1 B1 neutral
To actively choose to take part in a programme, system, or service, especially when participation is not automatic.
"You can opt in to receive our monthly newsletter by ticking the box below."
opt in
B1 neutral intransitive
To actively choose to participate in something, especially a system, programme, or service.
In plain English
To say 'yes, include me' when given a choice to join something.
What does "opt in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To choose to join or be included in a group decision, arrangement, or legal scheme.
"Employees were given the option to opt in to the new performance bonus scheme."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To choose (opt) to be in (included).
Actually means
To say 'yes, include me' when given a choice to join something.
Usage tip
Common in marketing, data privacy (GDPR), healthcare, and legal contexts. An 'opt-in' system requires active consent. The opposite is 'opt-out'. Widely used in digital contexts (email lists, cookie consent).
Words that pair with "opt in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
newsletter programme scheme data sharing marketing emails pension trial
How to conjugate "opt in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
opt in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
opts in
he/she/it
Past simple
opted in
yesterday
Past participle
opted in
have + pp
-ing form
opting in
continuous
Hear "opt in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "opt in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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