WhatsApp Authentication Templates

WhatsApp Authentication Templates

Secure OTP Verification via WhatsApp (WABA)

Overview 

Meritto now allows institutes to send One-Time Passwords (OTPs) directly on WhatsApp using WhatsApp Authentication Templates through the official WhatsApp Business API (WABA).

  1. Marketing messages
  2. Utility messages
  3. Service messages
Now, with this upgrade, WhatsApp can also be used for secure verification, such as:
  1. OTP-based login
  2. Mobile number verification
  3. Account recovery
  4. Accessing sensitive information (like payments or student data)
This means students and users no longer have to wait for SMS OTPs they receive OTPs instantly on WhatsApp.

Why This Is Important

Traditionally, OTPs are sent through SMS. But SMS has many challenges:
  1. Delays in international delivery
  2. OTPs getting blocked or delayed by telecom operators
  3. High international SMS costs
  4. Network issues in remote regions
With WhatsApp Authentication:
  1. OTPs are delivered instantly
  2. Messages come from a verified Meta/WhatsApp channel
  3. Higher trust and better delivery success
  4. No dependency on unreliable SMS networks
This results in:
  1. Faster student onboarding
  2. Easier logins
  3. Fewer failed verifications
  4. Better user experience

Where Can These OTPs Be Used in Meritto?

WhatsApp OTPs can be used across:
  1. Leads Module
  2. Applications Module
Supported OTP flows include:
  1. Mobile number verification (Widget, SAP, Lead Profile)
  2. Forgot Password (Landing Page)
  3. Login via OTP (Landing Page)

How It Works (Step-by-Step for Non-Technical Users)

Step 1: Enable WhatsApp Integration
First, your institute must have WhatsApp Business API (WABA) activated in Meritto.
Step 2: Create an Authentication Template
Go to:
 Template Manager → WhatsApp Business Templates

  • Select Template Type: Authentication

  • OTP message is auto-filled like this:
    “{{OTP}} is your verification code.”

  • The system automatically:

    • Adds a security disclaimer

    • Sets OTP expiry to 5 minutes

  • Only Template Name and Title can be edited

  • Submit the template to Meta (WhatsApp) for approval

Step 3: Enable WhatsApp OTP Settings

Go to:

  • Settings → Communications → WhatsApp
     → Enable Configure Authentication WhatsApp Messages

Then go to:

  • CRM Settings → Mobile Verification
     → Turn ON Enable OTP Verification via WABA

Step 4: Set Default Template

Once your authentication template is approved:

  • Mark it as Default inside Template Manager
     This ensures it is used automatically for all OTP triggers.

Step 5: OTP Gets Sent Automatically

Now, whenever a user:

  • Verifies mobile number



Step 3: Enable WhatsApp OTP Settings

Go to:

  • Settings → Communications → WhatsApp
     → Enable Configure Authentication WhatsApp Messages

Then go to:

  • CRM Settings → Mobile Verification
     → Turn ON Enable OTP Verification via WABA

Step 4: Set Default Template

Once your authentication template is approved:

  • Mark it as Default inside Template Manager
     This ensures it is used automatically for all OTP triggers.

Step 5: OTP Gets Sent Automatically

Now, whenever a user:

  • Verifies mobile number

  • Logs in using OTP

  • Clicks “Forgot Password”

The OTP is automatically sent via WhatsApp.

Types of WhatsApp OTP Experiences

1. One-Tap Autofill (Android)

  • User receives OTP on WhatsApp

  • Taps Autofill

  • OTP is instantly filled in the app
      Zero typing
      Ultra-fast login

2. Copy Code Button (All Devices)

  • User taps Copy Code

  • Pastes OTP into website/app Works on mobile & web Simple and reliable

Real-World International Use Cases (Where SMS Fails)

 1. Students from Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana)

Problem with SMS:

  • SMS OTPs often arrive after 5–10 minutes

  • Many OTPs fail completely

  • High international SMS costs

With WhatsApp OTP:

  • OTP delivered instantly

  • Students verify in seconds

  • No SMS failure dependency

 Result: Higher international lead conversion

 2. Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)

Problem with SMS:

  • Strict telecom filtering

  • OTPs often blocked

  • Students complain about non-receipt

With WhatsApp OTP:

  • Delivered via Meta-verified channel

  • No carrier blocking

  • Trusted business sender identity

 Result: Smooth mobile verification & secure logins

 3. South-East Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam)

Problem with SMS:

  • Unstable mobile networks

  • Frequent delivery failures in rural regions

With WhatsApp OTP:

  • Works smoothly on mobile data & Wi-Fi

  • Reliable even in low-signal areas

 Result: Improved onboarding for regional students

 4. Europe & USA (Cost Optimization)

Problem with SMS:

  • International SMS is expensive

  • Per-OTP cost is very high

With WhatsApp OTP:

  • Lower cost compared to international SMS

  • Same global delivery reliability

 Result: Reduced verification costs

Business Impact for Institutes

  1.  Secure OTP-based verification on WhatsApp
  2.  Reduced dependency on SMS
  3.  Faster login & onboarding
  4.  Higher student trust
  5.  Global delivery reliability
  6.  Lower international communication cost
  7.  Fully compliant with Meta’s verified messaging rules
  8.  New revenue stream via WhatsApp communication usage

Final Summary

With WhatsApp Authentication Templates, Meritto now enables:

Fast, secure, and global OTP verification — directly inside WhatsApp.

This removes:

  • SMS delays

  • Failed OTPs

  • International delivery issues

And replaces them with:

  • Instant delivery

  • Verified business messaging

  • Better student experience

  • Strong security

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