--- title: What is an opt-in? description: An opt-in refers to a contact who willingly agreed to receive text messages from you. --- [Skip to content](https://help.textrequest.com/what-is-an-opt-in#main-content) [![favicon-256.png\]](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/favicon-256.png?width=30&height=30&name=favicon-256.png)](https://help.textrequest.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Back to textrequest.com](https://www.textrequest.com/) [Back to textrequest.com](https://www.textrequest.com/) Hi! How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Text Request Help Center](https://help.textrequest.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en) 3. [Messaging Features](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#messaging-features) # What is an opt-in? ## Understand what constitutes an opt-in, the four legal methods for collecting contact consent, and how opt-ins impact carrier delivery rates. ### **Overview of Opt-Ins** An **opt-in** is explicit consent provided by a contact agreeing to receive text messages from your business. Under 10DLC and TCPA carrier regulations, businesses must obtain verifiable opt-in consent before sending text communications. Sending texts to contacts who have not opted in can lead to mobile carrier filtering, message delivery failures, or account flag warnings. Once a contact opts in, you can message them with confidence. However, consent is ongoing. Contacts can opt out at any time by texting **STOP**. For additional details, see our [Opt-Out Messages guide](https://help.textrequest.com/opt-out-messages?hsLang=en).     ### **The 4 Methods for Collecting Opt-Ins** Mobile carriers recognize four legal methods for collecting opt-in consent from customers. Choose the methods that best fit your business workflows: | **Opt-In Method** | **How It Works** | **Compliance Requirements** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Keyword** | A contact texts a specific keyword (e.g., `OPTIN` or `JOIN`) to your phone number. | Automatically replies with a confirmation text and opt-out instructions (`Text STOP to opt out`). | | **Form** | A contact fills out a physical paper form or digital web form acknowledging SMS consent. | Must include clear, un-checked opt-in disclosure language near the phone field. | | **Website Language / Chat Widget** | A visitor engages through your website's contact form or SMS Chat Widget. | Website or chat widget must display explicit SMS terms, help/STOP disclaimers, and privacy links. | | **Verbal** | An agent reads a standard disclosure script in person or over the phone, and the customer verbally agrees. | Agent must read the required disclosure script and receive a clear "yes". *(Not allowed for Marketing use cases)*. | **Note:** For step-by-step instructions on submitting proof of opt-in for carrier approval, view our [10DLC Registration guide](https://help.textrequest.com/10dlc-registration?hsLang=en).    ### **Three Golden Rules for Keeping Opt-Ins** Collecting consent is only the first step. Maintaining high delivery rates requires keeping your opted-in contacts engaged and preventing spam complaints. #### **1. Deliver Exactly What Was Promised** Only send content aligned with the consent granted during opt-in. If a contact opted in for appointment reminders, do not send promotional sales blasts without additional permission. #### **2. Respect Message Frequency** Sending too many texts too quickly triggers contact fatigue and increases opt-out rates. Keep broadcasts purposeful, concise, and spaced appropriately. #### **3. Encourage Two-Way Conversations** Business texting is most effective as a conversational tool. Write like a human, respond promptly to replies, and foster authentic 1-on-1 interactions rather than sending one-way automated announcements. **Tip:** Need help establishing legal consent across your phone lines? Read our comprehensive [Getting Permission to Text Someone guide](https://help.textrequest.com/getting-permission-to-text-someone?hsLang=en).    - [Basics](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account Essentials](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#account-essentials) - [Profile Settings & Preferences](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#profile-settings-preferences) - [Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Conversations](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#conversations) - [Messaging Features](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#messaging-features) - [Group Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#group-messages) - [Sequences](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#sequences) - [Peer to Peer](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#peer-to-peer) - [Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Individual Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#individual-contacts) - [Groups](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#groups) - [Managing Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#managing-contacts) - [Payments](https://help.textrequest.com/payments?hsLang=en) - [Settings](https://help.textrequest.com/settings?hsLang=en) - [Reports](https://help.textrequest.com/reports?hsLang=en) - [Integrations](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Text Request Extras](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#text-request-extras) - [Third-Party Integrations](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#third-party-integrations) - [Mobile App](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#mobile-app) - [Users](https://help.textrequest.com/users?hsLang=en) - [Dashboards](https://help.textrequest.com/dashboards?hsLang=en) - [Account](https://help.textrequest.com/account?hsLang=en#main-content) - [10DLC Registration](https://help.textrequest.com/account?hsLang=en#10dlc-registration) - [Reviews](https://help.textrequest.com/reviews?hsLang=en) [![TR Esendex Footer](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Help%20Center/TR%20Esendex%20Footer.png?width=225&height=45&name=TR%20Esendex%20Footer.png "TR Esendex Footer")](https://www.textrequest.com) Copyright © 2026, Text Request