Federal · FCC final rule and proposal, FCC 26-67

Robocall and robotext opt-outs: the FCC lets callers limit a "stop" to one type of message and pick the opt-out method you must use

Final rule filed Oct. 23, 2026 · Takes effect 30 days after Oct. 26 publication

Published October 24, 2026 · Last updated October 24, 2026

What it does

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) generally requires a caller to have your consent before making certain robocalls or sending certain automated texts to you, and you can take that consent back (“revoke” it). The FCC’s order (FCC 26-67, adopted September 30, 2026) changes the rules in 47 CFR 64.1200 on how that works. (Final rule, Summary and Supplementary Information)

• Opting out of one kind of informational message. The FCC’s 2024 rule said that once you revoke consent, the caller may not send additional robocalls and robotexts, so an opt-out from one type of message would cover all of them. That “revoke all” part had been delayed and was set to start January 31, 2027. Now callers may treat an opt-out made in response to an informational call or text (one without advertising or telemarketing) as applying only to that category of message. The FCC gave the example of someone who opts out of payment reminders but still wants fraud alerts, multi-factor authentication codes, appointment reminders or utility outage calls. (Final rule, sections I.A and I.E; FCC 26-67, para. 3 and note 7)
• Telemarketing is different. Opting out of a robocall or robotext that contains an advertisement or telemarketing still revokes consent for all future telemarketing robocalls and texts from that caller. (Final rule, section I.A; amended 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10))
• Callers can pick the opt-out method. Before, callers had to honor an opt-out made by “any reasonable method.” Now a caller may designate one or more of these as the only way to opt out: (1) an automated key-press or voice opt-out on the call; (2) replying to a text with one of the standard words “stop,” “quit,” “end,” “revoke,” “opt out,” “cancel” or “unsubscribe”; or (3) a website or phone number the caller provides. The caller must clearly disclose the method on the call or in the text. A texter that uses reply texts must list at least one of the standard words in each message and must honor any of the seven. Callers that don’t designate a method must still honor any reasonable opt-out. (Final rule, section I.B; amended 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10) and (11))
• Same deadline. Opt-outs must still be honored within a reasonable time, no more than 10 business days. A text confirming your opt-out is allowed if it only confirms the request and has no marketing. (Amended 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10) to (12))
• Bank fraud alerts. Financial institutions may already send certain fraud and identity-theft alerts to cell phones without prior consent, within limits. They used to be able to do this only to a number the customer gave them. Now they may also use a number from a “reliable source”: one supplied by a spouse or other family member authorized on the account, obtained when the customer calls the institution, or included in records from another financial institution. They must still honor opt-outs. (Final rule, section I.C; amended 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(9)(iii)(A))
• Plainer rules later. The FCC directed its consumer bureau to rewrite the robocall rules in plain language, without changing what they require. (Final rule, section I.D)

Who it affects

• Anyone who gets robocalls or automated texts they once agreed to, such as from banks, doctors, pharmacies, utilities, schools and stores. (Final rule, sections I.A and I.F)
• Businesses and organizations that make those calls and texts, including banks, credit unions, health care providers, utilities and telemarketers. (Final rule, Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis)

What it means for you

• “Stop” may not stop everything. Once the rule is in effect, replying “stop” to one kind of informational text (for example, a payment reminder) may end only that kind. If you want no informational messages at all from a company, you may need to opt out of each type, or use an all-message option if the company offers one. The FCC said the extra step is a “minimal” burden. (Final rule, sections I.A and I.F)
• Use the method the message tells you. If a caller designates an opt-out method and discloses it, it doesn’t have to process requests made other ways (for example, telling a customer service agent). (Final rule, section I.B)
• Telemarketing opt-outs still cover all telemarketing robocalls and texts from that caller. (Final rule, section I.A)
• Comment on the proposal if you want to. The FCC is asking whether callers should have to offer a one-step way to revoke consent for all robocalls, whether to cut the 10-business-day deadline (one suggestion is 7 business days), whether to require texts to accept reply opt-outs, and how opt-outs should apply to affiliated companies. Comment through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (fcc.gov/ecfs) in CG Docket No. 02-278. Comments are due 30 days after publication and reply comments 60 days after. (Proposed rule, Summary, Dates, Addresses and sections I.B to I.C)

Current status

The FCC adopted the order September 30, 2026, and released it October 1. The final rule (FR Doc. 2026-21821) and the companion proposed rule (FR Doc. 2026-21820) were filed for public inspection October 23, 2026, and are scheduled to be published in the Federal Register October 26, 2026. The final rule takes effect 30 days after publication, which would be November 25, 2026. That replaces the delayed January 31, 2027 date for the related part of the 2024 rule. (Final rule, Dates and section I.E; FCC 26-67)

What happens next

The rule changes take effect 30 days after publication. The FCC will take comments on the proposal for 30 days after publication and replies for 60 days, then decide whether to adopt further changes. (Final rule, Dates; Proposed rule, Dates)

Sources

• Federal Register: “Enhancing the Ability of Consumers to Control the Robocalls,” FCC final rule, FR Doc. 2026-21821 (filed Oct. 23, 2026; publication Oct. 26, 2026)
• Federal Register: “Modernizing the Ability of Consumers to Control Robocalls,” FCC proposed rule, FR Doc. 2026-21820 (filed Oct. 23, 2026; publication Oct. 26, 2026)
• FCC: Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 26-67 (released Oct. 1, 2026)

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.