Can we send OTP via WhatsApp?

newdata

Can we send OTP via WhatsApp? And is it safe to do that?

snapshot

Yes, you can send OTPs via WhatsApp and it’s actually a common use case

newdata

Is it same, or is their any difference?

Means we have to create another template for this Right?

snapshot

Yes, Right

You have to create another template for this make sure to choose category properly

newdata

Could you help me with this, because I didn't know about this?

snapshot

Yeah,

WhatsApp has a specific category called Authentication just for things like OTPs and login codes.

It’s end-to-end encrypted, so the message is secure between your system and the customer

newdata

Okay, that’s good to know.

Is there anything specific I need to do to get those templates approved?

snapshot

When you submit an OTP template, make sure the content is short, clear, and strictly non-promotional

newdata

Can you help me with an example of how to do it?

snapshot

Yes,

For example:
'Your login code is {{1}}. Do not share it with anyone.'

Also, always use the Authentication category while submitting — it increases your chances of quick approval

newdata

Thank You for the help

newdata

How fast are OTPs delivered via WhatsApp compared to SMS?

snapshot

In most cases, WhatsApp OTPs are delivered faster or just as fast as SMS usually within a couple of seconds.

snapshot

The big advantage is delivery confirmation you can actually track whether the message was delivered and read, which you don’t always get with SMS.

newdata

That’s great. Is there any chance it won’t get delivered, like if the user’s phone is off?

snapshot

Yes, like any messaging system — if the user’s phone is off, in airplane mode, or not connected to the internet, the message will stay in pending status.
Once they come online, WhatsApp will try delivering it again within a 24-hour window

newdata

Okay, That's great

Thank You for the help dear

waexpert

Hi Newdata,

Yes, for OTPs you’ll need to create a separate message template under the Authentication category.

Here’s what WhatsApp expects in OTP templates:
Tips for OTP Templates:

Keep the content short and to the point
Don’t include any promotional or marketing words
Use placeholders (like {{1}}) only where needed
You can mention validity time (like 2 minutes), that’s totally fine

Sample Template (Recommended Format):
Your verification code is {{1}}. It’s valid for 2 minutes. Do not share this code with anyone.

This format is safe, compliant, and usually gets approved quickly.

Once you create this template:

Select Authentication as the category
Add a sample value like: 123456 for {{1}}
Choose English (or your preferred language)