STOP and HELP keywords
Definition
STOP and HELP are standard reply words in US texting. Texting STOP to a program unsubscribes the sender from its messages, and texting HELP returns a message saying who runs the program and how to get support. Carriers expect every short code program to respond to both.
Updated November 3, 2026
What are STOP and HELP keywords?
STOP and HELP are standard reply words in US texting. Texting STOP to a program opts the sender out of its messages. Texting HELP returns an automatic message saying who runs the program and how to get support. Carriers expect every short code program to respond to both, and they're part of the CTIA messaging guidelines carriers apply.
Industry guidelines also treat other common opt-out words, such as UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT, as requests to stop, so people don't have to know the exact word.
How does it work?
When someone texts STOP:
- The program records that this phone number has opted out.
- It sends one final message confirming the opt-out.
- It stops texting that number for that program unless the person opts in again.
When someone texts HELP, the program replies with its name, how to reach support, and a reminder of how to opt out. The person stays where they were.
On a shared short code, these words have to work no matter which program someone is in. That's one reason words like STOP and HELP can't be used as program keywords.
STOP is also the texting side of the opt-in bargain. Every way in needs a clear way out. For email, the equivalent is the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each message.
Why it matters at live events
At an event, people text in fast and sometimes by mistake. Someone types the wrong keyword, or a friend scans the QR code on their phone as a joke. STOP gives them an immediate, familiar way out, and HELP tells them who they just texted. Both make people more comfortable trying it in the first place, because they know they can back out.
They also matter for the organizer. If someone who texted STOP keeps getting messages, that's a consent problem and a carrier problem. Having STOP and HELP handled for every keyword means one less thing to set up before doors open.
On Textiful, STOP and HELP are handled automatically on every keyword and QR code. They never count as conversations, so a few people opting out doesn't use any of your plan. People start the conversation themselves, and they can leave the same way. For what happens to a contact after they opt out, see What happens when someone texts STOP?
Key takeaways
- STOP opts someone out of a texting program; HELP tells them who runs it and how to get support.
- Carriers expect every short code program to answer both, along with common opt-out words like UNSUBSCRIBE.
- STOP and HELP can't be used as program keywords on a shared short code.
- On Textiful they're handled automatically and never count as conversations.
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Questions people ask
They're opted out of that program's messages and usually receive one final text confirming it. After that, the program shouldn't text them unless they opt in again.
It returns an automatic reply that names the program and explains how to get support and how to stop messages.
No. STOP and HELP are handled automatically on every Textiful keyword and QR code, and they never count as conversations.
Industry guidelines treat other common opt-out words, such as UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT, as requests to stop. Check your provider's documentation for the exact list it handles.
Keep exploring
Opt-in
An opt-in is a person's permission to receive messages from an organization, given through an action they take themselves, such as texting a keyword, ticking a box, or submitting a sign-up form. It's the record that someone asked to hear from you.
ReadCTIA
CTIA is the US trade association for the wireless industry, whose members include the major mobile carriers. For texting, it's known for publishing messaging principles and short code guidelines that carriers use to approve and monitor short code programs.
ReadShort code
A short code is a five- or six-digit number that organizations use to receive and send text messages at volume, most often for text-to-join sign-ups, voting, and requests for information. Mobile carriers review each short code program before it goes live.
ReadConversation (Textiful pricing)
In Textiful pricing, a conversation is each time someone texts your keyword or scans your QR code and starts your flow. However many questions or replies, it counts once; if they come back later and start again, that's a new conversation. STOP and HELP never count.
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