How to · OTP

How to send OTP on WhatsApp

Users already have WhatsApp open on their phone. Sending login and verification codes there, with a one-tap copy button, is quick for them and costs about ₹0.115 per code in India.

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Short answer

Create an Authentication template in Lead Pattern (Meta uses fixed wording: “{{code}} is your verification code”, with an optional security note, an expiry of 1–90 minutes and a Copy code button). After Meta approves it, your app or website calls the Lead Pattern REST API with an API key each time a user needs a code, and WhatsApp delivers it.

WhatsApp templates explained (Help Center)

Step by step

How to do it in Lead Pattern

Create an Authentication template

In Templates, start a new template and choose the Authentication category. You supply the code; Meta sets the wording.

Choose the options

Add the security note (“do not share this code”), an expiry warning and a Copy code button.

Create an API key

Make a named API key for your app. It's shown once; usage logs show every request and you can lock it to your server's IP address.

Send from your app

Your developer calls the REST API to send the approved template with the code whenever a user logs in or signs up.

Meta's rules for OTP templates - Fixed text: the message is Meta's preset wording with your code — you can't write your own text. - No links, media or emojis in authentication templates. - Code length: up to 15 characters. - Buttons: Copy code copies the code for the user to paste. One-tap autofill works on Android and needs changes in your Android app; other phones see Copy code instead. - Confirm the number first: make sure the user's number is on WhatsApp and tell them the code will arrive there.

Cost Authentication messages are charged at Meta's authentication rate — about ₹0.115 per message in India (excluding GST). Lead Pattern passes Meta's rates through with zero markup. [See pricing →](/pricing)

Never put offers in an OTP message — keep promotions in separate marketing templates.

Next steps

OTP & verification templates

See templates →

Webhooks & API

REST API, API keys and 41 webhook events.

Read →

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

How the API works, in plain words.

Read →

Questions people ask

Can I send OTP on WhatsApp?+

Yes, with the WhatsApp Business API. You use an approved Authentication template, and your app sends it through the API each time a code is needed.

How much does a WhatsApp OTP cost in India?+

About ₹0.115 per authentication message at Meta's rate for India, excluding GST. Lead Pattern adds no markup on Meta's rates.

Can I write my own OTP message text?+

No. Authentication templates use Meta's fixed wording. You choose options such as the security note, expiry time and Copy code button.

Do I need a developer to send OTPs?+

Yes. OTPs are sent by your app or website at the moment a user logs in, so a developer connects it to the Lead Pattern REST API.

Can I add a link to the OTP message?+

No. Meta doesn't allow links, media or emojis in authentication templates.

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How to send OTP on WhatsApp

How to do it in Lead Pattern

Create an Authentication template

Choose the options

Create an API key

Send from your app

Cost Authentication messages are charged at Meta's authentication rate — about ₹0.115 per message in India (excluding GST). Lead Pattern passes Meta's rates through with zero markup. [See pricing →](/pricing)

OTP & verification templates

Webhooks & API

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

Questions people ask

Send bulk WhatsApp from Excel

Broadcast without saved numbers

Schedule a WhatsApp message

One number, many users

Add a WhatsApp button to a website

Set up WhatsApp auto-reply

Try it on your own number — free for 14 days.

How to send OTP on WhatsApp

How to do it in Lead Pattern

Create an Authentication template

Choose the options

Create an API key

Send from your app

Cost Authentication messages are charged at Meta's authentication rate — about **₹0.115 per message** in India (excluding GST). Lead Pattern passes Meta's rates through with zero markup. [See pricing →](/pricing)

OTP & verification templates

Webhooks & API

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

Questions people ask

Send bulk WhatsApp from Excel

Broadcast without saved numbers

Schedule a WhatsApp message

One number, many users

Add a WhatsApp button to a website

Set up WhatsApp auto-reply

Try it on your own number — free for 14 days.

Cost Authentication messages are charged at Meta's authentication rate — about ₹0.115 per message in India (excluding GST). Lead Pattern passes Meta's rates through with zero markup. [See pricing →](/pricing)