Text Message Disclaimer Examples for SMS Opt-In

Key Takeaways

A text message disclaimer is the short notice next to your opt-in. It names your business, says what you will text and how often, mentions message and data rates, and explains HELP and STOP, with links to your terms and privacy policy.
The same wording shows up in five places. Your form, your confirmation text, your terms page, your privacy policy and your 10DLC campaign registration should all describe the same program. Mismatches are a common reason campaigns get sent back.

What a text message disclaimer is
What every SMS disclaimer includes
Web form disclaimer examples
Keyword, paper and phone examples
Confirmation, HELP and STOP message examples
Terms and privacy policy wording
Making it match your 10DLC registration
Common disclaimer mistakes
FAQ

Text message disclaimer examples all follow the same pattern: who is texting, what they will send, how often, that message and data rates may apply, how to get help, how to opt out, and where to read the terms and privacy policy. A typical one reads: “By checking this box, you agree to receive recurring text messages from Acme Plumbing at (555) 010-0100 about appointments and offers. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out. Terms and Privacy Policy.”

Below is ready-to-adapt wording for forms, keywords, sign-up sheets and the texts you send after someone joins, plus the step most template lists skip: matching your disclaimer to your 10DLC registration. The wording follows the CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, the FCC’s TCPA rules and Twilio’s published campaign guidance, all checked on November 11, 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.

What a text message disclaimer is

A text message disclaimer, also called SMS disclosure language, is the notice a person sees when they agree to get texts from you: next to the phone field, the keyword ad or the sign-up sheet. Its job is to make sure people know what they are signing up for, so later texts are texts they expect.

It matters for two reasons: FCC rules under the TCPA require consent before automated texts (written consent for marketing), and carriers review your opt-in before approving your number for business texting. A clear disclaimer helps your messages get delivered. For the wider picture, see our SMS compliance guide.

What every SMS disclaimer includes

Section 5.1.1 of the CTIA Messaging Principles says a call to action should make people aware of the program description, the number the texts come from, who is sending, any fees, and the other terms such as how to opt out, how to get help and the privacy policy. Providers turn that into a checklist like this one.

Element	Typical wording
Business or program name	“from Acme Plumbing”
Sending number	“at (555) 010-0100”
Message types	“appointment reminders, service updates and offers”
Consent statement	“By checking this box, you agree to receive…”
Frequency	“Msg frequency varies” or “up to 4 msgs/month”
Fees	“Msg & data rates may apply”
Help and opt-out	“Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out”
Not a condition of purchase	“Consent is not a condition of purchase”
Links	“Terms” and “Privacy Policy” as links

Short forms such as “Msg” and “msgs/month” are common. If you only send service messages, such as reminders, describe them that way and leave out the marketing language.

Web form disclaimer examples

Forms are where most businesses collect numbers. Place the disclaimer directly under the phone field or just above the submit button, in readable text, not hidden behind a link. If texting is optional, use a checkbox that the person ticks themselves. Most providers and reviewers expect that box to start unchecked.

Example 1: Marketing and service texts with a checkbox

[ ] Yes, text me. By checking this box, I agree to receive recurring automated text messages from Acme Plumbing at (555) 010-0100, including appointment reminders, service updates and special offers. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out. See our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Example 2: Quote or contact form, service texts only

[ ] I agree to receive text messages from Northside Roofing at (555) 010-0101 about my quote request and scheduling. Up to 6 msgs per request. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out. Terms and Privacy Policy.

This suits service and B2B businesses that text leads back after a form fill.

Keyword, paper and phone examples

CTIA lists several ways a person can opt in, including texting a keyword, signing up at a point of sale and opting in over the phone. Each still needs the same information, shown where the person makes the choice.

Example 3: Text-to-join keyword ad or poster

Text DEALS to (555) 010-0103 to get weekly offers from Main Street Bakery. By texting, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing texts at the number used. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out. Terms and Privacy at mainstreetbakery.example/sms.

On print, show the keyword and number in large type plus a short web address for the terms, since nobody can tap a poster.

Example 4: Paper or in-store sign-up sheet

Sign up for appointment reminders and offers by text from Bayside Dental at (555) 010-0104. By writing your mobile number and signing below, you agree to receive recurring automated texts. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out. Terms and Privacy: baysidedental.example/sms.

Keep the signed sheets or scan them. CTIA suggests keeping a record of each opt-in, including when it happened, how it was collected, the wording shown and the number that opted in.

Confirmation, HELP and STOP message examples

The disclaimer is only half the job. CTIA section 5.1.2.1 says recurring programs should send a confirmation text before anything else, naming the program, how to get help, how to opt out, that messages recur and how often, and any fees.

Example 5: Opt-in confirmation text

Acme Plumbing: You’re signed up for appointment reminders and offers. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.

Example 6: HELP reply

Acme Plumbing: For help call (555) 010-0100 or email help@acmeplumbing.example. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.

Example 7: STOP confirmation

Acme Plumbing: You’re unsubscribed and will receive no further messages. Reply START to rejoin.

CTIA says to send one final opt-out confirmation and nothing after it. It also says people use everyday words to leave, such as “stop,” “end,” “cancel,” “unsubscribe,” “quit” or “please opt me out,” and those should be honored too. Under the FCC’s revocation rule in force since April 11, 2025, opt-out requests made by reasonable means must be honored as soon as practicable and within 10 business days. Most texting platforms process STOP right away.

To check a draft before sending, our text message checker grades a draft, and the SMS character limit guide explains how segments are counted.

Terms and privacy policy wording

The disclaimer links to two pages, and reviewers often open both.

Example 8: SMS section for your terms page

SMS program. Acme Plumbing sends appointment reminders, service updates and offers by text to customers who opt in. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP or call (555) 010-0100 for help. Reply STOP to cancel at any time; you will receive one confirmation message. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your information.

