New self-serve pricingLearn more

One-Time Passcodes (OTP)

Crack the code to effortless auth

Solve the password reuse problem, safeguard sensitive data, and secure user identities with an intuitive API or SDKs designed for simple, secure one-time logins and sign ups.
Screenshot of otp web email
Screenshot of otp mobile
Screenshot of otp mobile passcode message 1

OTP via SMS

Rapid-fire logins

The jury's out: SMS OTPs are one of the most convenient one-time login and signup methods given the ubiquitous everyday use of cell phones. An OTP code sent via text message to a user's mobile phone means the correct password reaches the rightful owner's specific device, thereby verifying the user's identity. The autofill feature on mobile devices further simplifies this process, negating the need for manual entry and reducing the risk of human error.
Screenshot of otp mobile passcode message 2

OTP via WhatsApp

Authenticate the world

With an extensive user base, WhatsApp OTPs offer an efficient alternative to SMS, especially in areas with limited mobile network coverage. Ensure that OTPs reach users promptly, from anywhere in the world. WhatsApp OTPs allow users to receive their one time password through a familiar platform, simplifying the authentication process and opening up WhatsApp's massive user-base for accessibility.
Screenshot of otp whatsapp passcode message

OTP via Email

Passwordless email auth

Email OTPs offer a versatile solution for secure access across various devices. By delivering a one-time password directly to an inbox, users can authenticate their identity regardless of their device (desktop or mobile). Each one time password serves as a one time authorization code, granting secure access for a single login session and then becoming no longer valid.
The move towards email OTPs signifies a shift away from vulnerable forms of authentication, like static passwords, towards more secure, dynamic methods.
Screenshot of otp web passcode email

Strength in numbers: One-Time Passcodes

Security

OTPs, by their very nature as dynamic passcodes, are a substantial security upgrade over static passwords that are more easily remembered. The ephemeral nature of OTPs means that each one time passcode is only valid for a set period – a finite factor that bad actors can't intercept or reuse.

Usability

Implementing OTPs streamlines the authentication process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Users no longer have to remember a static password for multiple accounts, reducing the risk of using the same password across different services and bolstering security.

Flexibility

OTPs can be effectively used as the sole authentication factor in single-factor authentication setups or as a second authentication factor in two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) frameworks. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor the authentication experience to their specific security requirements and user expectations.

Reliability

Stytch manages the delivery of crucial authentication communications like OTPs via email, SMS, and WhatsApp, relieving engineering teams from the costly and complex task of direct integration with these messaging services. By employing a system of primary and secondary fallback messaging providers, Stytch ensures uninterrupted high deliverability rates with automatic provider failover.

How it works

Implementing OTPs with Stytch, step-by-step

Create a simple authentication flow with Stytch’s API or customizable SDKs (with drop-in components) — with one screen to accept your user’s phone number, and the other to accept their one-time passcode.

Our platform

Explore other authentication products

Pick the product that’s most suited to your app and user experience by choosing from a range of options.