# OTP Inputs for React and Tailwind

> Entering a one-time code should take seconds. Good inputs accept a paste, move between boxes by themselves and support autofill from a text message. Try each one on a phone, since that is where most codes get typed. Install one as code you own, then connect it to your own verification step. Offer a resend link, and explain clearly when a code has expired.

1 components. 

- [Clerk Otp](https://layro.dev/@karthikmudunuri/clerk-otp.md): Animated OTP authentication component (`npx layro-cli add @karthikmudunuri/clerk-otp`)

## About

OTP inputs collect the short one time code from a text message, an email or an authenticator app. They usually show one box per digit, move focus forward as you type, accept a pasted code in one go and can fill themselves from the phone's keyboard suggestion.

Behind the boxes, keep a single real input so paste, autofill and screen readers all work. Set inputmode to numeric and autocomplete to one-time-code, submit as soon as the last digit lands, and make errors and the resend option easy to find.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I build an OTP input in React?

Render one hidden or transparent input that holds the whole code and draw the boxes from its value. That keeps paste, autofill and backspace working naturally, which separate inputs per digit make hard.

### How do I make the code fill in from an SMS automatically?

Add autocomplete one-time-code to the input. iOS and Android then offer the code from a recent message above the keyboard. The WebOTP API can also read it on Android Chrome with the right message format.

### How do I let people paste the whole code?

Handle paste on the input, strip anything that isn't a digit and fill every box at once. With a single underlying input this works without extra code.

### Should an OTP form submit by itself?

Usually yes, once every digit is entered. Show a short loading state, and if the code is wrong, clear it, keep focus in the field and say so plainly.

### How many digits should a verification code have?

Six is the common choice and what most authenticator apps use. Four is quicker to type but easier to guess, so pair it with strict limits on attempts.

### Which keyboard should an OTP field open on phones?

Set inputmode to numeric so phones show the number pad. Keep the input type as text, since a number type can drop leading zeros and adds spinner buttons.

### How should resending a code work?

Offer a resend link with a short countdown, say where the new code was sent and invalidate the old one. Limit how often it can be pressed so it can't be used to flood someone's phone.

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