What email unsubscribe compliance is#
Unsubscribe compliance covers the legal and provider requirements for letting recipients opt out: a visible link, one-click List-Unsubscribe headers (RFC 8058), and processing within a defined window.
Why it matters#
Gmail and Yahoo require one-click unsubscribe for bulk senders, and every anti-spam law requires a working opt-out. Easy opt-out also lowers complaints.
What ActiveCampaign handles#
Most platforms, including ActiveCampaign, generate the records or settings you need under a domain authentication or sending settings page, and expose bounce and complaint data in reports. Confirm the exact location in ActiveCampaign's current documentation.
What you still own#
- Include a visible unsubscribe link in every marketing message.
- Add List-Unsubscribe and List-Unsubscribe-Post headers so providers show a native unsubscribe button.
- Process opt-outs immediately; the legal maximum is 10 business days in the US, but providers expect 2 days.
- Never require login or more than one click to unsubscribe.
Common mistakes#
- Unsubscribe pages that ask 'are you sure' with a hidden confirm button.
- Continuing sequences from a different tool after an opt-out in another.
Frequently asked questions#
What is one-click unsubscribe?
An RFC 8058 header pair that lets the mailbox provider send a POST to your endpoint when a user clicks Unsubscribe in the client, with no landing page.
Does ActiveCampaign set up email unsubscribe compliance automatically?
ActiveCampaign provides the values and some checks, but publishing DNS, aligning domains, and monitoring results remain your responsibility.