How to OTP on WhatsApp: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide 2025

10 Min Read

Written by

Raneya Selina

Published on

September 28, 2024

In today’s digital world, OTPs (One-Time Passwords) are crucial for online security. Traditional OTPs, usually sent via SMS, are commonly used for verifying users during transactions or sign-ins. However, these SMS-based OTPs often face issues like delays, network errors, or even getting blocked by spam filters. This can lead to frustration, especially when users need quick access.

This is where WhatsApp OTP steps in. WhatsApp, with its massive user base and reliable messaging system, offers a more efficient solution for sending OTPs. By leveraging the speed and encryption of WhatsApp, businesses can ensure users receive OTPs faster and more securely, without the common problems faced by traditional SMS.

In this guide, we will explore what WhatsApp OTP is, how it works, its advantages over SMS OTP, and a detailed step-by-step process on how to send OTPs through WhatsApp. Let’s dive in to see how this modern approach is reshaping online authentication!

What is WhatsApp OTP?

WhatsApp OTP is a One-Time Password that is delivered to users through WhatsApp instead of traditional SMS. It’s a unique, temporary code used to verify a user’s identity, especially during secure logins, transactions, or account sign-ups.

Unlike SMS OTP, which can sometimes face delays or get lost due to network issues, WhatsApp OTP is sent instantly through the reliable WhatsApp platform. This ensures faster delivery, better security with end-to-end encryption, and a seamless user experience. Many businesses now prefer WhatsApp OTP for its efficiency and global reach, making it easier for users to receive their verification codes without any hassle.

WhatsApp OTP vs SMS OTP

When comparing WhatsApp OTP and SMS OTP, there are several key differences that make WhatsApp OTP a more attractive option for many businesses. Here’s how they differ:

1. Delivery Speed

  • WhatsApp OTP: Generally faster and more reliable, as WhatsApp uses internet-based delivery, bypassing traditional telecom networks. It ensures that the OTP reaches the user in real-time, avoiding delays.
  • SMS OTP: Can often experience delays due to network issues, especially in areas with poor signal strength or during high network traffic times.

2. Security

  • WhatsApp OTP: Offers enhanced security with end-to-end encryption, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized parties to access the message content. This adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive transactions.
  • SMS OTP: While secure, SMS lacks the strong encryption provided by WhatsApp, and messages can be intercepted or delayed, making it slightly less secure.

3. Global Accessibility

  • WhatsApp OTP: Works seamlessly across borders without additional charges, as it only requires an internet connection. Users anywhere in the world can receive OTPs through WhatsApp, making it ideal for global businesses.
  • SMS OTP: Cross-border SMS OTPs can incur extra costs and suffer from inconsistencies in delivery, especially in regions with strict telecom regulations.

4. User Experience

  • WhatsApp OTP: Since many users are already familiar with WhatsApp, receiving OTPs through this platform feels natural and convenient. It also avoids the issue of OTPs being blocked by spam filters.
  • SMS OTP: While widely used, some users may find it less convenient, especially if their messages are delayed or mistakenly flagged as spam.

These differences make WhatsApp OTP a preferred choice for businesses that prioritize speed, security, and global reach.

Benefits of Sending OTP on WhatsApp

Sending OTPs through WhatsApp offers several distinct advantages over traditional SMS methods. From faster delivery to enhanced security, businesses and users alike benefit from this modern approach to online verification. Below are the key benefits of using WhatsApp OTP:

1. Faster Delivery Times

WhatsApp OTPs are delivered through an internet connection, making them significantly faster than SMS, which relies on network signals. This speed is crucial when users need immediate access, like logging into an account or completing a transaction. The instant nature of WhatsApp ensures the OTP is delivered in real-time, improving user experience and reducing frustration from delayed messages.

2. Enhanced Security with Encryption

WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can see the content of the OTP message. This makes it far more secure than SMS, where messages can sometimes be intercepted. For businesses handling sensitive transactions, this extra layer of security can prevent fraud and enhance trust between the company and its users.

3. Global Accessibility

WhatsApp operates on a global scale, allowing businesses to send OTPs to users in any part of the world without worrying about the limitations of traditional telecom networks. Unlike SMS, which can incur additional fees or experience delivery issues in certain regions, WhatsApp only requires an internet connection, ensuring that the OTP reaches users quickly and reliably, no matter their location.

