How to Add Login with Phone Number via OTP in WordPress

Introduction

For most of us, remembering yet another username and password feels like a chore. Visitors to your WordPress site probably feel the same way. That’s why offering an option to log in with a phone number and a one-time password (OTP) has become increasingly popular. If you’ve ever wondered how to add login with phone number via OTP in WordPress, you’re in the right place.

Instead of typing a password that could be forgotten, users simply enter their mobile number, receive a code via SMS, and log in securely. It’s fast, user-friendly, and adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

This method isn’t just convenient—it’s also a smart move for website owners. Whether you run an e-commerce store, membership site, or community platform, giving users an OTP-based login makes their experience smoother and builds trust. In this guide, we’ll break down why you should add phone number login to WordPress, the tools you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions to set it up.

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Why Add Phone Number Login with OTP in WordPress?

Traditional logins rely on usernames and passwords, but they come with issues:

• Passwords are often forgotten. This leads to multiple password reset requests.
• Weak or reused passwords. Many users recycle the same passwords, making them vulnerable.
• Time-consuming process. Typing usernames and passwords takes longer than entering a quick SMS code.

Adding phone login with OTP solves these problems:

• Quick login process – Just enter a phone number and receive a code.
• Better security – Codes expire quickly, making it harder for hackers.
• Improved user experience – Especially useful for mobile-first audiences.

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Tools You’ll Need to Set Up OTP Login

To add OTP login functionality, you’ll typically need:

• A plugin that supports OTP login – Examples include WP SMS Login, miniOrange OTP Verification, or Firebase Authentication plugins.
• An SMS gateway provider – Such as Twilio, Nexmo (Vonage), or MSG91. This is needed to send the actual OTP messages.
• Your WordPress admin access – To install and configure plugins.

Many OTP login plugins integrate directly with SMS gateways, so you won’t need to code anything manually.

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Step-by-Step: How to Add Login with Phone Number via OTP in WordPress

Here’s the simple process you can follow:

1. Install and Activate an OTP Plugin

Go to your WordPress dashboard → Plugins → Add New, then search for an OTP login plugin. Popular options include:

• miniOrange OTP Verification
• Firebase Phone Authentication
• WordPress SMS Login

Install the one that fits your needs and activate it.

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2. Connect to an SMS Gateway

Most plugins require you to integrate with an SMS service. Common gateways are:

• Twilio – Reliable and widely supported.
• MSG91 – Popular in Asia and affordable for bulk SMS.
• Vonage (Nexmo) – Another solid option.

Inside the plugin settings, you’ll enter the API key and secret provided by your SMS gateway.

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3. Configure Login Settings

In your plugin dashboard, you’ll usually see options to:

• Enable login with phone number.
• Decide whether OTP login replaces the password login or works alongside it.
• Set OTP expiry time (commonly 2–5 minutes).
• Customize SMS message content.

For example: “Your OTP code is 486372. It will expire in 3 minutes.”

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4. Test the OTP Login

After saving your settings:

1. Log out of WordPress.
2. On the login screen, enter your phone number.
3. Check if you receive the OTP via SMS.
4. Enter the code and confirm successful login.

If everything works, your visitors will now have a faster and more secure login option.

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Best Practices for OTP Login in WordPress

While OTP login is secure, here are tips to make it even better:

• Keep OTP short and valid for only a few minutes. This reduces the risk of misuse.
• Allow fallback login methods. Not all users want SMS login, so offering password or email login alongside OTP is helpful.
• Use a reliable SMS gateway. Cheap providers may delay messages, frustrating users.
• Enable logging. Some plugins allow you to track OTP activity for security.

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Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even with the right setup, you might face a few challenges:

• SMS not delivered: Double-check your SMS gateway balance, credentials, and plugin configuration.
• Slow OTP delivery: Consider switching to a better SMS provider in your user’s region.
• Users without phone numbers: Provide an alternative login method, such as email or social login.

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Quick Recap

Here’s a summary of how to add login with phone number via OTP in WordPress:

• It improves security and user experience by replacing passwords with one-time codes.
• You’ll need an OTP plugin and an SMS gateway service.
• Steps: Install plugin → Connect SMS gateway → Configure settings → Test OTP.
• Best practices include short expiry codes, fallback login methods, and reliable SMS providers.

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Final Thoughts

Adding phone number login with OTP in WordPress is one of the smartest ways to make your website more user-friendly and secure. It helps visitors log in faster, avoids the headache of forgotten passwords, and gives your site a modern, professional feel.

The setup only takes a few steps, and once in place, your users will enjoy a smoother login experience. If you’re running an e-commerce store, membership site, or any platform where user trust matters, OTP login is worth implementing.

Want to explore more WordPress security and user experience tips? Check out our other guides to keep your site running smoothly.