Authentication Conversation
A WhatsApp message category exclusively for one-time passcodes (OTPs) and login/verification codes, sent via Meta's fixed-format authentication templates.
Last updated: 2026-06-10
Definition
An Authentication conversation (under per-message pricing, an Authentication message) is a business-initiated WhatsApp message that delivers a one-time passcode for login, registration, transaction verification, or account recovery. Authentication uses a special template type with a fixed, Meta-controlled format: a preset body ("<code> is your verification code"), an optional expiry warning, and a copy-code or one-tap autofill button — businesses cannot freeform the copy. This rigidity is deliberate: it blocks phishing-style OTP messages and lets WhatsApp render autofill on Android. Authentication is priced near the Utility rate, far below Marketing, and since 2025 is billed per delivered message. Many businesses route OTPs to WhatsApp as a cheaper, higher-delivery alternative to SMS.
How it applies in India
Indian fintechs, marketplaces, and apps increasingly send OTPs over WhatsApp instead of (or as a fallback alongside) SMS, since WhatsApp authentication rates in India compete with A2P SMS costs and delivery is more reliable on DND-listed numbers. Meta revises India authentication rates periodically — check the official rate card. Note that RBI-regulated flows may still mandate SMS for certain transaction alerts, so most Indian stacks run WhatsApp-first with SMS fallback rather than WhatsApp-only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I customise the text of an authentication template?
No. Authentication templates use Meta's preset copy with your code inserted as a variable, plus optional expiry text and a copy-code/autofill button. You choose the language and options; you cannot write free-form body text. This is what allows one-tap autofill and blocks OTP phishing.
Is WhatsApp cheaper than SMS for OTPs in India?
Often comparable or cheaper, with better delivery visibility (sent/delivered/read receipts). Exact economics depend on Meta's current India authentication rate and your SMS contract — Meta revises rates periodically, so model it against the official rate card before migrating volume.
Related terms
- Utility ConversationA WhatsApp message category for transactional updates tied to an existing customer action — order confirmations, shipping alerts, payment receipts — priced far below Marketing.
- Marketing ConversationA WhatsApp message category covering promotional content — offers, product launches, re-engagement — billed at the highest rate of Meta's template categories.
- Service ConversationA WhatsApp conversation opened by the customer, inside which the business can reply free-form for 24 hours at no charge — service conversations are free.
- WhatsApp Template MessageA pre-approved message format that a business can send to a customer outside the 24-hour service window — required for any business-initiated conversation.
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