4. Cost-Effective Solution

Sending OTPs through SMS can become expensive, especially when scaling for international users. WhatsApp OTPs, on the other hand, do not involve the same telecom charges. For businesses, this means a more cost-effective solution for secure, global communication. With lower costs, companies can scale their OTP delivery without worrying about the rising costs associated with traditional SMS.

5. Improved User Experience

Users are already highly familiar with WhatsApp as a messaging platform, making the process of receiving OTPs seamless and user-friendly. Unlike SMS, which may get lost or blocked by spam filters, WhatsApp ensures delivery straight into the user’s chat inbox. This familiarity also builds trust, as users are more likely to engage with a platform they use frequently.

6. Reduced Spam and Delivery

Failures Traditional SMS OTPs are sometimes filtered out by spam filters, leading to delivery failures. This can cause frustration for users who are waiting to complete important actions. WhatsApp’s platform avoids this issue by delivering messages directly to the user’s app, which is less likely to filter out these essential messages.

How to Send OTP on WhatsApp

Sending OTPs via WhatsApp is easier than ever, thanks to platforms like chatbot.team. This platform allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging for secure, fast OTP delivery. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to sending OTPs on WhatsApp using chatbot.team.

Step 1: Sign Up on chatbot.team

Start by creating an account on chatbot.team. Once you’ve registered, you will be able to access the dashboard where you can set up your WhatsApp OTP service.

Step 2: Set Up Your WhatsApp Business API

After logging in, navigate to the WhatsApp Business API setup section. You’ll need to integrate WhatsApp Business API with your account. This ensures that your OTPs are sent securely and reliably through WhatsApp.

Step 3: Configure Your OTP Template

Once the WhatsApp Business API is connected, you’ll need to create an OTP message template. The message template should include a placeholder for the unique OTP code. For example: “Your OTP code is {{OTP}}. Please use this to complete your verification process.”

Step 4: Add Users to Your Contact List

Add the phone numbers of users who will receive the OTPs. You can upload a contact list manually or sync it with your CRM system. Ensure all numbers are WhatsApp-enabled.

Step 5: Automate the OTP Generation

Set up an OTP generation system within your platform or use chatbot.team’s built-in tools. This system will generate a unique OTP for each user when triggered (e.g., when a user attempts to log in or make a transaction).

Step 6: Trigger the OTP via WhatsApp

After the OTP is generated, use the chatbot.team interface to send the OTP to the user’s WhatsApp. The system will automatically insert the OTP into the message template and deliver it to the user’s WhatsApp account instantly.

Step 7: Confirm OTP Delivery

You can track the delivery status of each OTP within the chatbot.team dashboard. It will show whether the OTP was successfully sent, received, and read by the user.

Step 8: Verify the OTP

Once the user receives the OTP on WhatsApp, they will enter it on your website or app for verification. Your system should then verify the OTP for successful authentication.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and secure OTP delivery process using WhatsApp with chatbot.team.

Use Cases for WhatsApp OTPs

WhatsApp OTPs are versatile and can be applied in various industries and scenarios to ensure secure user verification. Here are some common use cases where WhatsApp OTPs can make a difference:

1. User Authentication for Logins

WhatsApp OTPs are commonly used to verify user identities during login processes. Instead of relying on passwords alone, which can be compromised, an OTP adds an extra layer of security. Once a user enters their username and password, a unique OTP is sent to their WhatsApp account. They need to enter this OTP to complete the login process, ensuring only the authorized user gains access.

2. Transaction Verification

When users make high-value purchases or perform sensitive transactions, businesses often require additional verification. WhatsApp OTPs provide a secure and fast way to confirm these transactions. For example, online banking platforms use OTPs to verify money transfers or payments, reducing the risk of fraud. The instant delivery ensures that users can complete transactions quickly and securely.

3. Account Recovery

Password recovery or account recovery often requires users to confirm their identity before resetting passwords or retrieving account access. By sending an OTP via WhatsApp, companies can ensure that only the rightful owner of the account receives the recovery code. This prevents unauthorized individuals from taking control of accounts, providing a safe recovery method.

