Your users want an easy way to log in to your website, and you want to keep their accounts secure. Email one-time password (OTP) makes both possible. By sending a 6-digit code directly to their inbox, you eliminate the need for complex passwords while enhancing the login experience.
With an email OTP login, you’ll likely see fewer abandoned signups, reduced support tickets about forgotten passwords, and happier users who can access your site without friction. Plus, since each code works only once and expires quickly, you get better security without the hassle of managing password requirements.
Let’s explore how an email OTP works and why it might be the right choice for your website.
What is an email one-time password (OTP)?
An email OTP is a temporary code sent to a user’s email for authentication purposes. It’s usually 6 digits and is used to create accounts, log in, or complete secure actions, like password resets or payment authorization.
Here’s how it works: When people want to log in to your site, they enter their email address. Your site automatically creates a unique code and sends it to their inbox. Once they enter this code on your site, they instantly gain access. If they need to log in again later, they’ll get a new code.
Unlike traditional systems, users don’t have to deal with tricky password rules or try to remember another login. They just need access to their email, which they probably already have open.
Why customers prefer an email OTP for login
Email OTP is popular because it’s easy, familiar, and solves common frustrations with traditional passwords. Secure password frustrations include complying with complicated rules like required special characters, numbers, and a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
Add in the fact that most people have dozens of accounts online, and it’s no surprise they end up reusing passwords across multiple sites. This habit can lead to serious problems. If a single account gets hacked, it puts all the others using the same password at risk. The email OTP solution avoids this by sending a fresh, one-time passcode for every login.
This switch is even easier because most people are familiar with email-based authentication. They’ve used email codes for tasks like verifying accounts or resetting passwords, so adapting to one-time passcodes feels natural.
Benefits of using email OTP for your website
Beyond improving the user experience, an email OTP offers some serious perks for your business. Here’s what you can expect after making the switch.
- Enhanced security: Without storing passwords, your database becomes less appealing to hackers. Each login uses a fresh, temporary code that expires quickly, so there’s no risk of reused or stolen passwords.
- Higher conversion rates: Complex password rules often make people quit halfway through signing up. With an email OTP, users can create accounts quickly by entering their email. This simple process reduces form abandonment and boosts signups.
- Reduced support costs: A lot of support tickets come from password issues. By removing passwords, you’ll cut down on reset requests and account lockouts, freeing up your Support team to handle more important tasks.
Email OTP authentication flow process
While one-time passcodes seem straightforward from the user’s perspective, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to ensure secure authentication. Let’s look at how this process works, from code generation to successful login.
Initial user action
The authentication flow begins when a user enters their email address into your login form. For new users, this same flow can serve as account creation. Their first successful OTP login automatically sets up their account.
System processing
Upon receiving the request, your server generates a unique 6-digit code and links it to the user’s email address. This code is stored temporarily in your system, along with an expiration timestamp—usually set to expire in 5-15 minutes. The system prevents abuse by enforcing rate limits on how many codes a user can request within a specific timeframe.
Email message delivery
The system then sends the one-time passcode to the user’s email. The email includes the code, how long it’s valid, and your website’s name. Using a professional email service helps ensure the message arrives quickly and avoids getting flagged as spam.
Subscribe to get more marketing tips straight to your inbox.
User verification
When the user enters the code, your system checks to make sure it matches the stored code and hasn’t expired. If the code is valid, it gets instantly marked as used, so someone else can’t reuse it.
If the code is incorrect, the system logs the failed attempt and lets the user know. The code is automatically invalid after too many failed attempts, and the user must request a new one.
Session management
Once the code gets authenticated, your system sets up a secure session for the user, giving them access to their account. The session typically includes a secure token that allows the user to stay logged in without requesting new codes for each action. When the session expires, or the user logs out, they’ll need to go through the OTP process again for a new session.
How to enable email OTP for new and existing users
Want to use one-time passcodes on your site? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Follow these steps to set it up and start offering a secure, user-friendly login experience.
- Pick a service: Choose an email OTP solution provider that matches your needs and budget.
- Connect the service: Connect the chosen service to your website’s back end using their application programming interface (API) key.
- Design the user interface: Create simple screens for email entry and code verification. Make sure to include helpful error messages and clear instructions.
- Craft the OTP email template: Design a professional email template with your brand name, logo, and colors that clearly display the verification code.
- Handle new and existing users: For new users, require an email OTP verification during signup. Allow existing users to opt in to using one-time passcodes for their accounts.
- Set security measures: Configure measures like secure code storage, short expiration times, and rate limiting to prevent abuse.
If you’re uncomfortable handling the technical setup, an IT professional, developer, or service provider can help. It’s a small investment for a big upgrade in security and the user experience.
Key takeaways
- Offer a simple login option: OTPs are temporary codes sent to users’ inboxes, offering a secure and easy way to log in.
- Delight users with OTPs: Users enjoy quick, password-free access, eliminating the hassle of remembering complex credentials.
- Get many business perks: OTPs boost website security, increase signup rates, and lower support costs for login-related issues.
- Peek inside the process: From generating codes to verifying users, the OTP process only takes 3 simple steps—enter email, check inbox, and input code.
Set up with ease: With help from an IT expert, you can easily implement the OTP for a secure and user-friendly login experience.