAI DND app.
General information as of June 2026; TRAI procedures can change. Saaph.in does not provide legal advice.