Implementing Phone Number Login with OTP Verification in WordPress

Gone are the days when email and password combinations were the sole method for accessing websites. Modern users increasingly expect the option to authenticate using their mobile phone numbers, offering both convenience and enhanced security.

Based on extensive testing and implementation experience across various WordPress projects, this guide outlines effective approaches for integrating phone-based login systems. We've evaluated multiple solutions, from specialized plugins to custom development, to identify reliable methods suitable for different website scales.

This comprehensive tutorial will demonstrate how to add phone number authentication with one-time passcode (OTP) verification to your WordPress site. Whether managing a small business website or a large membership platform, you'll discover practical solutions tailored to your requirements.

Benefits of Phone Number Authentication for WordPress Sites

Implementing one-time passcode verification through phone numbers has become standard practice for many websites. This approach eliminates the need for users to remember complex passwords while maintaining account security.

Consider these advantages when evaluating phone authentication for your WordPress platform:

• Enhanced Security: OTP codes expire after single use, providing stronger protection than static passwords that can be compromised.
• Streamlined Authentication: Users avoid typing lengthy passwords, receiving instead a temporary code directly to their mobile device for quick access.
• Reduced Password Recovery Requests: Community sites and membership platforms experience fewer password reset requests, decreasing administrative overhead and support inquiries.
• Improved User Experience: Simplified login processes increase user satisfaction and encourage return visits to your website.
• Mobile Optimization: With growing mobile browsing, phone-based authentication creates a seamless experience for users accessing sites from smartphones.

Now let's explore practical methods for implementing phone number login with OTP verification in WordPress.

Step-by-Step Implementation of Phone Number Login

The most straightforward approach involves utilizing the free Login with Phone Number plugin. Since WordPress doesn't include native SMS functionality, you'll need to integrate a third-party service such as Firebase or Twilio to handle OTP delivery.

Begin by installing and activating the Login With Phone Number plugin. Once activated, navigate to Login Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard and enable the 'Enable phone number login' option.

Next, configure country codes for regions where your users typically access your site. The plugin includes international country codes by default, which many experienced developers recommend maintaining to ensure global accessibility.

Consider enabling the 'Enable email login' option to maintain compatibility for existing users accustomed to email authentication. This prevents frustration during the transition period.

The 'Force to get email after phone number' setting requires new users to provide email addresses during registration. This proves particularly useful for maintaining email lists and collecting contact information from new registrants.

Enable user registration via phone number, then specify the length of activation codes users will receive. Many WordPress experts recommend six-digit codes as a balance between security and usability.

Scroll to locate the 'Enable Timer' option and activate it, then establish a time limit for OTP entry. A 60-second window provides reasonable time for code retrieval and entry while maintaining security. Save your configuration changes.

Navigate to the 'Gateway' tab to select your SMS service provider for OTP delivery. This tutorial utilizes Firebase, Google's authentication service that sends temporary verification codes to user devices.

Always review current pricing structures before committing to any service. Alternative providers include Twilio, WhatsApp Business API, and Alibaba Cloud SMS, though some features may require premium subscriptions.

After selecting Firebase, you'll need to configure API credentials. Begin by accessing the Firebase Console and selecting 'Create a Firebase Project.'

You'll reach a configuration screen where you should assign a descriptive project name for organizational purposes. Click 'Continue' to proceed.

Firebase will prompt you to enable Google Analytics for the project. After configuring analytics preferences, select 'Default Account for Firebase' from the dropdown menu and click 'Create Project.'

Once redirected to the Project Overview page, navigate to Build » Authentication in the left sidebar and click 'Get started.'

New configuration options will appear. Locate 'Phone' among the sign-in provider options, select it, and toggle the 'Enable' switch. This activates mobile phone verification through Firebase SDK. Save your changes.

Switch to the 'Settings' tab and select 'Authorized domains' from the navigation panel. Click 'Add domain' and enter your website's domain name when prompted. This security measure restricts authentication requests to your specific website domain.