Introduction
SMS verification is one of the simplest and most effective ways to confirm user identity, prevent spam, and secure online transactions. Whether you’re building an e-commerce site, a SaaS platform, or a mobile app, sending one-time passwords (OTPs) via SMS helps you validate users in real time.
With DataFlows SMS API, you can send and verify messages programmatically through a reliable, high-speed network connected directly to Telstra and other global carriers. In this guide, we’ll show you how to integrate SMS verification into your application in just a few steps.
Why Use DataFlows for SMS Verification?
DataFlows makes it simple to integrate SMS-based verification into any system. Here’s why developers and businesses prefer our platform:
Global reach – Send and receive SMS messages in over 180 countries.
Fast delivery – Direct carrier connections ensure high delivery rates.
Flexible integration – REST API works with any programming language or platform.
Real-time delivery tracking – Get instant feedback on every message’s status.
Secure authentication – Use verification codes to protect logins and transactions.
How SMS Verification Works
A typical SMS verification flow looks like this:
User registers or logs in on your app or website.
Your system calls the DataFlows SMS API to send a verification code to the user’s mobile number.
The user enters the received code in your app.
Your system validates the code and grants access.
Sending a Verification SMS
To send a verification message, make a POST request to the DataFlows SMS API endpoint:
API Endpoint:
https://sms.dataflows.com.au/api/http/sms/send
Required Parameters:
Parameter
Type
Description
api_token
string
Your API token (found in your DataFlows developer dashboard).
recipient
string
The mobile number(s) to send the message to. Example: 61412345678
sender_id
string
Your sender name or number (max 11 characters for alphanumeric).
type
string
Use plain for standard text messages.
message
string
The SMS content, e.g. “Your verification code is 123456”.
Example (in PHP using cURL):
curl -X POST https://sms.dataflows.com.au/api/http/sms/send \ -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \ -H 'Accept: application/json' \ -d '{ "recipient":"61412345678", "sender_id":"DataFlows", "type":"plain", "message":"Your verification code is 123456" }'
🔒 Note: Do not share your API token publicly. Keep it secure in your server environment variables.
Verifying Message Delivery
Once a message is sent, you can track its delivery status or view details about specific messages.
Check message status by unique ID:
GET https://sms.dataflows.com.au/api/http/sms/{uid}
View all messages:
GET https://sms.dataflows.com.au/api/http/sms/
These endpoints return JSON responses with details about message delivery and timestamps, allowing you to confirm that users received their verification codes successfully.
Example Use Case: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
You can use DataFlows API to add two-factor authentication to your login system:
User enters username and password.
Server generates a random 6-digit OTP.
DataFlows API sends the OTP to the user’s mobile number.
User enters the OTP, and your app verifies it.
This simple flow enhances account security and reduces fraudulent access attempts.
Scaling and Integration Options
As your traffic grows, you can easily:
Automate OTP delivery from your backend systems.
Schedule or batch messages.
Combine SMS verification with Microsoft Teams notifications or API-based alerts.
Move to monthly invoicing or high-volume pricing once usage stabilizes.
Conclusion
Adding SMS verification to your app doesn’t have to be complicated. With the DataFlows SMS API, you can securely verify users, protect transactions, and enhance trust — all with just a few lines of code.