Sending SMS verification codes through SMS is a highly effective, secure, and popular way to verify user identifications.

According to Juniper Research , total SMS traffic used for sending OTP SMS will hit 2.5 trillion by 2028.

SMS OTP verification is widely used across applications for different use cases, including user identity authentication, login protection, password reset, and transaction confirmation.

Integrating a verification process into your business through SMS with extraordinary open rates and the fastest response rate saves you a lot of time, effort, and resources.

Not to mention, it empowers a more secure environment for your customers to exchange information and helps you build trust.

In this blog, we introduce you to the process of sending SMS verification and how to collaborate with the best SMS OTP verification service provider, like Route Mobile, to leverage their expertise, experience, and infrastructure for the best outcomes.

What is SMS OTP Verification?

SMS OTP verification refers to a process through which the user is verified using a 2-factor authentication method via OTP (One-Time Password).

The verification method allows businesses, websites, social media platforms, or apps to ensure the user’s identity.

SMS OTP verification is also termed SMS authentication, SMS OTP, and SMS-based two-factor authentication(2FA).

Must Read: What Is Google Verified SMS & How Does It Work?

Pros and Cons of SMS OTP Verification

Here are some pros and cons of SMS OTP verification:

Pro:

Mobile SMS OTP verification provides optimum security through OTP and other verification methods.

Compared to other 2-factor authentication methods, implementing SMS-based authentication is much more cost-effective.

Many businesses across various applications use SMS OTP verification. Over time, users are now familiar with entering verification codes via SMS, so it is a much more user-friendly authentication method than others.

Cons

When a user loses their device, they get locked out, further compromising their security, especially if the device is found by others or stolen.

Even though SMS authentication is a popular choice for verification, it still has security vulnerabilities and risks.

Users with synced devices can access their messages on multiple devices, making OTPs vulnerable to interception.

Prerequisites For Sending SMS OTP Verification

To send SMS OTP verification for your business, you will require the following:

  • SMS API service providers and specialised solutions for OTP verifications like Route Mobile’s Route OTP
  • API Key and Token
  • Business Phone Numbers
  • Verified SMS service

How To Send SMS Verification Code In 5 Minutes?

showing API integration code along side a phone displaying an OTP verification message

You can send an SMS text verification code through API integration through these steps:

  • Pick a coding language from .NET, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript, Python, and Java. Use GitHub or a Zip file to view the code.
  • Now, use your API key.
  • Finally, you can set up the code sample locally.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party SMS verification service provider to simplify things and leave things to experts with a more user-friendly interface, extensive range of features, and support.

To get started with sending SMS verification codes in 5 minutes, businesses need to collaborate with Route Mobile for their verified SMS service :

  • Set up your account with Route Mobile to access the verified message service.
  • Business can configure their SMS verification messages, including the content, i.e., OTP and other branding elements.
  • Enterprise can send SMS verification codes to user’s mobile devices through the dashboard.
  • Route Mobile’s comprehensive suite of solutions also allows businesses to track the delivery status of their verification SMS along with the performance reports of their SMS campaigns.

Also Read 6 Reasons To Why Opt Verified SMS For Secured & Trusted Business Communication

How To Choose An SMS OTP Service Provider?

Here are a few factors that you should look for when choosing an SMS OTP service provider:

Offer Scalability

Ideally, you would want to hire a service provider to accommodate your current goals and aspirations and match your scaling trajectory without compromising other aspects.

Must Provide Exceptional Support

You will need instant assistance from your service provider whenever something goes wrong. And when their support lacks conviction, your business will face challenges consuming your valuable time, effort, and money.

Must Be Fast And Reliable

The business you choose must be able to deliver SMS verification codes quickly. Also, a service provider you can entirely rely upon, or else it can negatively impact your customer experience.

Ensure Security

The purpose of verification SMS is security, so if the verification service providers are not compliant with Systems and Organisational Controls 2 (SOC 2), i.e., the gold standard for data security, then SMS verification becomes irrelevant. Not to mention exposing unprotected messages to cyber attacks.

Offer Versatile Verification Options

Not all users prefer using the SMS verification feature, so the service provider must be able to provide services for alternate verification options such as Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP), email, etc.

Very few SMS OTP verification service providers can meet such expectations. Route Mobile is amongst the top considerations, a leading cloud communication service provider with industry experience in business communication through SMS and other channels as well.

Conclusion

Following these steps, you can start sending SMS verification codes, provided you secure all the prerequisites. More than anything, the SMS verification service provider you choose impacts the efficiency and streamlining of this service for your business.

Ensure you opt for a reliable, trusted, and reputed partner, like Route Mobile, who offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including SMS API, Voice API, WhatsApp Business API, sender verification, and more. Contact our expert team to get started with sending an SMS verification code today!

FAQs

How does SMS Verification Work?

When a user enters their phone number on an app or website, it must verify their identity and send a unique code via SMS, a one-time password (OTP) on their phone number. As they enter that number, it confirms their identity, and they get verified.

For How Long SMS Verification OTP Valid?

Typically, an SMS verification OTP remains valid for anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes, after which it expires and becomes invalid. If a recipient can’t enter the OTP for the first time, they usually have the option to generate another SMS OTP within a few seconds.

Why SMS Is The Most Preferred Communication Channel For OTP Verification?

SMS is not foolproof in terms of security and is not the perfect communication channel. Yet, it is most commonly used for sending OTP verification. SMS is a highly convenient and available option, as every smartphone user can use this feature. There is no particular app to download and no compatibility issues to face.