# MSG-SAMPLES-OPTOUT — At least one sample must show opt-out language

> Sample messages must demonstrate that recipients are told how to stop receiving messages.

- **Rule ID:** MSG-SAMPLES-OPTOUT
- **Layer:** Message content (`MESSAGE_CONTENT`)
- **Checks:** `campaign.sample[]`
- **Severity:** BLOCKING — Breaking this rule gets the submission rejected outright.
- **When it bites:** Gates approval — get this wrong and registration is refused
- **How it is detected:** AI judgement over the submitted form
- **Fix type:** Fix the field — a better value in the form clears it
- **Required by:** TCR, CTIA, Bandwidth, Plivo, Vonage
- **Applies:** Applies to every 10DLC registration.
- **Canonical URL:** https://ekas.io/rules/10dlc/message-content/msg-samples-optout/

## Why this rule exists

Reviewers use the samples to confirm the opt-out instruction reaches consumers in the actual message body, not just in the registration paperwork. Where every sample omits it, the reasonable inference is that live traffic omits it too.

## How to fix it

Add "Reply STOP to opt out" to your samples. Include it in every promotional sample; for transactional programs at minimum the first message in a series.

## Example of a compliant value

```text
Acme Coffee: 20% off all beans this weekend. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
```

## Provider rejection codes

| Provider | Code | Resubmission allowed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bandwidth | `8100` | yes |