What is WhatsApp OTP?

An OTP is a one-time password generally sent over to verify a user’s identity. OTP use cases are multiple, so should be the channels. Thus, WhatsApp has also come up with the ability to facility OTP based messages.  

Now that WhatsApp is one of the most popular social apps with over 2.78 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp has a strong presence across Latin America, India, Brazil and other parts of Europe. OTP or SMS verification is also a very ubiquitous use case for businesses. It only makes business sense for WhatsApp to leverage the same.  

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How to Send WhatsApp OTP With Message Central

With Message Central, you can use Verify Now to send an OTP via WhatsApp. The service will work even without a verified Facebook Business Manager. Although, you'd only be able to send a standard template for WhatsApp OTPs and will not be able to customize the same.

To send a WhatsApp OTP, you'd need to:-

1. Signup for free and head over to Verify Now.
2. You can test the service by clicking on "Send via WhatsApp" as shown in the image below:-

3. Once tested, you can head over to "Try with Code" and use the APIs to integrate and start sending WhatsApp OTPs.
4. For any help, you can reach out to us via live chat on the website or email us at support@messagecentral.com.

Here are a few things to be noted while you are using this WhatsApp OTP functionality with Message Central:-

1. You do not need a verified Facebook Business Manager.
2. You will be using Message Central's template to send WhatsApp OTPs.
3. The WhatsApp OTP will be sent via the registered and verified number of Message Central.

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If you wish to use your own template, you'd need the following for sending WhatsApp OTPs:-

1. Dedicated WhatsApp Number: Businesses can choose to send WhatsApp OTPs from a dedicated WhatsApp number that is exclusively associated with their brand.  
   This approach helps establish a direct and trusted connection with customers. Businesses can further enhance the security and reliability of the authentication process by getting a green tick on WhatsApp.  

2. Facebook Business Manager: Businesses must register their WhatsApp number with Meta using the Facebook business Manager. You can also refer to our guide on how to get Facebook business manager verified.

3. Approved OTP Templates: WhatsApp requires businesses to submit their OTP message templates for approval before they can be used. These templates must adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines and include specific information, such as the expiration time of the OTP and any necessary branding elements.

4. Automation and Monitoring: To ensure a seamless and efficient OTP delivery process, businesses should consider automating their WhatsApp OTP workflows. This can include features like instant OTP generation, delivery monitoring, and real-time analytics to identify and address any potential issues. This is easily made possible using Message Central’s APIs.

If you do not wish to go through the hassle of registering with Facebook business manager, you can also use Message Central’s WhatsApp number and template. The same will contain Message Central’s branding though.  

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WhatsApp OTP vs SMS OTP

Best Practices to Send WhatsApp OTPs

As OTP SMS requires SMS verification APIs, WhatsApp also has certain requirements. Additionally, there are certain best practices to be adhered to.

1. Verify User Identities: Maintain strict security measures by sending WhatsApp OTPs only to verified WhatsApp numbers. If you need to share OTPs with unverified contacts, implement additional verification steps, such as app or email authentication. This is commonly referred to as 2 factor authentication.  

2. Communicate Expiration Timelines: Transparently inform customers about the expiration period of the OTP messages to manage their expectations and build trust in the authentication process.

3. Monitor and Log Access Attempts: Closely monitor OTP access attempts to identify any suspicious activity or potential issues and maintain detailed logs to aid in troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

4. Incorporate Branding Elements: While OTPs are primarily functional in nature, businesses can leverage the opportunity to enhance their brand visibility by including their logo, name, and other relevant information in the WhatsApp OTP messages using WhatsApp business APIs.  

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Why Use WhatsApp OTPs?

1. Fallback Mechanism: This essentially means that the APIs will send the WhatsApp OTP first. If the mechanism fails somehow, the APIs will use SMS as a fallback and make sure the OTP is delivered. For Example: Using Message Central’s APIs, you can even include RCS as a fallback for sending OTP.

2. Increased Deliverability: Unlike SMS, where some messages do not get delivered or be delayed, WhatsApp OTPs benefit from the app’s reliable delivery system.

3. Higher Engagement Rates: Most users check WhatsApp more frequently than SMS, ensuring that OTPs are seen and used promptly.

4. Global Reach: With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp provides a universal solution that transcends geographic and network limitations.

5. Cost-Effective: WhatsApp can be a more cost-effective solution than SMS, depending on the region and volume of messages being sent.

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Use Cases of WhatsApp OTP

1. Account Verification: One of the most common uses of WhatsApp OTP is for the initial verification process when users register for a new service. It ensures that the mobile number entered by the user is valid while they are being onboarded onto the platform/ business.  

2. Transaction Authorization: For financial and e-commerce platforms, WhatsApp OTP can be used to confirm and authorize transactions. This adds an extra layer of security by ensuring that the transaction is being initiated by the rightful owner of the account.

3. Login Authentication: Similar to account verification, WhatsApp OTPs can be used as a part of multi-factor authentication systems during the login process. This helps protect user accounts from unauthorized access, even if the primary password is compromised.

4. Secure File Access: For businesses that deal with sensitive information, WhatsApp OTP can be used to grant access to confidential files or links. This OTP ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data, enhancing data security.

5. Service Requests: In customer service scenarios, WhatsApp OTP can be utilized to confirm a user’s identity before processing service requests such as password resets, account changes, or important updates.

6. Appointment Confirmations: Healthcare and other appointment-based services can use WhatsApp OTP to confirm appointments. Patients receive an OTP via WhatsApp to confirm or reschedule their appointments, ensuring that there are no misunderstandings or double bookings.

Send WhatsApp Messages with Message Central

Message Central provides WhatsApp business APIs to enable multiple use cases including WhatsApp broadcasts and WhatsApp OTPs. You can also refer to our sample broadcast message.  

So, do not miss this opportunity and leverage WhatsApp to the for your business.

By embracing WhatsApp OTP, businesses can unlock a world of benefits, from enhanced security and user experience to improved customer trust and loyalty. By following the best practices outlined in this article and partnering with experienced WhatsApp marketing services, businesses can seamlessly integrate WhatsApp OTP into their authentication workflows and reap the rewards of this powerful technology.

FAQs

Q1.: What is WhatsApp OTP?

A: WhatsApp OTP is a unique one-time code sent on WhatsApp. The same is used for various purposes including user authentication, payment verification etc.  

Q2.: How do I send WhatsApp OTPs?

A: You can use a WhatsApp business API provider like Message Central to start sending WhatsApp OTPs. The team at Message central will also guide you regarding all the pre requisites for sending WhatsApp OTPs.

Q3.: How secure is WhatsApp OTP?

A: WhatsApp uses end to end encryption and thus OTPs sent over WhatsApp is considered totally safe and reliable.

Q4.: Is there an expiry for WhatsApp OTPs?

A: WhatsApp OTPs will expire just like SMS OTPs. This is done for security purposes. The time duration for expiry varies according to service provider.  

Q5.: Can WhatsApp OTPs be sent globally?

A: Yes, you can send WhatsApp OTPs to anyone regardless of their location.  

Q6.: What if the delivery for WhatsApp OTP fails?

A: For such cases, providers like Message Central use an SMS fallback to make sure that the OTP is delivered to the intended recipient.  

Q7.: Is there any fees for the end users to receive WhatsApp OTP?

A: No, there are no charges for users to receive WhatsApp OTPs on their apps.

Q8.: Can WhatsApp OTP messages be customized?

A: Yes. You’d need to create a template including all your customized text like brand name, logo etc. and get it approved.