Glossary · As of June 2026
What is an Authentication Template? (India 2026)
An authentication template is a pre-approved WhatsApp template that delivers one-time passwords, login codes, account verification PINs and two-factor authentication challenges. It is billed under Meta’s authentication conversation category — the cheapest INR band in 2026, which is why Indian fintech and ride-hailing apps prefer it to SMS.
Authentication templates follow a strict Meta format: fixed copy that mentions the code, exactly one variable for the OTP itself, an optional copy-code or one-tap autofill button, and zero promotional language. The format is enforced to prevent OTP messages from being abused for marketing — any deviation triggers immediate rejection at template approval.
Indian fintech, broker, ride-hailing and e-commerce apps shifted significant OTP volume from SMS to WhatsApp through 2025 and 2026 for three reasons: per-message cost in the authentication band is the cheapest of the four categories, delivery is more reliable on data-only and Wi-Fi-only devices, and the read receipt confirms the user opened the message. One-tap autofill (when the app package name is registered in Meta Business Manager) further reduces user friction and OTP abandonment.
Compliance points for 2026: keep TRAI DLT-registered SMS as a fallback for users who block WhatsApp, store hashed OTPs only (never plaintext) with a 5-minute expiry, and rotate template IDs every quarter to avoid template fatigue and rejection on minor copy changes. Authentication is exempt from marketing-grade opt-in, but service-level consent — typically captured at account creation — is still required under DPDP Act 2023. Always pair the OTP with a quick “Did you request this?” challenge to mitigate vishing attempts.
Authoritative source: Meta authentication template documentation and TRAI commercial communication regulations.