WhatsApp OTP Guide: How to Send OTP on WhatsApp Easily

With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging app. It’s a platform trusted by businesses and customers alike. Studies show that 70% of customers prefer secure, simple communication and multiple contact points in online shopping. This makes WhatsApp a powerful tool for your business.

Sending OTPs through WhatsApp is a smart and reliable way to verify customer identities. Its familiarity makes the process smooth for your customers while giving you flexibility. You can use a dedicated number or share one with other businesses to keep it cost-effective. Here’s how you can send OTPs on WhatsApp and build customer trust.

Sending OTP on WhatsApp Made Easy: Here’s How

Sending OTPs on WhatsApp is a simple and effective way to verify user identities. When customers request an action, like logging in or resetting their password, they will instantly receive an OTP in their WhatsApp inbox to confirm their identity.

There are two ways to send OTPs: a dedicated or shared number. A dedicated number is only used for your business, giving you more control and ensuring the OTP is only sent from your business’s number. On the other hand, a shared number is used by multiple companies, which can be a more affordable option while still providing the same secure service. Both methods are safe, and the choice depends on your business’s needs.

How to Use a Shared Number for WhatsApp OTP?

Shared numbers offer an affordable business solution, making communication simple and efficient through a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP). These BSPs handle the technical setup and provide tools for smooth message delivery. By partnering with a trusted BSP, you can access tools that streamline the process and comply with WhatsApp’s guidelines.

Here is how you can send OTPs using a shared number:

1. Sign Up with a WhatsApp BSP

Create an account with a reliable WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP). These providers offer the tools and support to set up and manage shared numbers effectively.

2. Create and Approve Template Messages

Once registered, log in to the BSP platform and submit your message template for approval. To avoid delays, ensure it complies with WhatsApp’s guidelines. The BSP will handle the approval process.

3. Access the API Documentation

After your template is approved, navigate to the API documentation provided by the BSP. Locate the section that explains how to use the “/sendTemplateMessage” API to send OTPs.

4. Integrate and Send OTPs

Use the API to send OTPs by entering the recipient’s phone number using the correct country code. Integrate the API with your system to automate the OTP delivery process, ensuring smooth and efficient communication.

How to Set Up WhatsApp OTP with a Dedicated Number?

Setting up WhatsApp OTP with a dedicated number requires following a structured process to ensure seamless communication with your customers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Apply for WhatsApp API

Start by applying for the WhatsApp Business API to get approval for your dedicated number to send OTP messages.

2. Prepare a WhatsApp-Compatible Phone Number

Ensure the phone number you want is not linked to a WhatsApp account. If it is, remove the existing account. The number must also be non-transferable.

3. Verify Facebook Business Manager

If you don’t have a Facebook Business Manager account, create one and upload valid business documents. This step is essential; Facebook’s review can take 1 to 3 weeks.

4. Choose a Business Display Name

Pick a display name that represents your business and is easy for customers to recognise. Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines to increase your chances of approval.

5. Set Up Two-Way Communication

Once your number is approved, enable two-way communication so customers can respond, boosting engagement and trust.

6. Send OTP Messages

Now, you can send OTP messages using your approved number. A dedicated number ensures extra security and reliability.

Why Send OTPs via WhatsApp? Key Benefits Explained

Sending OTPs (One-Time Passwords) via WhatsApp is a practical business choice. It combines security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while enhancing the customer experience.

1. Enhanced Security: WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption protects OTPs from interception, offering a more secure alternative to SMS.
2. Convenience for Customers: Customers can receive OTPs directly in their WhatsApp app, eliminating the need to switch between platforms.
3. Boost Engagement: WhatsApp OTP ensures quick and effective communication for your business. With 80% of messages read within the first five minutes and an impressive 98% average open rate, it’s one of the fastest ways to connect with your customers.
4. Network Coverage: WhatsApp messages work over Wi-Fi and mobile data, ensuring reliable delivery even in areas with poor cellular network coverage.
5. Cost-Effective: WhatsApp for OTPs can be more cost-effective than traditional SMS marketing, especially when sending messages in bulk.
6. Global Reach: With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp allows you to connect with a larger audience, including customers in regions where it is the primary messaging platform.
7. Interactive Messaging: According to a survey of over 350 businesses globally, 61% identified WhatsApp as a crucial platform for conversational customer engagement. Customers can address issues directly within the same chat, making problem resolution faster and easier. 
8. Reliable Backup with SMS: If WhatsApp delivery fails, messages can automatically switch to SMS, ensuring OTPs always reach customers.
9. Builds Trust: Using a trusted platform like WhatsApp for OTPs reassures customers, strengthening their confidence in your business.

