Have you ever received a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to verify a transaction or log in? While it’s a commonly used method, did you know that SMS OTP authentication isn’t as secure as you might think? 

Well, not to worry! Many businesses are now switching to encrypted OTPs on WhatsApp for added security. So, you can rest easy knowing that your transactions and logins are even safer now.

By using encrypted OTPs on WhatsApp, businesses can enhance customer trust and confidence in their brand, which ultimately leads to a positive customer experience. Plus, with the widespread use and interactive features of WhatsApp, brands have an even more powerful tool for securing communication and improving customer interactions.

With WhatsApp’s seamless authentication integration, brands can initiate conversations to verify user identity using OTPs at different stages of the login process, such as account registration, account recovery, and integrity validation. 

This innovative solution not only provides an extra layer of security but also offers a convenient experience for the customer. By doing so, businesses can build solid and long-lasting relationships with their customers based on trust and reliability.

Now let’s deep dive into this topic. Ready?

How to send OTP via WhatsApp

If you’re looking to send OTPs, there are two ways to go about it. You can either send OTPs from your own dedicated number, which is exclusively assigned to your business. Or, you can opt to send OTPs from a shared number that is used by multiple businesses. It’s always good to consider both options and choose the one that works best for you.

Sending OTP on WhatsApp using a Shared Number:

Sending OTPs using a shared number on WhatsApp is easy-peasy! You just need to sign up with a WhatsApp BSP like WATI that offers this feature. With WATI, you can send OTPs using shared numbers without any hassle.

Here’s how to do it:

1. First, sign up for an account by clicking the link provided.
2. Next, login to the account and go to Broadcasts > Template Messages > New Template Messages. Here’s a guide on how to create template messages.
3. Once the template is approved, navigate to the API Docs section to find the /sendTemplateMessage API.
4. In the /sendTemplateMessage API, add the phone number you want to send the OTP message. Make sure you add the country code and remove special characters.

From here on, it can get a technical, so here’s a video to guide you through.

Now let’s look at the second option on how to send OTP on WhatsApp.

Sending OTP on WhatsApp with a Dedicated Number

To send OTP messages on WhatsApp using your own dedicated number, it’s important to note that you must first apply for the WhatsApp API and get approval on your own number.

Once your number is approved, you’re good to go! You can send OTP messages from your own dedicated number, which supports two-way communication. It’s a great way to build trust and provide your customers with a seamless and secure experience.

However there are few prerequisites to keep in mind.

1. WhatsApp Phone Number: If you don’t already have a WhatsApp account, you can use your phone number to set up your WhatsApp Business account.

2. Business Display Name: Your Display Name should be easy to recognize and related to your business. To learn more about how to choose a great Display Name, check out WhatsApp Business’ guidelines.

3. Facebook Business Manager ID: To verify your account, simply upload your business documents to your Facebook Business Manager. Once you have your account set up, follow these simple steps to get verified.

Once your account is approved, you just need to follow the same steps mentioned above on how to send OTP on WhatsApp using a shared number.

Now you can now send OTPs to your customers through WhatsApp, and there are even more benefits to enjoy.

Benefits of sending OTP on WhatsApp

1. Enhanced Security: WhatsApp OTP provides an extra layer of security with encrypted OTPs that are tougher for hackers and fraudsters to intercept and misuse compared to traditional SMS OTPs.
2. Convenience: Customers no longer have to switch between different apps to receive OTPs, as they can receive and verify OTPs within the same app they already use for communication.
3. Interactive Features: With WhatsApp OTP, customers can easily communicate and ask questions if they encounter any issues during the authentication process, making the experience more interactive and convenient.
4. Increased Trust: The added security and convenience of WhatsApp OTP can help build trust between customers and businesses. Customers are more likely to trust and continue using a brand that prioritizes their security and convenience.
5. Cost-Effective: Using WhatsApp OTP can be a more cost-effective option for businesses that need to send large volumes of OTPs to customers, as it uses internet data instead of SMS.

OTP on WhatsApp – Use Case Examples

1. User Registration

With WhatsApp OTP, you can make user registration a breeze! Your users will appreciate the convenience of receiving and verifying their OTP on the same app they use for communication. This can lead to higher completion rates and a more positive user experience overall. Plus, by leveraging WhatsApp’s encryption, you’ll be adding an extra layer of security to your user verification process.

2. Password Reset

If a user forgets their password, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to reset it. By using WhatsApp OTP for password reset, you can offer a quick and convenient solution for your users. They simply need to request a password reset, and an OTP will be sent to their WhatsApp account. They can then use this OTP to reset their password and regain access to their account. This process can save your users time and help them get back to using your platform or app more quickly.

3. Transaction Verification

WhatsApp OTP can be a reliable way to verify financial transactions and ensure that they are secure. By sending an OTP on WhatsApp, you can provide an additional layer of security to the payment process, as the user must enter the code to confirm the transaction. This helps to prevent unauthorized transactions and provides peace of mind for both the customer and the business.

4. Account Recovery

Losing access to an account can be a frustrating experience for users, but with WhatsApp OTP for account recovery, you can provide a simple and secure solution. By sending an OTP on WhatsApp to the user’s registered number, you can verify their identity and help them regain access to their account. This can also help to prevent unauthorized access to the account and protect the user’s personal information. 

Using WhatsApp OTP for authentication and verification purposes can offer numerous benefits for businesses and users alike.With enhanced security, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, WhatsApp OTP is a reliable and effective option for businesses looking to improve their authentication processes.

By incorporating WhatsApp OTP into their workflows, businesses can provide a seamless and secure experience for their users, helping to build trust and long-term loyalty. So why not consider implementing WhatsApp OTP in your business today and enjoy the benefits it has to offer?