Remember the days when logging into websites was all about remembering a username and a password? Those days are changing. Nowadays, many users prefer the convenience of logging in with their phone numbers, thanks to their ease of use and heightened security.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through adding a phone number login system with OTP (One-Time Password) verification to your WordPress site. This feature is beneficial for various website types, from small business sites to large membership platforms.
Why Allow Phone Number Logins?
Passwords can be a hassle; users often forget them, reuse weak passwords, or write them down in insecure locations. By offering a phone number login with OTP, you can significantly enhance user experience and security. Here’s why implementing this feature is a good idea:
- Improved Security: Since OTPs change with every login attempt, they reduce the risk of hacking or password theft.
- Faster Access: Logging in with a quick code sent to a phone is more convenient than typing a password.
- Less Password Resetting: Users no longer need to reset forgotten passwords, reducing support tickets.
- Enhanced User Experience: A smoother login process encourages users to return to your website.
- Mobile-Friendly: With more people using mobile devices to browse the web, phone number logins streamline the process.
How to Implement Phone Number Login via OTP
To add phone number login to WordPress, you can use the free Login with Phone Number plugin. However, you’ll also need a third-party service like Firebase or Twilio for sending OTPs. Here’s the complete setup process:
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Install the Plugin:Start by installing and activating the Login With Phone Number plugin.
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Configure Login Settings:Once activated, navigate to Login Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard. Enable the phone number login option and configure country code settings. The plugin supports country codes for all regions—leaving default settings is generally best for a global audience.
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Email Login Option:You might want to allow users to log in with their emails, especially if you have existing users accustomed to that method. Enable this option to retain user satisfaction.
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User Registration:If you want new users to register using their phone numbers, enable user registration with the phone number. Specify the length of the OTP, which can be adjusted as needed.
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Set OTP Expiry:Enable the timer option and set a time limit for entering the OTP (e.g., 60 seconds).
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Select SMS Gateway:Switch to the Gateway tab and choose an SMS service provider. For this tutorial, I’ll be using Firebase, but alternatives like Twilio are available.
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Create a Firebase Project:Visit the Firebase Console and create a new project. Select the ‘Phone’ authentication provider and enable it.
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Authorize Domain:Don’t forget to add your website’s domain under the authorized domains section in Firebase settings.
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Obtain API Key and SDK:In Firebase, copy the ‘Web API Key’ and update the Login with Phone Number plugin settings with this key and the generated SDK config.
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Add Login Form:Go to the page where you wish to add the login form. Add the shortcode
[idehweb_lwp]to display the phone number login form.
Now, users can register and log in using their phone numbers, while existing users can still access their accounts via email.
Bonus: Implement Google One-Click Login
To further streamline the login process, consider adding a Google one-click login option. This allows users to authenticate without entering any credentials. You can achieve this seamlessly using the Nextend Social Login plugin, which supports Google login alongside options for Facebook and Twitter.
This guide should help you implement phone number logins via OTP effectively. You may also want to encourage existing users to add their phone numbers to their profiles for added convenience later on.
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