How to Integrate Login with WhatsApp on Your App

Sourabh Upreti
Sourabh Upreti
June 19, 2023

Gone are the days of juggling usernames and passwords. Get ready to simplify your life with Login via WhatsApp. 

Seamlessly authenticate users on websites and applications using their trusted WhatsApp accounts. No more forgetting passwords or struggling with complicated login procedures. It's as easy as a few taps on your phone!

But simplicity is just the beginning. Integrating WhatsApp login also opens up a world of possibilities for personalized interactions, rich communication, and even two-factor authentication, bolstering the security of your app.

With multi-device support, you can log in across multiple devices effortlessly. Whether you're on your phone, tablet, or desktop, stay connected and in control.

The convenience doesn't stop there. Implementing Login via WhatsApp is a breeze. 

So, if you're ready to take your app's login functionality to the next level and provide your users with a secure and convenient login experience, let's dive in! 

What’s the Need for WhatsApp Login?

The need for WhatsApp login arises from the fundamental purpose of the messaging platform, which is to facilitate secure and private communication between individuals or groups. 

  • Login without having to remember the password: WhatsApp login allows users to access their accounts without the need to remember a password. Instead, users can simply log in using their phone numbers, which are usually easier to recall. This eliminates the hassle of managing and remembering complex passwords.

  • Guaranteed delivery of messages as it requires only internet connectivity: WhatsApp operates over an internet connection, whether it's Wi-Fi or mobile data. This ensures that messages sent through WhatsApp will be delivered as long as there is a stable internet connection. Unlike traditional SMS, which can be affected by network coverage issues, WhatsApp messages rely solely on internet connectivity for delivery.

  • No OTP is required as it's not dependent on the cellular network: OTP (One-Time Password) is commonly used as a verification method in various applications and services, often sent via SMS. With WhatsApp login, there is no reliance on the cellular network for verification. Instead, WhatsApp uses the internet to verify the user's account, eliminating the need for OTPs.

  • Messages would hit your WhatsApp inbox within 5 seconds: As WhatsApp verification relies on the internet, the verification messages are delivered almost instantly. This eliminates the waiting time associated with receiving an OTP via SMS, which can sometimes be delayed due to network issues. Users can receive the verification message on WhatsApp within a few seconds, allowing for a faster login experience.

  • Secure, simplified, and seamless sign-ups or login experience: WhatsApp provides a secure login experience by utilizing end-to-end encryption for all messages, ensuring that user data remains private and protected. The login process is simplified as it only requires the user's phone number, eliminating the need for complex passwords. Additionally, the process is seamless, as users can easily log in using their existing WhatsApp accounts.

  • Increase registrations as users are more likely to opt for login via WhatsApp than any other social login option: WhatsApp login offers a convenient and familiar option for users to sign up or log in to various services or applications. Since WhatsApp is widely used globally, users are more likely to choose this option over other social login methods, leading to an increase in registrations for the respective services.

  • No encryption issue, like Google or Facebook: Unlike some other social login options, such as Google or Facebook, WhatsApp does not face encryption issues that may raise concerns about data privacy and security. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures that messages and user data are protected, making it a reliable option for secure logins.

  • User-friendly and widely used application: WhatsApp is known for its user-friendly 

interface and intuitive features, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It is a popular messaging platform with billions of users worldwide, which means that many individuals are already familiar with its functionality.

Overall, WhatsApp login serves as a crucial security measure and provides convenience for users to stay connected and communicate effectively.

How to Deploy Login Via WhatsApp

To deploy login via WhatsApp, follow these steps:

  1. To initiate the setup process, access the login option on the WhatsApp website or application.
  2. Unlike login options offered by Google or Facebook, log in via WhatsApp doesn't encounter encryption problems, ensuring a secure login experience for users.
  3. With login via WhatsApp, there is no need to wait for an OTP (One-Time Password) to be received via SMS. This eliminates the additional step of entering the OTP and simplifies the login process.
  4. Unlike traditional login methods that require manual typing of usernames and passwords, login via WhatsApp offers a convenient and straightforward approach. Users can authenticate their accounts without the need for manual input.

The deployment process for creating a login system with WhatsApp is as follows:

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  1. Collection and verification of WhatsApp number: When a user selects the "Login with WhatsApp" option, the system collects and verifies their WhatsApp number for registration. This ensures that the provided number is associated with a valid WhatsApp account.

  1. Generation of authentication token: If the WhatsApp number is successfully registered, the system generates an authentication token for that user. This token is accompanied by an expiration date, ensuring its validity for a specific period. In the case of an unregistered number, the user is prompted to either register their number or provide an alternate registered number.

  1. Attachment of token to the login link: Once the authentication token is generated, it is attached to the login link. This link, along with the token, is then sent as a message to the user's WhatsApp number. The purpose of this step is to provide a unique and secure login URL to the user.

