Compliance

When is text message consent automatically revoked?

Text message consent is typically revoked automatically when the recipient sends a clear "STOP," "END," "CANCEL," "UNSUBSCRIBE," or "QUIT" message. It’s important to understand these implied actions to remain compliant with communication regulations.

November 15, 2026 · 3 min read

The explicit "STOP" message and its variants

The clearest way a recipient revokes consent is by sending a message containing keywords like 'STOP,' 'END,' 'CANCEL,' 'UNSUBSCRIBE,' or 'QUIT.' Your texting system should be programmed to recognize these immediately and cease further communication.

Upon receiving any of these, your system must send a confirmation of opt-out and then absolutely no further messages. This is a fundamental requirement for compliant texting.

Other implied signals of revocation

Sometimes, a recipient might use language that, while not one of the standard keywords, clearly indicates a desire to stop receiving messages. Phrases like 'Don't text me again,' 'Remove my number,' or 'I'm not interested, please stop' should also be treated as a revocation.

While not explicitly listed, acting on these implied signals is a best practice to avoid complaints and maintain a good sender reputation. If there's any ambiguity, err on the side of caution and opt them out.

Handling non-standard opt-out language

It's impractical to automate recognition for every possible variation of 'stop.' However, your team should be trained to manually review replies that do not fit standard keywords but still convey an opt-out intent.

When a human agent identifies such a message, he or she should manually remove the recipient from future text campaigns. Having a process for manual review and action is crucial.

When consent for one channel does not imply another

A recipient opting out of text messages does not automatically mean he or she has opted out of email or phone calls. Consent is typically channel-specific. If he or she texts 'STOP,' that applies to texts.

However, if a seller specifically states 'Do not contact me by text or phone,' then you must honor that broader request across specified channels. Always document these preferences carefully in your CRM.

Documenting all consent and revocation events

Maintain clear records of when consent was given and when it was revoked. This includes timestamps, the content of the message that initiated consent, and the content of any opt-out messages.

This documentation is not just a best practice; it is your defense if a recipient ever alleges non-compliance. Your CRM or texting platform should be able to store this history reliably.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional regarding compliance with applicable communication laws.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Communication laws can be complex and vary by jurisdiction.

You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney to address your specific legal concerns regarding compliance.

Questions people ask

What if a seller texts "later"?

A 'later' message does not automatically revoke consent. It indicates he or she is not ready now but might be in the future. You can continue follow-up at a later date, but log this response for reference.

Do I need to ask for consent again if a seller replies after revoking?

Yes, if a seller has explicitly opted out, you cannot resume texting him or her unless he or she proactively sends a new message that clearly indicates re-engagement and provides new consent. Do not re-initiate contact.

Does a voicemail count as an opt-out?

A voicemail typically refers to phone communication, not text. However, if a voicemail explicitly states 'do not contact me by any means,' you should treat that as a broad opt-out and update all communication preferences accordingly.