Acceptable consent methods for SMS messaging

• Why consent is important
• Consent methods and tips
• Proof of consent

Before you send text messages through Textmagic, you must have permission from each person you contact. This is called opt-in consent. It proves that users agreed to receive your messages and understand what they are signing up for.

This guide will help you prepare your opt-in explanation and supporting evidence for the Toll-free and 10DLC verification .

Why user consent is important

Collecting clear consent protects your business and your customers. It prevents spam complaints, helps your messages get approved faster, and ensures your account stays compliant.

You should always be able to show when, how, and where someone gave permission to receive texts from you.

Without proper, verifiable consent, it is impossible to get verified and approved for Toll-free or 10DLC messaging in North America. Carriers and regulators require clear proof of opt-in before allowing any traffic to be sent.

Consent methods and tips

Online (web) opt-in form

Users give consent by entering their phone number on your website or landing page.

• Clearly state who is sending the messages and what type of messages will be sent.
• Display your organization or brand logo on the opt-in page.
• Include details like message frequency, opt-out instructions (“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”), and help options (“Reply HELP for assistance”).
• Add links to your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
• Use unchecked checkboxes so users must actively agree.

If you send both informational and marketing messages, include two separate checkboxes — one for each purpose.

Examples of compliant consent text for mixed-use cases:

“I consent to receive [Message Type: marketing and promotional messages] via SMS from [Company Name]. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for support.”

“I consent to receive [Message Type: informational messages such as updates and alerts] via SMS from [Company Name]. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for support.”

Verification tips:

• Take a screenshot of the full form, showing the phone number field and consent text.
• Include the URL where the form is hosted.
• Avoid pre-checked boxes — this leads to automatic rejection.

👉 View a compliant subscribe form example

Text-to-join keyword

Users can opt in by texting a keyword (like “JOIN” or “SUBSCRIBE”) to your number.

• Identify your brand in the confirmation message.
• Explain what types of messages will be sent and how often.
• Include STOP and HELP instructions.
• State “Message and data rates may apply.”

Verification tips:

• Provide a screenshot or photo showing where the keyword is displayed (e.g., on a website, poster, or social media post).
• Show the full message flow — user’s keyword and your reply.
• Use real brand details instead of generic templates.

👉 View a compliant screenshot example

Verbal consent (informational only)

You can collect verbal consent for non-marketing messages, such as appointment reminders or service alerts.

• Your script must include your business name, purpose of messages, and how to opt out.
• This method cannot be used for marketing — marketing requires written consent.

Verification tips:

• Upload the exact script used by agents or IVR.
• Keep recordings or CRM logs showing the consent date and time.
• Ensure your script mentions that users can text STOP to cancel.

👉 View a compliant script example

Paper or physical form

You can collect written consent using a printed form signed or initialed by the user.

• The form must include your business name, message purpose, frequency, cost disclosure, and opt-out instructions.

Verification tips:

• Upload a photo or scan of the signed form (you may redact personal data).
• Show how consent is recorded in your system or CRM.
• Use clear, readable language on the printed form.

Point-of-sale (POS) or in-store consent

Customers can opt in while checking out in-store or using a service tablet.

• The screen or printed receipt must show the opt-in text and disclosures.
• Consent must be optional and unchecked by default.

Verification tips:

• Provide photos or screenshots of the POS opt-in screen.
• Include a copy of the receipt if applicable.
• Explain how consent is saved in your system.

In-app or account settings opt-in

Users can give consent inside your mobile app or user account.

• Include a checkbox or toggle that users must actively enable.
• Clearly describe the type of messages they’ll receive.
• Add links to your Terms and Privacy Policy.
• Show STOP and HELP instructions.

Verification tips:

• Submit screenshots of the consent screen or onboarding flow.
• Show where the data (consent timestamp) is stored in your system.
• Ensure consent text is visible — not hidden behind links or pop-ups.

Transactional or one-time messages

For verification codes, login alerts, or account notifications, entering a phone number during setup counts as consent. These texts must not contain any marketing content.

Verification tips:

• Provide a screenshot of the account creation or login page.
• Include an example message such as “Your verification code is 123456.”
• Clearly state that your messages are transactional only.

Proof of consent

For every subscriber, you should be able to show:

• The date, time, and method of opt-in (e.g., web form, keyword, or phone call).
• A screenshot or record of the consent text shown to the user.
• A sample confirmation message sent after opt-in.