  1. Redirection to the login page: Upon receiving the login link, the user can click on it to be redirected to the login page. As the link contains the authentication token, there is no need for the user to manually enter any credentials.

  1. Session authentication: At the login page, the system automatically authenticates the session using the previously sent authentication token. This eliminates the need for any action from the user's side, as the system recognizes and verifies the token.

  1. Successful validation and application access: If the validation process is successful, meaning the authentication token is valid and matches the user's WhatsApp number, the user is redirected to the application dashboard. They can now access the application and its features without having to go through the traditional username/password login process.

It's important to note that the specific implementation steps and requirements may vary depending on the platform, framework, and tools you are using, as well as any specific guidelines provided by WhatsApp.

Difference between SMS OTP Login vs WhatsApp Login

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This user-friendly login system relies on the above steps to enable login via WhatsApp.

While SMS OTP login is widely used and accessible, WhatsApp login offers more features and advantages for businesses, including enhanced engagement, multimedia messaging, better security, and broader use cases.

Here is how!

  1. Platform: SMS OTP login works on any mobile phone with a valid phone number and service plan. In contrast, WhatsApp login requires the WhatsApp application and an internet connection.

  1. Engagement: SMS OTP login is typically one-way communication with limited interaction. WhatsApp login, on the other hand, allows for conversational messaging, enabling faster and more interactive interactions between businesses and customers.

  1. Messaging: SMS OTP login is limited to text messages only. In contrast, WhatsApp login supports multimedia messages, including images, videos, audio, and files, providing more flexibility in communication.

  1. Security: SMS OTP login messages are not encrypted, making them susceptible to interception. In comparison, WhatsApp login provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages are securely transmitted and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient.

  1. Two-Factor Authentication: SMS OTP login does not support two-factor authentication. In contrast, WhatsApp login utilizes two-factor authentication to enhance the security of user accounts.

  1. Message Status: SMS OTP login does not provide read receipts, making it difficult to know if the recipient has read the message. WhatsApp login, on the other hand, provides read receipts, indicating whether the message has been received and read by the recipient.

  1. Limitations: SMS OTP login has limitations such as a limited character count (usually 160 characters) and a lack of support for rich content. WhatsApp login, on the other hand, has a significantly higher character limit (up to 65,536 characters) and supports rich media content like images, videos, and audio.

  1. Pricing: SMS OTP login is generally more expensive, with charges per SMS or bundle of messages. WhatsApp login involves costs such as WhatsApp API access, messaging inbox costs, and WhatsApp conversation charges. However, WhatsApp's pricing can vary depending on the hosting option chosen and the messaging volume.

  1. Use Cases: SMS OTP login is commonly used for notifications and marketing purposes. WhatsApp login is suitable for various use cases, including notifications, sales, support, and marketing. WhatsApp offers more interactive and engaging features, making it a preferred choice for businesses in countries where it is popular.

Using WhatsApp OTP for Login

To send OTPs via WhatsApp, you can leverage the WhatsApp Business API, which allows businesses to integrate their systems with WhatsApp for secure and encrypted communication. Here's how you can send OTPs via WhatsApp using either a shared number or a dedicated number:

  1. Sending OTPs using a shared number:
  • Sign up for an account with a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) or WhatsApp marketing software like BiteSpeed.
  • Access the API documentation provided by your chosen BSP to understand the /sendTemplateMessage API.
  • Utilize the /sendTemplateMessage API in your code to trigger the OTP to the user's number.
  • BiteSpeed, for example, supports sending OTPs using shared numbers and provides a certain limit of OTP messages in their trial account. If you need to send more OTP messages, you can purchase credits from them.

  1. Sending OTPs using a dedicated number:
  • Apply for the WhatsApp API and seek approval for your own number. Clare.AI can assist in guiding businesses through the approval process.
  • Set up your Facebook Business Manager and get it verified. This usually takes 1-3 weeks, depending on the verification progress by the Facebook Official Team.
  • Ensure you have a WhatsApp phone number that is non-transferable and not associated with an existing WhatsApp account.
  • Have a clear business display name that is in line with WhatsApp's guidelines for choosing a display name for WhatsApp Business.
  • Obtain a verified Facebook Business Manager ID by uploading the necessary business documents.
  • Once your account is approved, submit an OTP template for approval on the BiteSpeed Dashboard's Broadcast page.
  • Wait for the template to be approved, which typically takes 10-30 minutes.
  • Use the /sendTemplateMessage API to trigger the one-time verification code for sending OTPs.

By following these steps, you can send OTPs directly to your customers via WhatsApp. If you need further assistance, you can reach out to the relevant support channels for the WhatsApp Business API provider you're working with.

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Conclusion

Integrating login with WhatsApp on your app can revolutionize the way users authenticate and access your platform. With a simplified and secure login experience, users can easily log in using their WhatsApp accounts, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.

Implementing login via WhatsApp is straightforward, and by following the deployment process, you can provide your users with a secure and convenient login experience. 

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