What happens when a user re-subscribes after unsubscribing from an email list?

Summary

When a user unsubscribes from an email list, they must explicitly opt-in again to receive further communications. This typically involves resubscribing through a signup form, engaging in a double opt-in process, or replying to a confirmation request. Email platforms handle unsubscribes, and respecting these requests is vital for maintaining sender reputation and adhering to laws like CAN-SPAM and GDPR. Strategies such as preference centers, re-engagement campaigns, and sunset policies help manage unsubscribes effectively and improve list hygiene by targeting only active and engaged recipients. Proper handling includes immediately removing unsubscribed users from active mailing lists and documenting the re-subscription process for compliance.

Key findings

  • Explicit Opt-In: Re-subscription requires explicit opt-in, such as a signup form or double opt-in process.
  • Platform Handling: Email platforms, not clients, handle unsubscribe requests.
  • Legal Compliance: Adhering to CAN-SPAM and GDPR is essential by respecting unsubscribes and obtaining consent for resubscription.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining list hygiene involves removing unsubscribed users and reconfirming subscriptions.
  • Sender Reputation: Respecting unsubscribes is crucial for preserving sender reputation.

Key considerations

  • Consent Management: Implement a clear and documented process for obtaining and managing user consent.
  • Double Opt-In: Consider using a double opt-in process to confirm the user's intent and reduce spam complaints.
  • Re-engagement: Use preference centers and targeted re-engagement campaigns to win back subscribers.
  • Documentation: Maintain records of unsubscribe and resubscription events for compliance purposes.
  • Data Privacy: Prioritize user data privacy and ensure all processes align with relevant regulations.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

When a user unsubscribes from an email list, they must explicitly opt-in again to receive future emails. This re-subscription typically involves a form or double opt-in process to confirm their intent. Respecting unsubscribe requests is crucial for maintaining sender reputation, complying with laws like CAN-SPAM and GDPR, and ensuring a clean and engaged email list. Strategies such as preference centers, targeted re-engagement campaigns, and sunset policies can help manage unsubscribes and win back subscribers effectively.

Key opinions

  • Explicit Opt-In: Users must explicitly opt-in again after unsubscribing, typically through a form or double opt-in process.
  • Respect Unsubscribes: Respecting unsubscribe requests is crucial for maintaining sender reputation and complying with laws like CAN-SPAM and GDPR.
  • Email Platform Handling: Re-subscribes are handled by the email platform, not the email client; unsubscribing sends a signal to the email platform to unsubscribe.
  • Double Opt-In: Double opt-in for re-subscriptions confirms user intent, reduces spam complaints, and improves list hygiene.
  • Re-engagement Strategies: Strategies like preference centers, targeted re-engagement campaigns, and sunset policies can help manage unsubscribes and win back subscribers.

Key considerations

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with CAN-SPAM and GDPR by honoring unsubscribe requests and obtaining explicit consent before re-subscribing users.
  • Sender Reputation: Maintain a positive sender reputation by avoiding sending emails to unsubscribed users and ensuring a clean, engaged email list.
  • Documentation: Document the re-subscription process to provide proof of consent in case of disputes or legal inquiries.
  • List Hygiene: Regularly clean your email list by removing unengaged users and implementing sunset policies to improve deliverability and engagement rates.
  • User Experience: Provide a seamless and user-friendly re-subscription process to encourage users to opt-in again while respecting their initial unsubscribe request.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit - r/Emailmarketing shares that after someone unsubscribes, you should require them to actively opt back in using a signup form or a similar method. Sending emails to unsubscribed users is a violation of CAN-SPAM and GDPR.

August 2021 - Reddit - r/Emailmarketing
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps Blog shares that a reconfirmation campaign provides additional opportunities for users to confirm they want to stay subscribed. The tool walks through how to set up an automated reconfirmation campaign.

May 2023 - GlockApps Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that you should make sure users confirm before being added back into the mailing list after unsubscribing.

May 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog shares that a contact must actively resubscribe through a double opt-in process after unsubscribing. They advise against manually re-adding contacts without explicit consent to maintain sender reputation and comply with GDPR.

May 2023 - Sendinblue Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor Blog shares the need to respect unsubscription requests and the importance of employing strategies such as preference centers and targeted re-engagement campaigns to win back subscribers rather than bypassing the unsubscribe request.

February 2025 - Campaign Monitor Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus Blog recommends the double opt-in process for resubscribing, because it ensures that new subscribers really want to receive your emails, reduces the chance of spam complaints, and keeps your list cleaner.

February 2022 - Litmus Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from OptinMonster Blog explains that after a user unsubscribes, they must opt-in again through a form or other explicit method, as trying to bypass is a violation of anti-spam laws.

