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What are the one-click unsubscribe requirements for Yahoo and Google?
Summary
To comply with Yahoo and Google's one-click unsubscribe requirements, senders must implement the List-Unsubscribe header with a secure HTTPS URL, adhering to RFC 8058. This allows recipients to unsubscribe instantly and directly from their email client. Mailto links alone are not sufficient. Failure to comply can lead to deliverability issues and a damaged sender reputation.

Key findings

  • RFC 8058 Compliance is Crucial: Compliance with RFC 8058 is mandatory for meeting one-click unsubscribe requirements set by both Yahoo and Google.
  • HTTPS URL in List-Unsubscribe Header: The List-Unsubscribe header must include a secure HTTPS URL to facilitate direct and immediate unsubscription.
  • Mailto Links Are Insufficient: Relying solely on mailto links for unsubscription does not meet the new one-click unsubscribe standards.
  • Impact on Deliverability and Reputation: Failure to comply with one-click unsubscribe requirements can negatively impact email deliverability and sender reputation.

Key considerations

  • Proper Header Implementation: Ensure the List-Unsubscribe header is correctly implemented with the correct syntax and a working HTTPS URL.
  • Simplified Unsubscription Process: The unsubscription process should be simple and intuitive for recipients to improve user satisfaction.
  • Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Continuously monitor and update the unsubscription process to adapt to evolving email regulations and best practices.
What email marketers say
7 marketer opinions
The one-click unsubscribe requirements for Yahoo and Google necessitate implementing the List-Unsubscribe header with a secure HTTPS URL, adhering to RFC 8058. This allows recipients to unsubscribe instantly, directly from their email client, improving sender reputation and deliverability.

Key opinions

  • RFC 8058 Compliance: Adherence to RFC 8058 is essential for meeting one-click unsubscribe requirements set by Yahoo and Google.
  • HTTPS URL: The List-Unsubscribe header must include a secure HTTPS URL to facilitate direct unsubscription.
  • Immediate Unsubscription: The implementation must enable recipients to unsubscribe with a single click, without additional steps or confirmation pages.
  • Improved Deliverability: Complying with one-click unsubscribe requirements enhances sender reputation and email deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Header Implementation: Properly configure the List-Unsubscribe header with the correct syntax and a valid HTTPS URL.
  • User Experience: Ensure a seamless and intuitive unsubscription process for recipients to improve user satisfaction and reduce spam complaints.
  • Future Changes: Stay updated on evolving email regulations and best practices to maintain compliance and optimize email deliverability.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Uplers explains that one-click unsubscribe helps comply with sender requirements from Google and Yahoo by implementing RFC 8058 with a secure HTTPS URL in the List-Unsubscribe header, allowing users to instantly unsubscribe.
31 Aug 2024 - Email Uplers
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shared that Gmail and Yahoo want you to implement one-click unsubscribe per RFC 8058. Use the List-Unsubscribe header with an HTTPS URL so users can instantly unsubscribe from their email client.
16 Apr 2023 - Reddit
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
To meet the one-click unsubscribe requirements of Yahoo and Google, it's essential to implement the List-Unsubscribe header with a secure HTTPS URL, as specified in RFC 8058. Mailto links are insufficient. Non-compliance can lead to deliverability issues.

Key opinions

  • RFC 8058 is Mandatory: Both Yahoo and Google require compliance with RFC 8058 for one-click unsubscribe.
  • HTTPS URL Required: A secure HTTPS URL in the List-Unsubscribe header is necessary for direct unsubscription.
  • Mailto Links Insufficient: Using only mailto links does not meet the one-click unsubscribe requirements.
  • Impact on Deliverability: Failure to comply can negatively impact email deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Header Implementation: Properly configure the List-Unsubscribe header with the correct syntax and a valid HTTPS URL.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Regularly monitor and update your unsubscribe process to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving email regulations.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that to meet Google's one-click unsubscribe requirement, RFC 8058 is needed. He shares a link to Google's support page which confirms this.
16 Aug 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com answers that the main requirement for one-click unsubscribe is the implementation of the List-Unsubscribe header with a HTTPS URL as specified in RFC 8058.
1 Jun 2024 - Spamresource.com
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Google and Yahoo require senders to implement one-click unsubscribe functionality using the List-Unsubscribe header with a valid HTTPS URL, as specified in RFC 8058. This allows users to unsubscribe directly from the email client in a simple and automated way.

Key findings

  • List-Unsubscribe Header: The List-Unsubscribe header is the primary mechanism for implementing one-click unsubscribe.
  • HTTPS URL: A valid HTTPS URL must be included in the List-Unsubscribe header for direct unsubscription.
  • RFC 8058 Compliance: Adherence to RFC 8058 is mandatory to meet Google and Yahoo's requirements.
  • Simplified Unsubscription: The process should be simple and automated for users to easily unsubscribe.

Key considerations

  • Correct Implementation: Ensure the List-Unsubscribe header is correctly implemented with the proper syntax and a working HTTPS URL.
  • Regular Updates: Stay updated with the latest email standards and guidelines to maintain compliance.
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost underscores that to comply with Google and Yahoo's requirements, senders must implement one-click unsubscribe using the List-Unsubscribe header with a valid HTTPS URL, aligning with RFC 8058.
26 Feb 2025 - SparkPost
Technical article
Documentation from Yahoo Sender Hub specifies that senders must implement one-click unsubscribe functionality using the List-Unsubscribe header according to RFC 8058. It mandates an HTTPS URL for direct unsubscription.
17 Mar 2025 - Yahoo Sender Hub
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