What is one-click unsubscribe? RFC 8058 explained simply

One-click unsubscribe lets a recipient stop your emails by pressing a single unsubscribe button in their inbox, with no extra steps. It works through two headers in the message.

How it works (RFC 8058)

The sender adds a List-Unsubscribe header with an HTTPS URL and a List-Unsubscribe-Post header with the value List-Unsubscribe=One-Click.

When the recipient presses the button, the email app sends an HTTPS POST to that URL. There is no login or extra form, so the URL must carry enough information to identify the recipient and the list.

Both headers must be covered by a valid DKIM signature.

What Gmail and Yahoo require

Google requires senders of more than 5,000 messages a day to Gmail accounts to support one-click unsubscribe on marketing and subscribed messages, and to show a clearly visible unsubscribe link in the body.

Yahoo requires bulk senders to support one-click unsubscribe and a visible unsubscribe link, and says requests should be processed within 2 days.

How it fits with CAN-SPAM

CAN-SPAM requires a clear way to opt out, honored within 10 business days. The one-click headers power the inbox button, so keep a visible unsubscribe link in the email as well.

How Newsletter Ready handles this

Every issue includes a visible unsubscribe link plus one-click unsubscribe headers.

Unsubscribes take effect immediately.

See a sample issue made from your website Gmail and Yahoo sender requirements →Email footer checker →What is DKIM? →

Email newsletter glossary

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice.