No one likes spam, especially when it lands on their phone. Getting a text you didn’t ask for is frustrating, right?
Now imagine how your customers feel when they get messages from your business without giving permission. It not only annoys them but can also chip away at the trust you’re trying to build.
That’s why it’s so important to give people a simple way to unsubscribe from text messages. Clear opt-out messages don’t just keep you compliant with the law, they also show customers that you respect their time and choices. And when people know they can leave at any time, they’re actually more likely to stay.
In this guide, you’ll find opt-out text message examples you can copy and start using today. They’re short, simple, and professional, designed to reduce no-shows, avoid legal issues, and keep your customer relationships strong.
And if you’d like to see how to balance this with how to gain consent in the first place, check out this blog on types of opt and their best practices. It pairs perfectly with what you’ll learn here.
Table of Contents
What is an SMS opt-out message?
An SMS opt-out is simply a message that gives people the choice to stop receiving texts from you whenever they want. Think of it as the “unsubscribe” button for texting. It’s short, clear, and usually looks like this: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
Laws like the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and guidelines from the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) require you to include an opt-out option in your texts. If you don’t, you risk being fined and, even worse, losing your customers’ trust.
For small businesses, opt-out messages do more than keep you compliant. They show respect. By giving people control, you make them more likely to stay subscribed because they don’t feel trapped. Customers who trust your brand are also more open to promotions, reminders, and updates.
Adding a simple opt-out text message isn’t just about following rules. It’s also about building stronger, more loyal relationships with the people who choose to hear from you.
SMS Opt-Out Rules Every Small Business Must Follow
Here are some opt-out rules you should always stick to:
A. Use Clear Keywords
Don’t overcomplicate it. Customers expect common words like STOP, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE to work right away. If you try unusual phrases like “REMOVE ME,” people might miss it. Stick with the basics to avoid confusion.
B. Confirm the Opt-Out
Always send a quick confirmation once someone unsubscribes. For example: “You’ve been unsubscribed. You won’t receive further messages.” This reassures customers their request worked.
C. Don’t Delay the Action
When a customer opts out, remove them immediately. Continuing to send texts after they unsubscribe makes your business look careless and could put compliance at risk.
D. Stay Compliant with Regulations
SMS rules aren’t optional. The TCPA and CTIA require businesses to provide clear opt-out instructions and to honor those requests quickly. Ignoring these rules can result in fines and harm your brand. For an easy breakdown, see our SMS compliance checklist.
What to Avoid in SMS Opt-Out Messages
Opt-out messages should keep things simple, but some mistakes can turn them into headaches. Here are five pitfalls every business should avoid:
I. Confusing wording
Don’t bury your instructions in a long message or use odd phrases like “Text REMOVE to leave.” Stick with familiar words like STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE so customers know exactly what to do.
II. Making it hard to unsubscribe
Customers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to stop texts. One reply should be all it takes. If you make the process complicated, trust disappears quickly.
III. Ignoring opt-out requests
If someone sends STOP, you need to process it immediately. Delays frustrate customers and can also put you at risk of penalties from regulators.
IV. Overusing follow-ups
Once a customer unsubscribes, the conversation is over. Avoid sending “Are you sure?” or “We’ll miss you” texts. They feel spammy and leave a negative impression.
V. Skipping compliance checks
Even if you’re confident in your system, test it regularly. Glitches happen, and if opt-out requests aren’t handled properly, you could face unhappy customers and compliance issues.
5 Compliant SMS Opt-Out Examples
Here are five common situations where your business should always include an opt-out message:
1. Paper Form Fill + Text Confirmation
When a customer signs up in person at a salon, gym, or clinic, the first follow-up text should confirm their choice and include clear unsubscribe instructions.
2. Website Form Fill + First Confirmation Text
If someone opts in through a website form, your very first confirmation message should be upfront about how to unsubscribe. Transparency from the start builds confidence.
3. First Promo or Info Message After Opt-In
Even when sending your first promotional or informational text, remind subscribers they can stop messages at any time. This shows respect and keeps you compliant.
For inspiration on how to craft these texts, check out our welcome text templates that pair perfectly with your first messages.
4. Immediate Opt-Out Confirmation (After STOP)
The moment a customer replies STOP, send a confirmation right away. No delays, no extra promos — just a simple message confirming they’re unsubscribed.
5. Marketing or Promotional Opt-Out Confirmation
Every bulk marketing campaign should include opt-out instructions. TruText makes this easier by automatically adding an opt-out checkbox when creating campaigns, so you never miss compliance.
