CRM · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is 'Add to DNC' in the AI SDR inbox?
What 'Add to DNC' in the AI SDR inbox is and when to use it.
DNC stands for Do Not Contact. Clicking Add to DNC in the AI SDR inbox adds that lead's email address to the workspace blocklist so future outreach to that address is blocked.
It's the right move whenever a lead explicitly asks to stop hearing from you, complains about the outreach, or unsubscribes through a reply rather than the link.
When to use it
| Situation | Use DNC? |
|---|---|
| Lead replies "unsubscribe" or "remove me" | Yes — immediately. |
| Lead replies "not interested right now, try again in 6 months" | No — mark the lifecycle as Declined or handle the thread manually. |
| Lead threatens legal action or reports spam | Yes — and consider reviewing the campaign list for similar risk. |
| Lead clicks the unsubscribe link in the email footer | Handled automatically — no manual DNC needed. |
| Wrong person / looks like a typo of a real lead | No — correct the record instead of blocking it. |
What DNC actually does
- Blocks the email address workspace-wide. The lead's email is added to the workspace blocklist. Future outreach to that email is blocked.
- Stops the current sequence. Pending follow-ups to that lead are cancelled.
- Keeps the thread visible in the inbox for reference — you can still see the reply history.
Where to find it
Open the thread in AI SDR Inbox → top-right of the thread → Add to DNC. Confirmation is required. If an address was blocked by mistake, manage it from the thread's DNC controls or from Settings → Cold Email Blocklist.