Customers Who Text STOP: What Changes Nov. 25

If you send customers reminders or other automated texts, three things change on November 25, 2026:

• Seven stop words must work: STOP, QUIT, END, REVOKE, OPT OUT, CANCEL and UNSUBSCRIBE.
• Each message should say how to opt out, such as "Reply STOP to opt out."
• A customer who stops one kind of informational text, like reminders, can still get other kinds, like account notices. Marketing is treated more strictly.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. If you send many automated calls or texts, talk to your attorney about your situation.

How Did We Get Here?

Federal rules on marketing calls and texts (the TCPA, short for Telephone Consumer Protection Act) let customers take back their permission to get automated messages. Part of the FCC's newer rules took effect in April 2025: you must honor a stop request made any reasonable way, within 10 business days. Our post on handling opt-outs when a customer says stop covers the day-to-day habits, and they still apply.

Another part, which would have made one stop request cover everything you send, was delayed several times and never took effect. The new order replaces it with a narrower rule, explained below.

For most small businesses, the practical work is small: check your texting tool, update the wording at the end of your messages, and make sure the front desk knows what to do when someone asks to stop over the phone.

What Changes on November 25?

The FCC released a revised order on October 1, 2026. As summarized by Brownstein, the main changes are:

A stop can apply to one kind of message. For informational texts and calls, opting out of one category, say reminders, does not have to stop fraud alerts or account notices. Marketing stays under the stricter approach.

You can choose how people opt out. You may pick one or more of these:

• A recorded voice or key-press option during a call.
• Replying to a text with a standard stop word.
• A website or phone number set up for stop requests.

Whichever you pick must be explained clearly in the call or text itself.

Seven stop words must work. If you accept text replies, honor any of the seven words listed above.

What Stays the Same?

The 10 business day window to honor a stop request still applies. The FCC is asking for comments on shortening it and on other questions, such as one-way texts that cannot receive replies, so more changes may come.

What Should You Do Before November 25?

• List every automated call and text you send: reminders, confirmations, receipts, marketing, review requests.
• Sort them into informational and marketing.
• Choose how people opt out. Stop-word replies are simplest for most texting.
• Add a clear opt-out line to each message.
• Test all seven words and confirm each one stops messages.
• Write down your process for requests that come in by phone or email.
• Check with any vendor that sends messages for you.

What If You Text from Your Business Number?

If you text customers from your Telonium business number, the same habits apply: name your business, keep messages relevant, make stopping easy and honor requests quickly.

Texting from a local business number also needs a one-time registration with the mobile phone companies, which includes describing how customers sign up and stop. The work you do for these rules helps there too. You can apply for registration online, or read our guide to texting from your business number. For tone and timing, see how to text customers without annoying them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a STOP Reply to Reminders Stop All My Messages?

For informational messages, the revised rules let you apply it to that category only. Marketing messages are treated more strictly.

How Long Do I Have to Honor a Stop Request?

Ten business days remains the limit for now, but the same day is the better habit.

Who Can Help with Texting on Telonium?

Our support team, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, at 404-566-8888.