Carrier-Mandated Commands (Keywords)

U.S. wireless carriers require all business text messaging programs to support specific carrier-mandated keywords. These requirements are enforced as part of the 10DLC registration and approval process and apply to all Application-to-Person (A2P) business messaging in the United States.

Carrier-mandated keywords ensure message recipients can:

Request assistance at any time
Opt out of receiving messages immediately
Re-subscribe after opting out

TextBetter automatically enforces these wireless carrier requirements on your behalf by sending the required responses and applying opt-out or re-subscription rules—without disrupting normal message delivery where permitted.

The primary carrier-mandated keyword categories are:

HELP – for customer assistance and transparency
STOP – to opt out of messaging
START / OPTIN – to re-subscribe

Type	Recognized Commands	What Happens in TextBetter
HELP	HELP	Two things happen: 1. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier HELP response to the sender: “[Company Name]: contact [telephone number or email] for support. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” 2. The inbound HELP message is delivered to your TextBetter inbox, so your team can view and reply normally.
STOP (Opt-Out)	STOP END UNSUBSCRIBE CANCEL QUIT OPT OUT REMOVE	Two things happen: 1. TextBetter immediately adds the number to your company-wide opt-out list, blocking all future messages to that number. 2. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier opt-out confirmation: “You will no longer receive messages from [Company Name]. Reply OPTIN to resubscribe.”
START (Re-Opt-In)	START OPTIN	Three things happen: 1. TextBetter removes the number from your opt-out list, if applicable. 2. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier re-opt-in confirmation: “[Company Name]: You’ve opted into text messages regarding XXX. Msg freq. varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out. Text HELP for help.”

Type

Recognized Commands

What Happens in TextBetter

HELP

Two things happen:

1. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier HELP response to the sender:

“[Company Name]: contact [telephone number or email] for support. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

2. The inbound HELP message is delivered to your TextBetter inbox, so your team can view and reply normally.

STOP (Opt-Out)

STOP

END

UNSUBSCRIBE

CANCEL

QUIT

OPT OUT

REMOVE

Two things happen:

1. TextBetter immediately adds the number to your company-wide opt-out list, blocking all future messages to that number.

2. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier opt-out confirmation:

“You will no longer receive messages from [Company Name]. Reply OPTIN to resubscribe.”

START (Re-Opt-In)

START

OPTIN

Three things happen:

1. TextBetter removes the number from your opt-out list, if applicable.

2. TextBetter automatically sends the required carrier re-opt-in confirmation:

“[Company Name]: You’ve opted into text messages regarding XXX. Msg freq. varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out. Text HELP for help.”