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many businesses use two-factor authentication (2FA) to strengthen account security. By sending the second authentication factor through WhatsApp, businesses can ensure a faster and more reliable delivery compared to SMS. With the widespread use of WhatsApp, users are more likely to complete 2FA successfully without facing delays or network issues, making the process more efficient.

5. E-commerce Order Confirmations

E-commerce businesses often use WhatsApp OTPs to confirm orders or authorize changes in delivery details. When a user places an order or makes adjustments to their order, an OTP is sent to verify the action. This prevents unauthorized users from tampering with orders, ensuring a smooth and secure shopping experience.

6. Booking Confirmations for Travel and

Events Whether it’s booking flights, hotels, or event tickets, companies often require users to confirm bookings with an OTP. Sending this OTP via WhatsApp helps users receive the code quickly and efficiently. This is particularly useful for last-minute bookings or changes where quick confirmation is required to avoid any issues with the reservation.

7. Subscription Sign-ups

Companies offering subscription services, like streaming platforms or SaaS products, use WhatsApp OTPs during sign-up to ensure that only genuine users are registering. By verifying a user’s phone number through WhatsApp OTP, companies can reduce the risk of spam or fraudulent sign-ups, improving the quality of their user base.

Conclusion

WhatsApp OTPs have revolutionized the way businesses handle user verification, offering a faster, more secure, and globally accessible solution compared to traditional SMS OTPs. By leveraging the power of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and widespread usage, companies can ensure that OTPs reach their users promptly, improving both security and user experience.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the key benefits of WhatsApp OTPs, how they differ from SMS OTPs, and the various use cases where WhatsApp OTPs can be implemented effectively. Whether it’s for login authentication, transaction verification, or account recovery, WhatsApp OTP provides a reliable, cost-effective way to ensure secure communications.

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, businesses can easily integrate WhatsApp OTP through platforms like chatbot.team, enhancing their security measures while providing a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

A WhatsApp OTP is a One-Time Password sent through WhatsApp to verify a user’s identity. It’s typically used during account sign-ups, logins, or transaction verifications to ensure secure access or activity.

 

No, you don’t need a special app. However, you need to use a service like WhatsApp Business API or platforms like chatbot.team that facilitate the sending of OTPs through WhatsApp.

 

Yes, WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, making it highly secure for sending OTPs. Only the sender and recipient can view the content of the message, ensuring protection from unauthorized access.

Yes, like SMS OTPs, WhatsApp OTPs typically expire after a short duration (usually a few minutes). This expiration time ensures that the OTP can only be used for a limited period, adding to the security of the process.

Yes, WhatsApp OTPs can be sent internationally without extra costs, as long as the recipient has access to WhatsApp and an internet connection. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses with global users.

If a recipient doesn’t receive the OTP on WhatsApp, it’s best to check their internet connection and ensure that their phone number is WhatsApp-enabled. Businesses can also resend the OTP or provide alternative methods like SMS or email OTPs.

 

No, users do not need to pay to receive OTPs on WhatsApp. As long as they have an active WhatsApp account and internet access, they can receive OTPs free of charge.

 

WhatsApp OTPs help in user verification by ensuring that only the rightful owner of a phone number can access sensitive information or complete secure transactions. This adds an extra layer of authentication to protect user accounts.

 

Yes, businesses can customize OTP messages to include specific branding or instructions. Most platforms, like chatbot.team, allow you to create message templates that fit your needs.

 

If you experience issues with WhatsApp OTP, you should contact the service provider responsible for sending the OTPs, such as WhatsApp Business API providers or platforms like chatbot.team.

Yes, as long as a business or service uses WhatsApp OTP, you can receive your OTP via WhatsApp. Make sure your phone number is registered with WhatsApp and you have internet access.

 

If you're not receiving OTPs on WhatsApp, check your internet connection, ensure your number is registered correctly, and confirm that you haven’t blocked messages from the sender. If the issue persists, contact the business or platform sending the OTP for further assistance

About Author

Raneya Selina

Raneya Selina

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

Raneya is a skilled Content Writer with over two years of experience in customer experience. At Chatbot.team, she crafts insightful case studies and analyzes customer data to develop impactful strategies.

Know more about Raneya Selina

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