WhatsApp OTP verification, one API call
SMS OTP costs pile up and messages get filtered or delayed. Deliver verification codes on WhatsApp instead - instant, read-receipted, and covered by a flat monthly plan instead of per-SMS billing.
How it works
Connect a number
Scan a QR code with a dedicated WhatsApp number - it becomes your OTP sender.
Create an API key
Origin-locked and rate-limited keys, one per app, revocable any time.
POST the code
One HTTP request from your backend sends the OTP. Response includes a message ID you can track.
What you get
One endpoint, any stack
Node.js, PHP, Python, Java, Go - anything that can make an HTTP POST can send OTPs. Copy-paste examples included.
Cheaper than SMS at volume
No per-message gateway fees. A flat plan covers thousands of verifications a month - do the math against your SMS bill.
Higher deliverability
No carrier filtering or silent drops. WhatsApp receipts tell you exactly when the code was delivered and read.
Per-key daily limits
Cap each application's key so a bug or a leak can't burn your quota overnight.
Sub-second latency
Codes arrive while the user is still looking at your verification screen.
Batch + fallback friendly
Use the response status codes to fall back to SMS or email for the rare number without WhatsApp.
const code = Math.floor(100000 + Math.random() * 900000);
await fetch("https://your-platform-domain.com/api/v1/send", {
method: "POST",
headers: {
"Content-Type": "application/json",
"Authorization": `Bearer ${process.env.WA_API_KEY}`,
},
body: JSON.stringify({
to: "923001234567",
type: "text",
message: `Your verification code is ${code}. Valid for 5 minutes.`,
}),
});Frequently asked questions
Is WhatsApp OTP cheaper than SMS OTP?
Usually much cheaper at volume. SMS gateways charge per message (often with international surcharges); here a flat monthly plan covers your whole quota - thousands of OTPs for the price of a few hundred SMS.
How fast do WhatsApp OTP messages arrive?
Typically within a second or two. And unlike SMS you get delivery and read receipts back through the analytics API, so you know if the code actually landed.
What if a user doesn't have WhatsApp?
The API returns a clear status for every send. If delivery fails, trigger your SMS or email fallback - most apps see 90%+ of users verified over WhatsApp in WhatsApp-first markets.
Do I need the official WhatsApp Business API for OTPs?
No. You connect your own number by scanning a QR code - no Facebook business verification, no pre-approved template process, no per-conversation Meta fees. Use a dedicated number for OTP traffic.
Is it secure enough for authentication codes?
Messages travel over WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption. Your API key is origin-locked and can be scoped with a daily send cap; codes themselves should be short-lived (5 minutes is typical) and single-use, same as with SMS.
Ready to try it?
Create a free account, connect your WhatsApp number by scanning a QR code, and be live today - no card, no Meta approval.
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