SMS authentication: Balancing security and flexibility for better onboarding
Introducing SMS Authentication
In crypto, onboarding can be a challenge. While passkeys, biometrics, and email offer top-notch security, they can be unfamiliar or inaccessible to some users.
That’s why we’re excited to add SMS authentication to our authentication methods — giving developers more flexibility to configure embedded wallet authentication flows that fit their app’s unique needs.
While SMS is widely recognized in security circles as an insecure authentication method due to its susceptibility to SIM swapping, phishing, and interception, its familiarity and accessibility can help reduce friction for users who might otherwise abandon the onboarding process. And for crypto apps looking to scale, flexibility in onboarding is key.
Why We Added SMS Authentication
We built SMS support to give crypto developers more control over how users onboard by allowing them to:
- Configure auth flows that align with their unique use cases and audience
- Minimize friction by providing a familiar user experience
- Reach a broader audience—including users who aren’t able to use passkeys or alternative auth methods
Plus, unlike many SMS authentication providers, our SMS support works with most international phone numbers out of the box—making it easier to onboard a global user base without needing a separate provider.
How SMS Fits into Embedded Wallets
Developers can create in-app wallets using authentication methods that align with their use cases. With SMS now part of Turnkey’s flexible authentication stack, developers can choose from:
- Passkeys
- Biometrics
- Social Logins
- SMS
This gives developers the power to balance security, usability, and audience reach — on their terms. For example, they can choose to onboard users to a wallet with SMS before graduating them to more secure auth methods like passkeys or OAuth over time.
Ready to Customize Your Embedded Wallet Onboarding?
Whether you're building for DeFi, wallets, or NFT marketplaces, Turnkey now gives you the flexibility to choose the best authentication method for what you’re building. SMS is currently only available to customers on our Enterprise tier.
Explore SMS in our docs: https://docs.turnkey.com/authentication/sms#sms-authentication
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