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nick_shore's avatar
nick_shore
Copper Contributor
Jan 10, 2024

Can anybody explain how Microsoft Outlook implement the unsubscribe button in the header

Hi,   I am trying to understand the rules and technical implementation that Outlook uses to show the unsubscribe button in the header of an email next to the sender (image below). I understand they...
LeonPavesic's avatar
LeonPavesic
Silver Contributor
Jan 11, 2024

Hi nick_shore,

Microsoft Outlook, incorporates the unsubscribe button in the email header by identifying emails containing a "List-Unsubscribe" header in their metadata.

This header, usually included by the sender to adhere to anti-spam regulations and email marketing best practices, contains a URL or mailto link.Activating this link initiates an unsubscribe request to the sender's server.
Outlook recognizes this header, presenting users with a convenient "Unsubscribe" button as a quick link to this functionality.


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Leon Pavesic
(LinkedIn)

  • nick_shore's avatar
    nick_shore
    Copper Contributor
    Jan 11, 2024

    Thanks LeonPavesic for you reply.  We send and have been sending our emails for some time now using the List-Unsubscribe header with both the link and mailto specified.  However, as some point they stopped working.  The however work on Gmail and Yahoo mail clients ok.  So there must be additional checks that the outlook client is making when it is deciding whether or not to display the unsubscribe button.

     

    Thanks

     

    Nick

    • LeonPavesic's avatar
      LeonPavesic
      Silver Contributor
      Jan 11, 2024

      Hi nick_shore,

      thanks for the update.

      In your case, since the List-Unsubscribe header was working previously and has stopped, it is possible that Microsoft Outlook may have updated its algorithms or criteria for displaying the unsubscribe button. This could include additional checks or changes in how the List-Unsubscribe header is processed.

      You may consider reaching out to Microsoft support to resolve your issue of displaying of the unsubscribe button in Outlook.


      Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue.
      This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item.


      If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.


      Kindest regards,


      Leon Pavesic
      (LinkedIn)

      • nick_shore's avatar
        nick_shore
        Copper Contributor
        Jan 11, 2024
        Yes Leon, thats the reason for raising the question here to see if anyone knew the full criteria required. Do you have or know I can raise this with Microsoft?

        Thanks

        Nick

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