Opting in imported contacts
Last updated August 4, 2026
Objective
This guide explains how to identify, interpret, and manage the various opt-in states for emails and text messages in Recur. It covers the meaning behind different color codes and provides instructions for performing bulk opt-in updates to maintain a healthy sender reputation.
Key Steps
Step 1: Understand Color-Coded Statuses
The Recur contact list uses specific colors and formatting to indicate the current communication health of an email or phone number:
Green: The contact is fully Opted-In and ready to receive communications.
Blue: The contact has been imported or created, but an Opt-In request has never been sent.
Black: An Opt-In request has been sent, but the member has not yet replied or clicked the confirmation.
Red / Strike-through: Indicates a Failed state. This occurs if the user unsubscribes, or if the system encounters a "Hard Bounce" (address doesn't exist) or three "Soft Bounces" (temporary server delivery issues).
Step 2: Filter for Specific Opt-In States
To manage your database efficiently, use the filter tool to isolate contacts who need attention:
Navigate to your contact list.
Apply a filter for Email Opt-In: Not Sent.
This will pull up a list of all contacts (typically from a recent import) who are currently in the "Blue" state.
Step 3: Perform Bulk Opt-In Changes
Instead of updating members one by one, you can manage them in groups:
Select Contacts: Use the checkboxes on the left side of the contact list. You can select individual rows or use the "Select All" box at the top.
Open Actions: Once at least one contact is selected, the Actions button will appear.
Choose Opt-In Options: Click Actions > Opt-In Options.
Step 4: Choose the Update Method
In the Opt-In Options menu, select the appropriate path based on your relationship with the members:
Send Opt-In Email/Text: This triggers a message asking the member to manually click and subscribe.
Mark as Opted-In (Manual): Use this if you are migrating from another software where members had already given consent.
Configure Channels: You can choose to apply the opt-in to Email, Text, or Both simultaneously.
Save: Click Save to let the system process the changes across all selected records.
Cautionary Notes
Sender Reputation: Recur automatically stops sending to "Strike-through" addresses to protect your mail server's reputation. Continuing to hit "dead" addresses can cause your legitimate emails to be marked as spam by providers like Gmail or Outlook.
Legal Compliance: While you have a right to transact business with existing relationships, always ensure you have a legal basis for manual opt-ins to comply with local communication laws.
The "Three Soft Bounces" Rule: If a server rejects an email three times, Recur treats it as a permanent failure to prevent further delivery attempts to an unstable inbox.
Tips for Efficiency
Software Migrations: When moving to Recur from a different system, use the Bulk "Mark as Opted-In" feature. Since the member's relationship is with your association (not the software), you do not need to ask them to re-confirm their consent.
Hover for Details: If you are unsure why an address has a strike-through, mouse over the email or phone number in the list view to see a tooltip with the specific failure reason.
Member Autonomy: Always include an unsubscribe link in your communications; once a member unsubscribes, the system will automatically update their status to the strike-through state without manual intervention.