How to Prevent Phone Service Messages from Being Filtered

Why Filtering Happens

Mobile carriers and messaging providers actively filter SMS to protect subscribers from spam, fraud, and abusive messaging. If your content, consent flow, or sending behavior triggers their controls, messages may be filtered or blocked—and repeated issues can lead to account restrictions.

Common Causes of Filtering

• Spam-like language, misleading offers, or unsolicited messaging.
• Objectionable or prohibited content categories.
• Missing or weak opt-in and opt-out disclosures.
• High complaint, opt-out, or delivery error rates.
• Improper sender usage (e.g., rotating many numbers, inconsistent identity, “snowshoeing”).
• Using public URL shorteners or unbranded links that look suspicious.

Best Practices to Reduce Filtering

• Collect explicit consent using a dedicated SMS opt-in checkbox (separate from general terms acceptance).
• Include program name, messaging frequency, opt-out instructions, and fee disclosure where users opt in.
• Keep message copy professional (avoid spammy caps, excessive punctuation, and “gimmicky” formatting).
• Use branded domains for links and avoid public URL shorteners.
• Ensure opt-out keywords (STOP, CANCEL, QUIT, etc.) are recognized and handled correctly.
• Link to a compliant Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Opt-In Webpage Requirements

A compliant opt-in page should clearly disclose what users are signing up for and how they can get help or opt out.

• Program name and a short description of messages.
• Brand representation (who is sending messages).
• Fee disclosure (example: “Message and data rates may apply”).
• Frequency disclosure (example: “4 per month” or “varies”).
• Customer care info (HELP instructions or contact method).
• Opt-out instructions (example: “Reply STOP to cancel”).
• Privacy Policy link.
• Terms & Conditions link.

Privacy Policy Language to Include

Your Privacy Policy should explicitly state that mobile information will not be shared for marketing or promotional purposes.

Error 30007

Error 30007 generally indicates carrier filtering. When this happens, collect evidence so support can review your traffic and compliance setup.

• Collect 3 examples of undelivered messages showing error 30007.
• Include the Message SID for each example.
• Confirm your opt-in page and policy links meet disclosure requirements before escalating.

Healthy Opt-Out & Error Rates

• Opt-out rate: 0–1% is healthy. At 2%, an account may be locked for 24 hours.
• Error rate: 0–6% is healthy. At 12%, an account may be locked for 24 hours.

Content Rules to Avoid Filtering

• Use branded URLs and avoid public shorteners.
• Avoid emojis, excessive special characters, repeated punctuation, or irregular capitalization.
• Keep language clear and professional—no misleading urgency or “too good to be true” claims.
• Stay within permitted use cases and avoid restricted categories.