Is using the same URL for both List-Unsubscribe header and body compliant with RFC 8058 for one-click unsubscribe?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 14 May 2025
Updated 19 Aug 2025
8 min read
The advent of new email sender guidelines from major mailbox providers like Google and Yahoo has brought renewed focus to the List-Unsubscribe header, particularly regarding one-click unsubscriberequirements. A common point of confusion revolves around whether the same URL can be used for both the List-Unsubscribe header and the visible unsubscribe link in the email body, while remaining compliant with RFC 8058. This is a question I hear frequently.
It's a nuanced topic, but understanding the underlying mechanisms of how these links are processed is key to ensuring your email program adheres to the latest deliverability standards. My goal here is to clarify the specific technical requirements for one-click unsubscribe and how it relates to the unsubscribe links you include in your emails, whether in the header or the body.
Incorrect implementation can lead to your emails being marked as spam or even blocked, negatively impacting your sender reputation. Let's delve into the details to ensure your unsubscribe process is fully compliant and user-friendly.
Understanding RFC 8058
RFC 8058, formally known as "Signaling One-Click Functionality for List Email Unsubscribe," is a technical specification that defines how email clients can enable a one-click unsubscribe action without requiring the user to visit a web page and confirm their decision. This standard is crucial because it provides a seamless and immediate way for recipients to opt out of unwanted emails, thereby reducing spam complaints.
The core of RFC 8058 compliance lies in the email header. Specifically, it requires the presence of a List-Unsubscribe header that includes a URL, along with a List-Unsubscribe-Post: List-Unsubscribe=One-Click header. When an email client, such as Gmail, detects these headers, it can present an unsubscribe button directly within the user interface, often near the sender's name.
The critical part is how this button functions: clicking it initiates an HTTP POST request to the URL specified in the List-Unsubscribe header. This request should, without any further user interaction or redirects, silently remove the recipient from the mailing list. It is a true one-click experience, directly from the mail client. For further details on how to set this up, you can refer to our guide on how to add an unsubscribe button to the email header.
The list-unsubscribe header and body links
The List-Unsubscribe header can contain one or more URLs. While a mailto: URI was historically common, RFC 8058 specifically mandates an HTTPS URI for the one-click functionality. This HTTPS URL is where the email client sends the silent POST request. The server receiving this POST request is expected to immediately process the unsubscribe without displaying any web page to the user. This is the core requirement for satisfying RFC 8058.
If the specified URL, when accessed via a POST request, redirects to a landing page or requires a second click for confirmation, it does not meet the one-click unsubscribe criteria of RFC 8058. The process must be immediate and non-interactive from the user's perspective within the mail client. This distinction is critical for compliance with Google and Yahoo's requirements.
While the header is for automated, silent unsubscription, the unsubscribe link in the email body serves a different purpose. This link is intended for users who click through to a web page, typically a subscription center or a dedicated unsubscribe landing page. On this page, users might be able to:
Confirm unsubscribe: Confirm their unsubscription with a second click.
Manage preferences: Choose which types of emails they want to receive.
Provide feedback: State why they are unsubscribing.
Compliance with RFC 8058 using the same URL
The key difference is the HTTP method used. The header-based unsubscribe expects an HTTP POST request for the silent one-click action, while the link in the email body is typically a regular HTTP GET request, which opens a webpage. This means that while the URLs can be identical, your server infrastructure must be configured to differentiate between POST and GET requests to the same endpoint and respond accordingly.
So, to answer the question directly, yes, you can use the same URL for both your List-Unsubscribe header (for RFC 8058 one-click unsubscribe) and the unsubscribe link in your email body. The key is that your server must process these requests differently based on the HTTP method used.
If a user clicks the Outlook or ProtonMail unsubscribe button directly in their mail client (powered by the List-Unsubscribe header), your server should receive a POST request and silently unsubscribe them. If they click the unsubscribe link in the email body, your server receives a GET request and should display your preference center or a confirmation page. This dual functionality from the same URL is standard and compliant, provided the server logic is correct.
