Customize the SMS opt-in checkbox text (optional)
If you collect SMS consent at checkout, the checkbox label is one of the most important places to set expectations. Clear wording reduces confusion, improves opt-in quality, and helps customers understand what they’re agreeing to—especially when you offer a discount or incentive.
Before you start
- This page covers changing the checkout label text only.
- Make sure SMS marketing opt-in is already enabled in Shopify (covered in the setup page in this group).
Update the SMS opt-in label in Shopify
In Shopify Admin, go to Online Store → Themes.
On your published theme, select … (or Actions) → Edit default theme content (sometimes shown as Edit languages).
Use the search bar and try these terms (different themes/Shopify versions use different wording):
smstextmarketingphonesubscribe
Look for a field that corresponds to the SMS marketing opt-in at checkout (for example, “SMS marketing”, “Text marketing”, or similar).
Update the text to clearly state what customers are opting into. Use the examples below as a starting point.
If you run multiple storefront languages, update the label for each language customers can check out in.
Click Save, then run a test checkout to confirm the label appears as expected and reads clearly on mobile.
For a quick test, add an item to cart and proceed to checkout. You don’t need to place an order to verify the label text.
In Shopify Admin, go to Settings → Checkout.
Look for a link or section related to Checkout language (wording varies by Shopify plan and checkout setup).
Search within checkout text for sms, text, or marketing, then update the opt-in label.
Save your changes and run a test checkout to confirm the updated wording is live.
Shopify surfaces these text fields in different places depending on your checkout configuration and theme. If you don’t see a checkout language editor in Settings, use the theme language editor tab instead.
Recommended label wording (copy/paste examples)
Choose a label that matches your program and your incentive. Keep it accurate—avoid promising something you don’t always deliver.
Simple, clear (no incentive)
- Option A: Sign up for SMS updates and offers.
- Option B: Text me promotions and new product alerts.
With a discount or incentive
- Option A: Text me offers—get 10% off when you sign up for marketing texts.
- Option B: Yes, send me marketing texts and apply my signup discount.
- Option C: Send me SMS deals (includes my signup offer).
If the discount is delivered later (e.g., via text after checkout), make that explicit in the label or nearby copy—for example: “Sign up to receive your discount code by text.”
Set expectations (short + scannable)
- Get texts about offers. Message frequency varies.
- Promotional texts. Reply STOP to opt out.
Don’t imply customers are agreeing to order/shipping updates if this checkbox is for marketing. Keep marketing consent separate from transactional messages to avoid confusion.
Quality checklist (use before publishing)
- Clarity: Does it say “marketing” or “offers/promotions” so customers know it’s promotional?
- Incentive terms: If you offer a discount, does the label make it clear it’s tied to signing up?
- Brevity: Is it short enough to read quickly on mobile checkout?
- Consistency: Does the label match what customers actually receive after opting in?
FAQ
Default labels are often generic. A clearer label can reduce customer confusion, increase the quality of opt-ins, and set expectations when you’re offering a discount for signing up.
Changing the label doesn’t enable/disable SMS marketing opt-in by itself—it only changes what customers see. The opt-in setting and consent capture behavior are handled by Shopify.
If you can keep it short, adding a brief expectation like “Message frequency varies” or “Reply STOP to opt out” can help. If the label gets too long, keep the label concise and put additional details in nearby checkout text where possible.