SMS Tracking
Track your India Post parcel without internet. It works on all Indian mobile operators
How to Track Speed Post via SMS
Send the following message from any Indian mobile number:
Send to either number:
Complete SMS Tracking Guide
India Post offers free/low-cost SMS tracking for all Speed Post articles. This is useful when you do not have internet access, when the website is slow, or when you want a quick status check on the go.
Step-by-Step SMS Tracking Instructions
- Open your phones SMS/Messages app Use the default SMS app on any Android or iOS phone. This feature does not require any app download.
-
Create a new message and type the command
Type:
POST TRACK EE123456789IN
ReplaceEE123456789INwith your actual 13 character tracking number. Use CAPITAL LETTERS only - the system is case-sensitive for SMS. - Send to 166 or 51969 Both numbers work. 166 is the universal India Post shortcode. 51969 is the alternative. Try 166 first.
- Wait for reply SMS You will receive a reply within 1-5 minutes with the latest tracking status of your parcel. The reply shows the most recent scan event and location.
What the SMS Reply Looks Like
Status: DISPATCHED
Event: Item Dispatched from NAGPUR NDC
Date: 05-May-2025 08:15
Office: NAGPUR NDC, Maharashtra
-INDIA POST
Track Multiple Parcels by SMS
You can track up to 5 Speed Post articles in a single SMS by separating tracking numbers with commas:
Each articles status will be included in the reply SMS. Note that very long SMS responses may be split into multiple messages by your carrier.
SMS Tracking Availability by Operator
| Mobile Operator | SMS to 166 | SMS to 51969 | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio (Reliance) | Works | Works | Standard SMS rate |
| Airtel | Works | Works | Standard SMS rate |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | Works | Works | Standard SMS rate |
| BSNL | Works | Works | May be free on BSNL plans |
| MTNL | Works | Works | Standard SMS rate |
Standard SMS charges vary by plan (typically ₹0-₹1 per SMS). Most unlimited SMS plans include these messages. Check with your operator for exact charges.
Important Tips for SMS Tracking
Always Use CAPITALS
The SMS tracking system is case-sensitive. Type POST TRACK and your tracking number in CAPITAL LETTERS. Lowercase may not work.
Available 24/7
SMS tracking is available around the clock. However, tracking data only updates during post office working hours (8 AM-8 PM, Mon-Sat).
60-Day Tracking Window
Tracking data is available for up to 60 days from the booking date. Articles older than 60 days cannot be tracked via SMS or online.
No Spaces in Tracking Number
Type the tracking number without any spaces. Example: EE123456789IN not EE 123456789 IN.
Pro tip: SMS tracking gives you the most recent single scan, while online tracking at IndSpeedPost.com gives you the full timeline. Use online tracking for complete history and SMS for quick status checks.
FAQs on Speed Post SMS Tracking
I sent an SMS to 166 but didn not get a reply. Why?
Possible reasons: (1) The tracking number may be wrong. Double check it, (2) the article was booked very recently (< 6 hours), (3) there may be a temporary network issue. Try again after 30 minutes or send to 51969 as an alternative.
Can I track Speed Post SMS from a WhatsApp number?
No. SMS tracking requires a standard mobile SIM connection with SMS capability. You cannot send tracking requests via WhatsApp, or over internet-based messaging apps.
Is Speed Post SMS tracking free?
It depends on your mobile plan. If your plan includes free outgoing SMS, it costs nothing. Otherwise, standard carrier SMS charges apply (typically ₹0.50-₹1 per SMS). Incoming reply messages are always free.
Can I get automatic SMS alerts when my parcel moves?
India Post does not offer automatic SMS alerts natively. However, the sender may register for notifications through the India Post Business account, or you can use third-party tracking services that offer email/SMS notifications.