> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.referralhero.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.referralhero.com/campaign-management/overview/stop-campaign.md).

# Stop Campaign

When you stop a campaign in ReferralHero, the campaign’s behavior changes to ensure no new activity can be added while still preserving existing rewards and subscriber access.

Below is a summary of what happens when a campaign is stopped.

#### New Subscribers 

* **Admin dashboard**: Adding a subscriber shows the error message:\
  *“Campaign stopped. Subscriber not added.”*

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2FWKRWjTi1Jk8Hh2CTMGlq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bc686caf-e36c-47d6-a40d-b3ec3e15f0af" alt="" width="371"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **JS API**: Returns the error *“Error: Campaign stopped. Subscriber not added.”*

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2F1RnFcvs9E4nKtRViAMvS%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4976bfe7-da1d-4e97-aaa0-7b944ffd1060" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **REST API**: Response includes the same error message

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2F9hDxIUwbcAe98ppVYOE8%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=955433bc-dd8c-4c45-a62e-8909840a1f5c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Widgets

* Both the Dashboard and Signup widgets show the message:\
  *“This campaign has ended. If you believe this is a mistake, feel free to reach out to the campaign manager.”*
* The error appears after the form is submitted, not when the widget first loads

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2FxCv0kdV6y2wOdh5IIQsQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d2494fe3-896c-41bb-b9d2-bd9d69e3b8df" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Logins to Widgets

* Existing subscribers can still log in to widgets without issue

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2FjaTVyBvL4xcjWUJcnkEy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=95408f20-4d2d-4dc1-859b-1513acea15c9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Automations

* Participation email/SMS messages (e.g., First Referral, Referral, Referral Visitor) stop sending
* Reward email/SMS messages continue to send when pending rewards are delivered

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2Fwf7VQ7SlifHud24ZQ48u%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7130de45-e0a6-489c-bb3a-71389a196523" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Rewards

* Reward logic and behavior continue to work as normal\
  For example, if a subscriber’s status changes to *Unconfirmed*, a new reward will still unlock (if you have a reward set up for that stage)

#### Stop Campaign Button and Scheduling Behavior

* Clicking the **Stop Campaign** button opens a popup where you can set a stop date

<figure><img src="https://363135598-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LsuqexOLPOWiUrWg_Ko%2Fuploads%2FlryTiZ1If7m6ovCp4pdJ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f327f573-9e3e-4e21-968a-e880dd234859" alt="" width="446"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **If the stop date is in the past**:&#x20;
  * the campaign is considered stopped, and a Resume Campaign button appears in the 3-dot dropdown
* **If the campaign is active with no scheduled stop date**:&#x20;
  * the Stop Campaign popup defaults to today’s date
* **If the campaign is active with a scheduled stop date**:&#x20;
  * the Stop Campaign popup shows the previously selected date

{% hint style="success" %}
**Key Takeaway:** Stopping a campaign blocks new signups and halts participation automations, but rewards and subscriber access continue to function as normal
{% endhint %}