20+ Customizable Opt-Out Text Message Templates
Sometimes it’s easier to start with a ready-made script instead of writing from scratch. Below, you’ll find a mix of opt-out text message examples you can copy, paste, and tweak for your business.
Group 1: Texts with Built-In Opt-Out Instructions
These examples show how to add a clear “unsubscribe” option to your everyday messages like promos, reminders, or alerts.
- Group 2: Opt-Out Confirmation Replies
These examples confirm a customer’s unsubscribe request so they know it worked and won’t expect more messages.
Opt-Out Message Text Templates
1. “Thanks for joining [Brand] updates! Reply STOP to unsubscribe anytime.”
2. “Hi [Name], get 20% off your next visit. Reply STOP to opt out.”
3. “[Brand]: Don’t miss today’s flash deal! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
4. “Weekly tips are here! Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to end.”
5. “Your appointment is booked for 3 PM tomorrow. Reply STOP to stop reminders.”
6. “Welcome to [Brand] insider deals. 4 msgs/mo. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
7. “[Brand]: Free shipping ends tonight. Reply STOP to cancel texts.”
8. “Hi [Name], thanks for signing up. Reply STOP to unsubscribe, HELP for help.”
9. “[Brand]: Event reminder! See you Friday. Reply STOP to opt out.”
10. “Exclusive offers are waiting! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
11. “[Brand] rewards: earn points with every purchase. Reply STOP to opt out.”
12. “Here’s your delivery update. Reply STOP to stop alerts.”
13. “Your class is confirmed! Reply STOP to unsubscribe from texts.”
14. “Hi [Name], check your balance here: [link]. Reply STOP to cancel updates.”
15. “[Brand]: Summer sale starts now! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
Opt-Out Confirmation Text Templates
16. “You’ve unsubscribed from [Brand]. You won’t get further messages.”
17. “[Brand]: Your request is confirmed. You’re off the list.”
18. “Opt-out successful. You’ll no longer receive texts from [Brand].”
19. “Done! You’re unsubscribed. Reply HELP for support.”
20. “[Brand]: You won’t get any more messages. Thanks for being with us.”
21. “Your unsubscribe is complete. No further texts will be sent.”
22. “We’ve removed your number from [Brand] updates. Reply HELP if you need us.”
23. “[Brand]: You’re now unsubscribed. Hope to see you again soon.”
How TruText Simplifies SMS Compliance
Writing an opt-out text message might seem simple, but missing small details can hurt your business. If customers can’t easily unsubscribe, they lose trust, and in some cases, you could even face fines.
That’s why TruText handles compliance for you. Every unsubscribe option is built in, so when someone replies STOP, they’re instantly removed and sent a polite confirmation. You don’t have to track requests manually or worry about mistakes.
TruText also provides ready-to-use templates. You can choose an SMS opt-out message example that fits your business, adjust a few words, and send it right away. No stress, no guesswork, just clear messages that work and keep you covered.
Want to see how it works? TruText offers a free 14-day trial so you can test automations, templates, and compliance features before committing. Try it today and experience how simple compliance can be.
FAQs on Opt-Out Text Messages
How do you unsubscribe from text messages?
Unsubscribing is simple. Most businesses set up an opt-out text message flow where you only need to reply with a keyword like STOP, END, or UNSUBSCRIBE. Once you send that, you should immediately get an opt-out confirmation text message letting you know you’re off the list.
How do you opt out of text messages without replying?
Some providers also allow you to unsubscribe through their website or by calling customer service. But the fastest way is always through an unsubscribe text message. It’s designed to save you time and make sure your request is honored instantly.
What happens when you reply STOP to a text?
When you send STOP, the business system records your number and blocks further texts. You’ll also receive a final sms opt out message example confirming the action. After that, no more promos or alerts should come your way. If they keep texting, the business may be breaking TCPA or CTIA compliance rules.
Are opt-out text messages required by law?
Yes. In places like the U.S., SMS opt-out is not optional. Every business must give you a clear way to leave, or they risk fines and customer complaints. That’s why adding an opt-out text message example to every campaign is so important for small businesses.
Why do opt-out messages matter for small businesses?
Customers trust brands that respect their choices. Clear unsubscribe text messages don’t just keep you compliant; they also build credibility. When people know they can leave anytime, they’re more likely to stay subscribed because they don’t feel trapped.
