Create an Authentication WhatsApp Template

Use an Authentication template to send one-time passcodes (OTPs) that verify a user’s identity during login or sensitive actions. The message format is predefined ({{1}} is your verification code.) and can’t include promotional content. Creating one takes five steps:

Step 1: Create the template

Navigate to Templates → External → WhatsApp Templates, then click Create. Fill in the dialog and click Create Template.

Field	What to enter
Template Name	A unique name in lowercase, with underscores instead of spaces. For example, `login_otp`.
Integrations	The WhatsApp Business Account to create the template in. The template can only send messages from this account’s phone numbers.
Category	Select Authentication.
Language	One or more languages. You can add or remove languages later.

Step 2: Choose the code delivery type

Under Code Delivery Type, choose how users receive the code.

Delivery type	How it works	Use it for
Zero tap auto-fill	The code is sent and filled in automatically.	OTPs sent to your mobile app.
One tap auto-fill	The user taps an Autofill button to fill in the code.	OTPs sent to your mobile app or mobile browser.
Copy code	The user copies the code and pastes it.	Any device.

Zero tap auto-fill

One tap auto-fill

Copy code

If zero-tap isn’t possible, an auto-fill or copy code message is sent instead.

To use zero-tap, select the checkbox to confirm that you accept the WhatsApp Business Terms of Service for zero-tap authentication, and that your customers expect the code to be filled in automatically.

Step 3: Complete the details

Set up your app (zero-tap and one-tap only)

Under App Setup, enter the details of the mobile app where the code should be filled in automatically.

Field	What to enter
Package Name	Your Android app’s package name (maximum 224 characters).
App Signature Hash	The signature hash of your app (maximum 11 characters). Meta uses it to verify your app and fill in the code securely.

Click Add App to add more apps, up to 5.

Enter the button text

Enter the text users see on the button in WhatsApp (maximum 25 characters each).

Button	What it does	Shown for
Auto-Fill	Fills in the code when the user taps it.	Zero tap and one tap auto-fill
Copy Code	Copies the code so the user can paste it.	All delivery types

For zero-tap and one-tap auto-fill, you still need the button text. It’s used for the backup message if auto-fill isn’t possible.

Add extra security information (optional)

Expand Additional Configuration to add:

Expiry time for the code: After the code expires, the auto-fill button is disabled.
Security recommendation: Adds the text “For your security, do not share this code.” to your message.

Step 4: Add more languages (optional)

To reach users in different regions, click Add next to Languages and add a version of the template in each language. Translate the button text in each language.

Step 5: Save or send for approval

When your template is ready, save it as a draft or send it to Meta for approval. See Save as Draft vs Send for Approval.