---
title: How do I update my existing DLT templates to use variable tags?
description: "Templates registered with the old generic `{#var#}` must be moved to the new typed tags. Operators are phasing in enforcement, first logging mismatches and then rejecting them, so update your templates before your messages start failing. ## Step 1: List…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-do-i-update-my-existing-dlt-templates-to-use-variable-tags/"
updated: "2026-09-18"
category: Bulk SMS / DLT / Variable Tagging
---

# How do I update my existing DLT templates to use variable tags?

Templates registered with the old generic `{#var#}` must be moved to the new typed tags. Operators are phasing in enforcement, first logging mismatches and then rejecting them, so update your templates before your messages start failing.

## Step 1: List your templates that have variables

Export or list your templates from your DLT portal and mark every template that contains `{#var#}`. Prioritise the ones you send most, such as OTPs and order updates.

## Step 2: Map each variable to a tag

For every `{#var#}`, decide what it actually carries and choose the tag: `{#numeric#}`, `{#alphanumeric#}`, `{#url#}`, `{#urlott#}`, `{#cbn#}` or `{#email#}`. See *What are DLT variable tags, and which one should I use?*

## Step 3: Whitelist the CTAs

For any variable tagged `{#url#}`, `{#urlott#}` or `{#cbn#}`, make sure the links or numbers are whitelisted on your DLT portal first.

## Step 4: Update the template on the DLT portal

Submit the tagged version and wait for approval. Some portals issue a **new Template ID** for the updated template. Note it down.

## Step 5: Update the template in your SMS Gateway Center account

- Add or update the template under your message templates with the new tagged text and the correct **DLT Template ID**.
- If you send through the **API** or **SMPP**, update the Template ID in your application too.

## Step 6: Check your data

Send a test to your own number, then check that live values match their tags. The most common failures are an OTP field with a space in it, a customer name containing a link, and a callback number that includes "+91".

**Official source:** [TRAI Direction on variable tagging, 18 Nov 2025](https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-11/Directions_18112025_0.PDF).

### More Related Articles

- [What are DLT variable tags, and which one should I use?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-are-dlt-variable-tags-and-which-one-should-i-use/)

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