This article clarifies why a magic link e-mail does not contain a one-time password.
- E-mail Templates
- Magic Link
- One-Time Password (OTP)
When a user first registers and the Registration - Activation email template is sent, Okta generates a unique magic link (using the ${registrationActivationLink} variable) and a one-time password (OTP) (using the ${oneTimePassword} variable). Both are intended for the initial activation of the newly created account.
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Initial Activation: The user is expected to either click the magic link or enter the OTP to complete the registration and activate their account. This is a time-sensitive action.
- Skipping Activation: If the user closes the browser or does not complete the activation process immediately, their account remains in a "Staged" or "Pending Activation" state.
When the user later tries to log in through the standard login screen without having completed the initial activation, Okta recognizes that the user's account is not yet active. It then triggers another email based on the same Registration - Activation template to prompt them to complete the activation.
However, the key difference is:
- The initial OTP is for the first activation attempt. Okta does not regenerate a new OTP for every subsequent reminder email or login attempt if the account is still pending activation. The primary mechanism for completing the activation after the initial email is typically the magic link, which remains valid (for a configurable period).
- The magic link is a persistent activation mechanism. While the OTP might be designed for immediate use, the magic link embedded in the email is a more robust and long-lasting way for the user to activate their account if they cannot do it right away.
