Title: WhatsApp OTP (One-Time Passwords)
URL: https://www.infobip.com/whatsapp-business/otp
# Verify customers on WhatsApp with Infobip's OTP verification solution
Enable faster, trusted logins by verifying customers on WhatsApp. Send one-time passcodes in a familiar, encrypted chat from a verified WhatsApp business profile, backed by global compliance and Infobip’s omnichannel failover.
- Faster, secure delivery in a channel customers use daily
- Verified sender and end-to-end encryption build trust
- Automatic SMS or Email fallback keeps verification flowing
[ Contact an expert ](/contact)
[ See WhatsApp API docs ](/docs/api/channels/whatsapp)
## What is WhatsApp OTP and when should you use it?
WhatsApp OTP is a unique, temporary code sent to a user in a WhatsApp message, most often to verify identity during sign-up, login, password reset, or sensitive actions.
### New account creation
When a user signs up for a new account (on an app, website, or service), they receive a one-time password (OTP) via WhatsApp. Entering this code verifies their identity and activates their account.
Benefits:
- Reduces fake or duplicate sign-ups.
- Ensures only real users complete registration.
- Using WhatsApp (a familiar, trusted channel) increases the likelihood that users will complete the process, boosting activation rates and reducing drop-offs.
### Account access or recovery
If a user forgets their password or is locked out, they can request an OTP via WhatsApp to securely regain access.
Benefits:
- Minimizes support tickets and user frustration.
- Enables users to quickly recover access, which can lead to more conversions (e.g., purchases, bookings) that would otherwise be lost if users abandon the process.
- Keeps accounts secure by ensuring only the rightful owner can regain access.
### New orders or transactions
During checkout or when making a new transaction (such as a payment or booking), the user receives an OTP on WhatsApp to confirm their identity before the transaction is processed.
Benefits:
- Prevents fraudulent transactions and unauthorized purchases.
- Builds trust with customers, as they know their transactions are protected.
- Helps businesses confidently secure new revenue by authenticating users at the point of sale.
### Existing orders or transactions
For actions related to existing orders—such as confirming delivery, making changes, or accessing order details—an OTP is sent via WhatsApp to verify the user’s identity.
Benefits:
- Protects revenue by ensuring only the legitimate customer can confirm delivery or make changes.
- Reduces the risk of fraud or unauthorized access to sensitive order information.
- Enhances customer trust and satisfaction by providing a secure, transparent process.
## How WhatsApp OTPs work
1
The user requests an OTP by logging in to your app or website.
2
The system generates a secure, random code and sets an expiry window.
3
The system sends the code using an approved WhatsApp authentication template from your verified business account.
4
The user receives the code and enters it in your interface. The system validates the code, checking rate limits and expiry.
5
The system return a success or failure state, log the attempt, and optionally confirm in WhatsApp or in-app.
## The benefits of WhatsApp OTPs
Delivering OTPs in WhatsApp speeds up authentication and increases trust because messages arrive on a familiar channel, in an encrypted chat from a verified business profile.
### Single thread
All authentication messages appear in one WhatsApp chat for clarity and convenience.
### Zero-taps
On supported devices, users can verify without manual input (e.g., OTP autofill on Android).
### Native buttons
Users can interact with messages using WhatsApp’s built-in buttons for quick actions.
### Branding
Send WhatsApp OTPs from your branded profile, with your official business name, image, and verified badge, building user trust and recognition.
### Performance
Fast message delivery and response times, with higher read rates and CTRs than other channels.
### Encryption
Messages travel encrypted end-to-end (only the sender and the recipient can read the message).
### Time-to-live (TTL)
Lets you control how long a one-time password (OTP) sent by WhatsApp stays valid. Example: if you set the TTL to 3 minutes, the OTP will only work for 3 minutes. After that, WhatsApp will not try to send it again, and the code will not work anymore.
## How our customers use WhatsApp OTPs
## How to start sending WhatsApp OTPs with Infobip
You will need:
- An Infobip account
- A registered WhatsApp Business Platform sender
[ Explore our guide to getting started with WhatsApp ](https://www.infobip.com/docs/whatsapp/get-started)
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## Integrate WhatsApp Business Platform API in an instant
Start unlocking opportunities to scale communications and grow engagement with a flexible WhatsApp Business API supported by developers.
- Access detailed API documentation
- Get 24/7 integration support
- Create custom message templates
See WhatsApp API docs
Explore SDKs
[ Sign up for free ](/signup?signup_source=InfobipProductPageWhatsApp)
## Expand your tech stack with multiple integration options
Easily implement the WhatsApp Business Platform into your existing tech stack and add on new integrations to build your B2C communication strategy.
[ Check all WhatsApp integrations ](https://partners.infobip.com/exchange?capability=whatsapp)
## Best practices for WhatsApp OTP implementation
Obtain consent
Always collect explicit user consent before sending WhatsApp authentication messages. This ensures users expect and trust the messages they receive.
Check WhatsApp installation
Using our verification APIs, you can automatically check if WhatsApp is installed on a user’s device and suggest it as the preferred OTP channel (available only on Android).
Give users a choice
Let users choose their preferred authentication channel (WhatsApp, SMS, email, etc.) for flexibility and better experience.
Enable zero-taps
Remove friction by enabling zero-tap verification where possible, so users don’t need to leave WhatsApp.
## Ensure the highest deliverability rates for verification messages at every touchpoint
Wondering whether to use WhatsApp, SMS or email for sending OTPs? No need - automate sending OTPs on the best channel and only pay for what gets delivered.
[ Learn more about Smart Messaging ](/smart-messaging)
## Cost and ROI of WhatsApp OTPs
WhatsApp OTPs are sent as Authentication templated messages and are billed on a per‑message basis.
Each delivered template is charged at Infobip’s WhatsApp price, which includes the Meta fee (parent company of WhatsApp). If you deliver multiple OTP templates in a flow or via retries, each one is billed separately.
[ Contact an expert ](/contact)
[ Learn more about WhatsApp pricing ](/whatsapp-business/pricing)
## Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp OTPs
Most WhatsApp templates are reviewed within a few business days. Keep content concise, avoid promotional wording, use the correct category (authentication or utility), and submit localized versions upfront to reduce rework.
You need a verified Facebook Business Manager, consistent brand presence, and strong account history. Infobip guides the application, prerequisites, and regional nuances to improve approval odds. Learn more about WhatsApp blue tick verification here.
Yes, newer mobile devices suggest one-time codes automatically from notifications. Keep codes short, place the OTP near the start of the message, and avoid extra text so systems can detect the code reliably.
Monitor delivery, read receipts, time to code entry, first-try completion rate, retries, failover share, and cost per successful verification by channel and country. Alert on spikes in failures or unusual request velocity. Learn more about WhatsApp reports here.
We suggest running a phased rollout, keeping SMS as backup, and offering users the option to start verifying over WhatsApp. Compare completion and cost by cohort, then expand coverage by market.
We support regional privacy requirements and provide documentation for consent capture, data handling, and security controls. Our teams assist with DPIAs and local regulatory questions. Learn more about WhatsApp compliance here.
No. WhatsApp requires an active WhatsApp number on a supported device. You can detect WhatsApp availability and route to SMS or email when WhatsApp is not supported. See failover API docs here.
It is possible, but keep authentication templates minimal to reduce phishing risk and improve code detection. Use links in post-verification messages if needed.
## Start verifying users on WhatsApp
Switch your authentication to WhatsApp for faster, trusted verification. Infobip helps you launch quickly with verified sender setup, approved templates, omnichannel failover, real-time analytics, and 24/7 support.
[ Contact an expert ](/contact)