Example 9: SMS clause for your privacy policy

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent are excluded from any other sharing described in this policy and will not be shared with any third parties.

Twilio rejects 10DLC campaigns with error 30932 when the privacy policy suggests mobile opt-in data may be shared with third parties, affiliates or lead generators. Its fix is a public policy with the statement in the first sentence above.

Making it match your 10DLC registration

This is the step most disclaimer guides leave out. When you register a 10DLC campaign, your provider asks for a campaign description, a message flow (how people opt in), sample messages, and the opt-in, HELP and STOP keywords and replies. Reviewers compare those fields with what is live on your site. If they tell different stories, the campaign can be sent back. For wording to start from, see our sample 10DLC campaign descriptions by industry. See our 10DLC registration guide for fees and timelines, and What is 10DLC? if you are new to it.

Before you submit, check that these line up:

Same business name. The name in the disclaimer and texts matches the brand you registered, or a clear version of it.
Same message types. If your samples include offers, your disclaimer says “offers.” If the disclaimer only says “appointment reminders,” keep marketing out of the samples.
Same frequency. “Up to 4 msgs/month” in one place and “daily” in another is a mismatch.
A public opt-in to point at. The message flow should link to the live form or describe the keyword, and the form should already show the disclaimer. Example 10 below shows the idea.
Links that work. Terms and privacy pages should load without a login.

Example 10: Message flow description

Customers opt in on our website at acmeplumbing.example/contact by entering their mobile number and checking an optional, unchecked box. The box shows: business name, message types (appointment reminders, service updates, offers), frequency, msg and data rates, HELP and STOP instructions, and links to our Terms and Privacy Policy. After opt-in, we send a confirmation text. Opt-in data is not shared with third parties.

If you text from a CRM, the registration belongs to the account that sends the messages. In Conduyt, for example, texts go out over your own Twilio or Project Blue line, so the brand, campaign and disclaimer you register with that provider are the ones carriers check.

Common disclaimer mistakes

Copying a template without editing it. Wrong message types or a leftover placeholder do not describe your program.
Burying it. Fine print under the footer or only inside the terms page is easy to miss. CTIA says opt-in details should not be hidden in terms and conditions.
A pre-checked box. Most providers expect the person to tick it themselves.
One opt-in for several businesses. CTIA section 5.1.2.2 says an opt-in applies to the sender and campaign it was collected for. If a partner will text people too, collect consent for that sender separately.
Changing the program without updating the wording. Adding offers to a reminders-only list? Update the disclaimer and your campaign first.

Disclaimers are one half of staying delivered; the other half is registration. Our guide to 10DLC explains why unregistered business texts are filtered and what the registration asks for.

Opt-out wording for the November 25, 2026 FCC rules

From November 25, 2026, FCC 26-67 lets a business name an exclusive way for people to opt out, as long as each text clearly discloses it. When reply texts are your method, one standard word such as STOP in each text is enough, but you still have to honor all seven: stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel and unsubscribe. A STOP sent in reply to a marketing text ends all of your marketing texts. For what else changes and a checklist, see FCC opt-out rules effective November 25, 2026.

Example 11: Reply text as the exclusive opt-out method

Acme Plumbing: Reminder, your service visit is Tuesday between 9 and 11 AM. Reply STOP to opt out.

Example 12: Reply text or a website as the opt-out methods

Acme Plumbing: Spring tune-up slots are open this week. Book at acmeplumbing.example/book. To opt out, reply STOP or visit acmeplumbing.example/optout.

Example 13: One-way number that cannot receive replies

Acme Plumbing: Your technician is on the way. Two-way texting is not available on this number due to technical limitations. To opt out, call (555) 010-0100 or visit acmeplumbing.example/optout.

Example 13 follows the one-way texting rule that has applied since April 11, 2025: each text says two-way texting is not available and gives another way to opt out. Whichever method you choose, put it in every text, including automated ones. This is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

What should a text message disclaimer include?

Your business name, the number you text from, the types of messages, how often you send, that message and data rates may apply, HELP and STOP instructions, and links to your terms and privacy policy. Marketing programs usually add that consent is not a condition of purchase.

Is “Msg & data rates may apply” required?

CTIA says a call to action should disclose any fees or charges, and the person’s carrier may charge to receive texts. That is why nearly every provider template includes “Msg & data rates may apply.” Check your provider’s current requirements.

Do I need to say consent is not a condition of purchase?

For marketing texts sent with automated technology, the FCC’s written consent rule calls for that disclosure, so it is standard in marketing disclaimers. Service-only programs often leave it out. Check with your provider or counsel for your situation.

Can the SMS consent checkbox be pre-checked?

Most providers and campaign reviewers expect an unchecked box that the person ticks themselves, because the point is to show they chose to receive texts. Keep it optional when texting is not needed to complete the form.

Do I need the disclaimer in every text message?

No. The full disclaimer belongs where people opt in and in the confirmation text. Later messages typically identify your business, and many senders add “Reply STOP to opt out” now and then so leaving stays easy.

How fast do I have to honor a STOP reply?

Under the FCC rule in force since April 11, 2025, opt-out requests made by reasonable means must be honored as soon as practicable and within 10 business days. Most texting platforms stop messages right away and send one confirmation.

Does my disclaimer affect 10DLC approval?

Yes. Reviewers compare your campaign description, message flow and sample messages with your live opt-in and privacy policy. A clear disclaimer that matches your registration is one of the simplest ways to avoid a rejection.

Sources

Checked on November 11, 2026. Rules and provider requirements change, so confirm with your carrier or texting provider before you launch. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Text Message Disclaimer Examples: SMS Opt-In Wording You Can Adapt