# How do I handle SMS opt-outs?

> Honour opt-outs instantly and permanently: recognize standard keywords like STOP (and localized equivalents), add the number to a suppression list, stop all marketing to it immediately, and confirm the opt-out once. Handling opt-outs correctly is both a legal requirement in most markets and a deliverability protection — repeated messaging to people who opted out damages sender reputation.

- Canonical URL: https://www.broadnet.me/answers/how-to-handle-sms-opt-outs
- Language: en
- Last reviewed: 2026-07-22
- Publisher: BroadNet (https://www.broadnet.me)

## Recognize the keywords

Support STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, and their localized equivalents on your two-way number, and process them automatically through your inbound webhook. See /answers/what-is-two-way-messaging and /answers/what-is-a-messaging-webhook.

## Suppress permanently

Add opted-out numbers to a do-not-contact list checked before every send, so the number never receives another marketing message unless the user explicitly re-subscribes. See /answers/what-is-dnc.

## Confirm once, then stop

Send a single confirmation of the opt-out, then nothing further — continuing to message after STOP is a violation and a trust breach. Keep an auditable record of the request and the date.

## Separate transactional messages

Essential transactional messages (like security alerts) are generally distinct from marketing opt-outs, but keep the categories clearly separated and never use a transactional channel to slip in marketing. See /answers/sms-compliance-checklist.

## Related

- [All answers](https://www.broadnet.me/answers)
- [Glossary](https://www.broadnet.me/answers)
- [What is an SMS suppression list?](https://www.broadnet.me/answers/what-is-sms-suppression-list)
- [What is a DNC (Do Not Call) list?](https://www.broadnet.me/answers/what-is-dnc)
- [What is two-way messaging?](https://www.broadnet.me/answers/what-is-two-way-messaging)
- [What is on an SMS compliance checklist?](https://www.broadnet.me/answers/sms-compliance-checklist)
- [What are SMS marketing best practices?](https://www.broadnet.me/answers/sms-marketing-best-practices)
- [Two-way SMS](https://www.broadnet.me/products/two-way-sms)