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WhatsApp OTP: verification codes where customers already chat
A WhatsApp OTP delivers a one-time password to the customer's WhatsApp chat, with a button to copy the code in one tap. It suits login, sign-up and payment checks, and works well as a second route for people who do not receive SMS. SMSNiti sets up the authentication template, connects your app through the API and shows you delivery status.
WhatsApp authentication messages follow their own template rules and must contain only the code.
- One-tap copy code
- Authentication templates
- Works with SMS as back-up
Overview
What is a WhatsApp OTP?
A WhatsApp OTP is a one-time password delivered as a WhatsApp message instead of an SMS. WhatsApp offers a dedicated authentication category for these messages. The template carries the code and a Copy code button, so the customer can paste it into your app without retyping.
Short answer: A WhatsApp OTP sends a one-time verification code to a customer's WhatsApp chat using an approved authentication template, with a one-tap copy code button. It works for login, sign-up and payment checks.
WhatsApp OTP or SMS OTP
Many customers check WhatsApp more often than SMS, and WhatsApp works over wi-fi where mobile coverage is weak. SMS reaches every phone without internet. Using both gives you the best chance that every customer receives the code. See our OTP SMS page.
What an authentication template can contain
The template is short and fixed: the code, a line telling the person not to share it, and an optional note about how long it is valid. WhatsApp does not allow promotion, links or media in these messages.
What you get
What you get with WhatsApp OTP
Authentication templates
We register the correct template category so your codes are delivered reliably.Copy code button
Customers copy the code in one tap and paste it into your app.Simple API
Request a code from your website or app, and receive status back in your system.Fast delivery
Codes are sent as soon as your system requests them.SMS fallback
Send the code by SMS if the customer is not on WhatsApp or the message fails.Delivery status
See sent, delivered and read status for each code.How it works
How WhatsApp OTP works in your app
Customer requests a code
They enter their phone number to log in, sign up or pay.Your system creates the OTP
Your software generates a random code and sets an expiry time.You call the API
The API sends the code in your approved authentication template.Customer copies the code
They tap Copy code and return to your app.You verify it
Your system checks the code and its expiry, then lets the customer in.Security tips
Using WhatsApp OTP safely
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Short expiry: Make each code valid for a few minutes and usable once.
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Limit attempts and resends: Cap wrong entries and the number of codes one number can request.
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Fall back to SMS: If the WhatsApp message fails or the customer has no WhatsApp, send the code by SMS.
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Do not reuse codes: Generate a new random code for every request.
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Only the code: Keep the message limited to the code and a short warning, as the template requires.
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Opt-in: Customers should agree to receive WhatsApp messages from you when they share their number.
Who uses it
Where businesses use WhatsApp OTP
Login
Confirm a customer signing in on a new device.Registration
Verify the phone number during sign-up.Payments
Authorise a payment with a code.Password reset
Let customers reset a forgotten password.Delivery and service handover
Share a code to confirm delivery or a service visit.Account changes
Approve changes to an address or contact details.Why SMSNiti
Why choose SMSNiti for WhatsApp OTP
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Set-up handled: Number, profile and authentication template are registered for you.
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Both channels: Use WhatsApp and SMS together so more customers receive the code.
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Integration support: We help your developers connect the API.
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Real support: Reach our team in Pune when a customer says the code did not arrive.
Questions
WhatsApp OTP: frequently asked questions
It is a one-time password delivered as a WhatsApp message, using an authentication template with a copy code button.
It is WhatsApp's template category for verification codes. It contains the code and a short warning, and has stricter content rules than other categories.
Neither is always better. WhatsApp is convenient for people who use it daily and works over wi-fi. SMS reaches every phone. Using both is the most reliable.
No. Authentication messages carry only the code and a short warning.
You can send the code by SMS or a voice call instead.
Yes. Customers should agree to receive messages from you on WhatsApp.
Yes. The API connects to websites and apps, and our team helps your developers.
Pricing depends on your volume. Request a quote and we will suggest a plan.
Talk to a messaging expert today
Tell us what you want to send and who to. We will suggest the channel and the plan.
