One-click list unsubscribe

Bulk subscription mail needs authenticated one-click unsubscribe headers that complete without login, redirects, confirmation pages, or extra choices.

What it is

RFC 8058 defines a POST-based one-click mechanism using List-Unsubscribe and List-Unsubscribe-Post, protected by a valid DKIM signature.

Why it matters

Mailbox interfaces can offer a trusted unsubscribe action without following message-body links, reducing complaints and friction.

How to implement

Provide an HTTPS URI in List-Unsubscribe, add List-Unsubscribe-Post: List-Unsubscribe=One-Click, include both fields in DKIM signing, and process the POST without authentication or user interaction.

Common mistakes

  • Redirecting the POST to a login page.
  • Using the same token for unrelated subscription scopes.
  • Forgetting to sign the list headers.

Verification

POST the specified form body to the delivered header URL and confirm a successful response plus prompt suppression for the intended list.

Sources

  1. RFC 8058 — One-Click Functionality for List Email Headers — IETF