September 2021 - OptinMonster Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog suggests implementing a sunset policy and re-engagement campaigns before contacts unsubscribe to prevent sending email to unengaged users. They explain the benefits of keeping a clean email list.

August 2021 - Email on Acid Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from HubSpot Blog explains that if a contact unsubscribes, you cannot email them again unless they resubscribe through a form, opting in again. They emphasize the importance of respecting unsubscribe requests and offer strategies for re-engagement like targeted content and incentives to rejoin.

January 2024 - HubSpot Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from ActiveCampaign Blog explains that an unsubscribed contact should only be emailed again if they explicitly resubscribe. They suggest using a double opt-in method for resubscribes to confirm the user's intent and maintain list hygiene.

January 2023 - ActiveCampaign Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that re-subscribes are handled by the email platform, not the email client. Unsubscribing via an unsub-header sends a signal to the email platform to unsubscribe.

November 2022 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

Experts emphasize the importance of explicit re-subscription processes after a user unsubscribes. This often involves requiring a confirmation step, such as a reply or click, to ensure the user actively wants to be re-added to the mailing list. Proper unsubscribe handling, including immediate removal from active lists, is crucial. Regular reconfirmation of subscriptions helps maintain list health by targeting only active and willing recipients.

Key opinions

  • Explicit Confirmation: Require explicit confirmation (e.g., reply or click) for re-subscription to ensure active consent.
  • Immediate Removal: Immediately remove unsubscribed users from active mailing lists to avoid unwanted communication.
  • Documented Opt-In: Ensure the re-subscription process is documented to provide proof of consent.
  • List Health: Regularly reconfirm subscriptions to maintain a healthy list of active and engaged recipients.

Key considerations

  • User Experience: Balance the need for confirmation with a smooth and user-friendly re-subscription experience.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure all re-subscription processes comply with relevant regulations (e.g., CAN-SPAM, GDPR).
  • Data Security: Protect user data during the re-subscription process and ensure secure data handling practices.
  • Documentation: Maintain clear records of unsubscribe and re-subscription events for audit and compliance purposes.
  • Communication: Clearly communicate the re-subscription process and the benefits of opting back in to the user.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests that any emails after a person unsubscribes should require a "reply/click to confirm you want to be readded". Make them take the extra step so that you have the documentation to prove they wanted to be readded to the mailing list.

February 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that proper unsubscribe handling is critical. When a user unsubscribes, they should be immediately removed from active mailing lists. Any subsequent communication should only occur if the user explicitly resubscribes through a documented opt-in process.

August 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares the importance of confirming subscriptions in order to maintain your list health. Reconfirming user's subscriptions every so often is a great way to only target users who are active, and actually want your emails.

October 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Email marketing documentation indicates that once a user unsubscribes, their status is updated, and they must explicitly opt-in again to resubscribe, often via a signup form. GDPR requires explicit, freely given consent for sending marketing emails after unsubscription. The CAN-SPAM Act mandates honoring unsubscribe requests promptly, with penalties for emailing unsubscribed users.

Key findings

  • Explicit Opt-In Required: Users must explicitly opt-in again to resubscribe after unsubscribing.
  • GDPR Consent: GDPR mandates explicit, informed, and unambiguous consent for sending marketing emails after unsubscription.
  • CAN-SPAM Compliance: The CAN-SPAM Act requires honoring unsubscribe requests, with penalties for non-compliance.

Key considerations

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure all re-subscription processes comply with GDPR and CAN-SPAM regulations.
  • Consent Management: Implement a clear and documented process for obtaining and managing user consent for email marketing.
  • Data Privacy: Prioritize user data privacy and ensure that all data handling practices align with GDPR requirements.
  • Process Transparency: Provide transparent information about the re-subscription process to users.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of unsubscribe and re-subscription events to demonstrate compliance.
Technical article

Documentation from Mailchimp Knowledge Base explains that when a contact unsubscribes, their status is updated to 'Unsubscribed.' To resubscribe, the contact must explicitly opt-in again, typically through a signup form. Mailchimp outlines the process and legal requirements for handling re-subscriptions.

August 2021 - Mailchimp Knowledge Base
Technical article

Documentation from FTC.gov states that the CAN-SPAM Act requires honoring unsubscribe requests promptly. Sending emails to someone who has unsubscribed violates the law and can result in penalties.

March 2021 - FTC.gov
Technical article

Documentation from GDPR.eu explains that under GDPR, once a user unsubscribes, you need explicit consent to send marketing emails again. The consent has to be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous, usually involving a re-subscription process.

December 2021 - GDPR.eu