WhatsApp OTP in Action: Real-Life Applications

Using WhatsApp OTP for verification and authentication can transform how you manage your business. Here are the real-life applications:

1. Simplified User Registration

WhatsApp OTP makes user registration faster and more reliable. Businesses can quickly verify their identity by sending a one-time password to a user’s WhatsApp, reducing drop-offs and improving conversion rates.

2. Efficient Password Recovery

WhatsApp OTP provides a simple solution for password resets. Users can receive a reset code directly on WhatsApp, allowing them to regain access to their accounts without unnecessary delays quickly.

3. Securing Transactions

WhatsApp OTP adds an extra layer of security to online payments. When a transaction is made, an OTP is sent to the user’s WhatsApp to verify it, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring secure payments.

4. Streamlined Account Recovery

When users lose access to their accounts, WhatsApp OTP helps verify their identity and recover access quickly, protecting personal information and improving the user experience.

5. Confirming Appointments

Businesses like clinics or salons can use WhatsApp OTP to confirm appointments, reduce no-shows, and ensure a smooth schedule.

6. Verifying Subscriptions

WhatsApp OTP is ideal for confirming new subscriptions, ensuring that users genuinely want to receive services or content, and reducing unwanted communications.

7. Ensuring Secure Deliveries

For eCommerce, WhatsApp OTP ensures the correct recipient receives the delivery, improving security and customer satisfaction.

8. Adding Extra Protection with 2FA

WhatsApp OTP strengthens security by adding an extra layer to login processes through two-factor authentication (2FA), preventing unauthorised access.

WhatsApp OTP and SMS OTP: Which is Better?

Regarding authentication, both WhatsApp OTP and SMS OTP have their advantages. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which one works best for your business:

Feature	WhatsApp OTP	SMS OTP
Delivery Speed	Faster delivery as it uses internet connectivity	Slight delays are possible, especially in areas with poor network
Cost	Typically lower	Costs may increase with higher SMS volumes
Security	Offers end-to-end encryption for messages	Messages can be intercepted if not encrypted
User Experience	More interactive and user-friendly interface	Simple but less engaging for users
Verification Logs	WhatsApp shows message delivery and read status with check marks	Limited tracking for message delivery confirmation
Integration	Requires API integration with WhatsApp Business	It is easier to implement with existing SMS gateways
Multimedia Capability	Allows sharing of images, links, or additional instructions	Text-only format, limiting communication options

If your customers are active on WhatsApp, using WhatsApp OTP can be a wise choice. In the third quarter of 2024, WhatsApp Business recorded over 576 million daily active users, showcasing its growing popularity as a go-to platform for business communication. It offers a secure, interactive, and cost-effective way to verify user actions, making the process seamless for you and your customers. On the other hand, SMS OTP is ideal if you need a solution that works for everyone, even those without internet access or smartphones. It ensures universal accessibility and is reliable in areas with limited connectivity. Consider your customers’ preferences and how they interact with your business to choose the option that best supports your goals and keeps your processes running smoothly.

Conclusion

WhatsApp OTP offers businesses a simple and secure way to verify users, improving registration, transactions, and account recovery processes. A dedicated number provides exclusivity and better brand recognition, while a shared number is cost-effective and simpler to set up. Both options are effective, and the choice depends on your business needs. You can also engage, acquire, and retain customers seamlessly with Engage 360, an all-in-one platform designed specifically for sellers. By automating your marketing, you can send targeted deals directly to your customers’ inboxes and phones, increasing sales without added effort. Whether using a dedicated or shared number, it’s a flexible, cost-effective solution that enhances security and builds customer trust.