> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.phonovation.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Opt-outs

> Handle SMS opt-outs and prevent further marketing messages to suppressed recipients.

Marketing messages must tell recipients to send either `STOP` or `OPTOUT` to `50123`. Transactional messages, such as one-time passwords, do not require an opt-out phrase.

<Warning>
  The Messaging API does not add an opt-out phrase automatically. Include it in the message text for every marketing campaign.
</Warning>

## Recipient flow

```mermaid title="Account opt-out flow" theme={"dark"}
%%{init: {"theme": "base", "themeVariables": {"fontFamily": "Outfit", "fontSize": "16px", "primaryColor": "#fff1ef", "primaryTextColor": "#0f1926", "primaryBorderColor": "#d23a25", "lineColor": "#4b69a0", "secondaryColor": "#eaf0fa", "tertiaryColor": "#edf8f0"}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A["Your campaign text"] -->|"Includes opt-out instruction"| B["Recipient"]
    B -->|"STOP or OPTOUT"| C["50123"]
    C --> D["Account opt-out list"]
    D -->|"Suppress future sends"| E["Later campaigns"]
    D -->|"Keep systems aligned"| F["Your contact database"]

    classDef customer fill:#eaf0fa,stroke:#4b69a0,color:#0f1926,stroke-width:2px
    classDef action fill:#fff1ef,stroke:#d23a25,color:#0f1926,stroke-width:2px
    classDef result fill:#edf8f0,stroke:#247a4b,color:#0f1926,stroke-width:2px
    class A,B,F customer
    class C,D action
    class E result
```

## Marketing and transactional messages

| Message type  | Opt-out requirement                                                           |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Marketing     | Include either `STOP to 50123` or `OPTOUT to 50123`                           |
| Transactional | No opt-out phrase is required for service messages such as one-time passwords |

When a recipient opts out, Phonovation adds them to the account's opt-out list so later marketing sends can be suppressed. See the [Phonovation opt-out guide](https://knowledgebase.phonovation.com/campaign-management-opt-outs).

## Designed with the DPC

Phonovation's opt-out mechanism was designed with the Data Protection Commission (DPC). The DPC is aware that shortcode availability depends on the recipient's mobile network and plan.

## Known limitations

* Some recipients may not have shortcodes enabled on their network plan.
* Some mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including 48 and GoMo, may not support shortcodes.
* A recipient affected by either limitation can contact the sender directly and ask to opt out.

The DPC accepts direct contact with the sender as the fallback for recipients who cannot use `50123`. When a recipient contacts you, manually add them to your opt-out list in the Phonovation portal and keep any separate contact or campaign system aligned with the same suppression.