Testing your implementation
Ensuring your one-click unsubscribe mechanism works as intended is paramount for maintaining good email deliverabilityand avoiding spam folder placement. Mailbox providers actively monitor compliance with RFC 8058, and failure can lead to severe penalties, including increased spam rates or even being placed on an email blacklist (blocklist).
I recommend regularly testing your implementation. You can use a simple curl command to simulate a POST request to your unsubscribe URL. This allows you to verify that your server processes the request silently and correctly unsubscribes the user, without returning any HTML or requiring further interaction. Word to the Wise offers a helpful curl stanza for this purpose.
Testing one-click unsubscribe via curlbash
curl -X POST https://unsubscribe.example.com/unsub/user123 -v
Additionally, send a test email to yourself and try the in-app unsubscribe option offered by email clients like Apple Mail and AOL. The ideal scenario is that you are unsubscribed immediately without leaving the email client or being prompted for further clicks. If you're encountering issues, it might be worth checking if your AboutMy.Email report is showing RFC 8058 failures. Consistent testing will help you maintain compliance and ensure a smooth experience for your subscribers.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always include both the 'List-Unsubscribe' and 'List-Unsubscribe-Post' headers for optimal compliance.
Ensure your server distinguishes between HTTP POST (for one-click) and GET (for landing pages) requests.
Test your one-click unsubscribe functionality regularly with different email clients and methods.
Common pitfalls
Sending POST requests to a page that requires a second click for unsubscribe.
Not having a HTTPS URL in the List-Unsubscribe header for one-click functionality.
Failing to support the 'List-Unsubscribe-Post' header, which is essential for RFC 8058.
Expert tips
Prioritize the user experience by making unsubscribing as easy as possible, reducing spam complaints.
Monitor your domain reputation metrics, as compliance directly impacts deliverability.
Automate unsubscribe processes on your backend to handle one-click requests efficiently.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says the List-Unsubscribe URL for one-click should be HTTPS and handle a POST request, while the body link can go to a preference center.
2024-01-31 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that the same URL can be used for both List-Unsubscribe header and body link, but the server must respond differently to POST versus GET requests.
2024-02-01 - Email Geeks
Summary of compliance
The confusion surrounding the List-Unsubscribe header and its relationship with RFC 8058 is understandable, especially with evolving sender requirements. My hope is that this clarifies the nuances.
In essence, using the same URL for both the header and body unsubscribe links is compliant with RFC 8058 for one-click unsubscribe, provided your server correctly distinguishes between HTTP POST requests (for silent, one-click header unsubscribes) and HTTP GET requests (for user-facing body link unsubscribes). The critical point is that the one-click unsubscribe (via the header) must be truly immediate and non-interactive from the user's perspective, without requiring them to visit a landing page or confirm their action.
Adhering to these standards not only ensures compliance with major mailbox providers but also significantly improves the user experience, leading to fewer spam complaints and better overall email deliverability. Always verify your implementation to maintain a healthy sender reputation and effective email communication.
Google and 
Yahoo has brought renewed focus to the List-Unsubscribe header, particularly regarding one-click unsubscriberequirements. A common point of confusion revolves around whether the same URL can be used for both the List-Unsubscribe header and the visible unsubscribe link in the email body, while remaining compliant with RFC 8058. This is a question I hear frequently.
Gmail, detects these headers, it can present an unsubscribe button directly within the user interface, often near the sender's name.
Outlook or 
ProtonMail unsubscribe button directly in their mail client (powered by the List-Unsubscribe header), your server should receive a POST request and silently unsubscribe them. If they click the unsubscribe link in the email body, your server receives a GET request and should display your preference center or a confirmation page. This dual functionality from the same URL is standard and compliant, provided the server logic is correct.
Apple Mail and 
AOL. The ideal scenario is that you are unsubscribed immediately without leaving the email client or being prompted for further clicks. If you're encountering issues, it might be worth checking if your AboutMy.Email report is showing RFC 8058 failures. Consistent testing will help you maintain compliance and ensure a smooth experience for your subscribers.
