Opt-in confirmation message rejected: what the first text must say
Short answer
The first text after someone opts in must name your brand or program, say how often you text, say “Message and data rates may apply”, and explain HELP and STOP. It is required for every recurring program, and keyword or verbal opt-ins should use a reply-YES double opt-in.
What you'll see
| Where | Code | Wording |
|---|---|---|
| Twilio (toll-free) | 30503 | “Confirmation message missing required details” |
| Twilio (both) | 30540 | “Double opt-in confirmation message is required” |
| Telnyx, Bandwidth | 611 | Opt-in confirmation must contain brand, HELP, opt-out, frequency and fees |
| Bandwidth Proxy, Infobip | 6001-6006 | Confirmation missing brand, HELP, STOP, frequency or rates, or no confirmation provided |
| Toll-free (Bandwidth, Sinch) | 1311 / 1315 | “Confirmation Message Missing Required Details” / “Double opt-in response message is required” |
Text in curly quotes is the provider's wording; the rest is our summary.
Why it happens
- The confirmation is a friendly “Thanks for signing up!” with no disclosures.
- It leaves out the frequency or the rates line.
- It doesn't name the business, so the subscriber can't tell who is texting.
- No confirmation is configured at all, or the registration field was left blank.
- A keyword or verbal opt-in subscribes people immediately instead of asking them to confirm.
How to fix it
- Use all five CTIA elements:
(1) the program name or product description; (2) customer care contact information (e.g., a toll-free number, 10-digit telephone number, or HELP command instructions); (3) how to opt-out; (4) a disclosure that the messages are recurring and the frequency of the messaging; and (5) clear and conspicuous language about any associated fees or charges
. - Start with your brand name, the way your samples do.
- Paste the same text into the registration's opt-in message field and into your SMS platform's auto-reply.
- For keyword opt-ins, send a confirmation request first (“Reply YES to confirm...”) and subscribe only after YES. Twilio describes keyword opt-in this way, and cart reminders require it.
- After a verbal opt-in, send the same reply-YES confirmation. Telnyx accepts verbal marketing consent only when it is followed by a double opt-in by text.
Gets rejected
Thanks for signing up!
Gets approved more often
Bright Smile Dental: You're subscribed to appointment reminders. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.
Double opt-in template
Bright Smile Dental: Reply YES to confirm you want appointment reminder texts. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.
Send the normal confirmation after the subscriber replies YES. T-Mobile's code of conduct also asks you to reconfirm with a double opt-in if you send nothing within 30 days of consent.
Check before you resubmit. Every rejection costs days, and often another $15 vetting fee. Paste your description, message flow, samples and policy text into the free preflight check, or generate a consistent set with the campaign builder.
Frequently asked questions
Is the opt-in confirmation really required?
For recurring programs, yes. Twilio's guides call it 'Required for all recurring campaigns', CTIA lists its five elements, and the vetting partners check it (DCA 611, Proxy 6001-6006).
Can I abbreviate to 'Msg & data rates may apply'?
In auto-replies and opt-in forms, yes: Twilio's guides and the vetting partners accept it. Twilio's toll-free guide wants the full phrase 'Message and data rates may apply' verbatim in your Terms, so writing it out in full there is the safe choice.
What is double opt-in?
The consumer opts in, you text asking them to reply YES (or Y) to confirm, and only then are they subscribed. Twilio expects it for keyword opt-ins, it is required for shopping-cart reminders, and it makes verbal opt-ins far easier to approve.
How long can the confirmation be?
The Campaign Registry accepts 20 to 1,024 characters, but keep it to one SMS segment (160 characters) when you can. Vonage notes that if it runs longer than 255 characters, the legal text should be in the first segment.
Sources
- CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices (May 2023 (current))
- Twilio: A2P 10DLC Campaign Onboarding Guide (updated 2026-09-24)
- Twilio: Toll-Free Verification Onboarding Guide (updated 2026-09-24)
- Bandwidth: DCA2 vetting rejection reasons (2026-03-17)
- Bandwidth: Proxy Connector vetting rejection reasons (2026-03-17)
- Bandwidth: Toll-free verification rejection reasons (modified 2026-09-15)
- Telnyx: 10DLC keywords and confirmation messages (accessed 2026-10-03)
- T-Mobile Code of Conduct v2.2 (November 2020 (latest public))
- The Campaign Registry: CSP API OpenAPI spec (accessed 2026-10-03)
- Vonage: 10DLC campaign requirements (page dated 2025-03-17)
Rules change often and providers sometimes disagree; where they do, this page says so. This is general information, not legal advice, and no one can guarantee approval. See the disclaimer.
Related problems
- Twilio 30890, 30486, 30531, 30570 · Proxy 6007-6009 · TF 1307HELP reply rejected (Twilio 30890): what your HELP message must include
- Twilio 30887, 30539, 30547, 30561 · Proxy 6010, 6011 · TF 1314, 1423Opt-out (STOP) rejections: Twilio 30887 and noncompliant opt-out wording
- MESSAGE_FLOW · Twilio 30909, 30896, 30917, 30924 · DCA 806MESSAGE_FLOW rejection: fix an opt-in the reviewer can't verify
The Approval Kit adds industry template packs, opt-in and policy page templates, and an agency checklist.