TL;DR / Key Insights
- If your BSNL SMS is not sending, the most common reasons are a wrong SMS Centre Number (SMSC) or no outgoing SMS benefit in your plan.
- Always use the SMSC of the state where your SIM was registered, not where you are currently staying or roaming.
- Many “unlimited” BSNL plans still require ₹1 to ₹2 main balance for bank OTPs and service messages.
- Quick fix: Add ₹10 talktime, restart the phone, recheck SMSC, then resend the message.
Getting the “Message Sending Failed” error on a BSNL SIM usually happens when you are trying to send an urgent OTP or activate a banking service. In most cases, the network is working fine. The problem lies in either an incorrect SMS Centre Number or a plan limitation that silently blocks outgoing SMS.
This guide provides the updated 2026 BSNL SMS Centre Number list, along with step-by-step instructions for Android, iPhone, and feature phones. It also explains why SMS can fail even when the SMSC is correct, which is something most guides do not cover.
Use the table below to find your state quickly, then follow the troubleshooting section if SMS still does not go through.
Updated BSNL Message Centre Number List (State-Wise)
Important: Use the SMSC number of the home circle where your BSNL SIM was originally registered, not your current location.
| State / Circle | BSNL SMS Center Number |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | +919441099997 |
| Assam | +919435099997 |
| Bihar & Jharkhand | +919231099997 |
| Chhattisgarh | +919425099997 |
| Delhi | +919810099997 |
| Gujarat | +919825099997 |
| Haryana | +919810099997 |
| Himachal Pradesh | +919816099997 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | +919419099997 |
| Karnataka | +919480099997 |
| Kerala | +919495099997 |
| Madhya Pradesh | +919425099997 |
| Maharashtra & Goa | +919422099997 |
| North East | +919435099997 |
| Odisha | +919437099997 |
| Punjab | +919815099997 |
| Rajasthan | +919414099997 |
| Tamil Nadu | +919443099997 |
| Uttar Pradesh (East) | +919415099997 |
| Uttar Pradesh (West) | +919415099997 |
| West Bengal | +919434099997 |
Note: BSNL SMSC numbers remain stable but may change during internal network migrations or SIM reissues.
How to Change BSNL SMS Center Number (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Using Android Settings
(Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo)
- Open the Messages app
- Go to Settings
- Tap More Settings or Advanced
- Open Text Messages / SMS
- Select SMS Center / Message Centre
- Enter the correct BSNL SMSC number
- Save and restart the phone
You should see a single editable field named Message Centre Number. Replace the number completely and save.
Method 2: USSD Code Method
(Pixel, Motorola, Stock Android)
- Dial
*#*#4636#*#* - Open Phone Information
- Scroll to SMSC
- Tap Refresh
- Enter the correct SMSC number
- Tap Update
If the update option does not work, use Method 1.
Method 3: For iPhone Users (iOS)
- Check current SMSC:
Dial*#5005*7672# - Update SMSC:
Dial**5005*7672*+91XXXXXXXXXX#
(Replace with your state SMSC number)
Restart the iPhone after updating.
Method 4: For BSNL Feature or Keypad Phones
- Go to the Menu on your phone.
- Select Messaging or Messages.
- Look for Settings within the messaging options.
- Navigate to Text Messages, SMS, Advanced Settings, or More Settings.
- Find the option labeled Message Centre or SMSC.
- Enter the correct SMSC number you obtained from your network operator, ensuring you include the international prefix (e.g., +91 for India).
- Select OK, Save, or Update to apply the change.
- Restart Your Phone (Optional but Recommended).
Still Can’t Send SMS? 4 Reasons Why (Troubleshooting)
Short answer: settings alone do not guarantee outgoing SMS on BSNL.
1. Plan Validity Check
Many BSNL plans such as FRC 108, data-only packs, or validity extensions do not include outgoing SMS.
If your plan does not mention “SMS benefit”, messages will fail even with the correct SMSC.
Solution:
Recharge with ₹10 or ₹20 talktime (main balance).
2. Insufficient Main Balance
Even on unlimited plans, service SMS like bank OTPs, UPI activation, and Aadhaar verification may require ₹1 to ₹2 main balance.
Solution:
Maintain at least ₹10 main balance on your BSNL number.
3. DND (Do Not Disturb) Service Conflict
In rare cases, partial DND settings can interfere with service-level SMS.
Check:
Send START to 1909 or confirm DND status via BSNL customer care.
4. SIM Slot Priority Issue
Some Android phones handle outgoing SMS better when BSNL is in SIM Slot 1, especially on dual SIM devices.
Solution:
Move BSNL SIM to Slot 1, set it as default for SMS, then restart the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SMS centre number for BSNL in my state?
The SMS centre number depends on your home circle where the SIM was registered. Refer to the state-wise table above and use that number only.
Why is my BSNL SMS not sending even with an unlimited plan?
Because many unlimited plans do not include service SMS. These require sufficient main balance, usually ₹1 to ₹2 per message.
How do I reset my BSNL SMS centre number?
BSNL does not auto-reset SMSC. You must manually re-enter the correct number using phone settings or USSD, then restart the device.
Is changing the BSNL SMS centre number free?
Yes. Updating the SMSC is free. Charges apply only when an SMS is actually sent.
Conclusion
If your BSNL SMS is failing, follow this order-
First, confirm the correct SMS centre number.
Second, check whether your plan allows outgoing SMS.
Third, ensure you have minimum main balance.
As clarified by BSNL support practices and TRAI service rules, service SMS may require balance even on unlimited plans, which explains most failures.
Still facing issues?
Comment your State and Phone Model, and the exact setting path for your device will be shared.
