---
ref: tool:twilio/send-verification-code
name: Send a verification code
company: company:twilio
workflows: []
access: [cli]
tags: [capability:authenticate-users, category:messaging, has:cli]
docs: https://www.twilio.com/docs/verify/api/verification#start-new-verification
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Send a verification code

Starts verifying a phone number or email address by sending a one-time code over SMS, WhatsApp, a voice call or email.

Create a Verify Service first, then pass its SID (`VA...`) as `--service-sid`,
the `--to` number in E.164 format or email address, and `--channel` (`sms`,
`whatsapp`, `call`, `email`, `sna` or `auto`). Check the code the user enters
with `twilio api:verify:v2:services:verification-check:create`. The REST call
is `POST https://verify.twilio.com/v2/Services/{ServiceSid}/Verifications`.
The CLI also needs `TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID` and `TWILIO_API_SECRET`, or a
`twilio login` profile.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### CLI (official)

Install the command, then confirm it runs.

```sh
brew tap twilio/brew && brew install twilio
twilio --version
```

Run `twilio api:verify:v2:services:verifications:create`.

Set `$TWILIO_API_KEY` in your environment first (get a key: https://www.twilio.com/docs/iam/api-keys/keys-in-console).

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.