OTP (one-time password)
An OTP is a code valid for a single login or action, usually 4 to 8 digits, sent by SMS, email or generated by an app, that expires after a few minutes.
What is OTP (one-time password)?
An OTP is a code valid for a single login or action, usually 4 to 8 digits, sent by SMS, email or generated by an app, that expires after a few minutes.
How OTPs are used
Services send an OTP to confirm that you control a phone number or email, at sign-up and when logging in from a new device. SMS OTPs are the most common because every phone can receive them; app-generated OTPs (TOTP) are more secure because they never travel over the network.
OTP and temporary numbers
A temporary number receives the SMS OTP in your dashboard instead of your personal phone. The code is the same; only the receiving number changes.