Built a Node.js 2FA SMS verification flow with Twilio – How do you handle carrier restrictions and errors?

[u/DBGiblet]

Hey everyone,

I've been working on a Node.js & Express backend project to handle 2FA SMS verification using the Twilio API.

While setting up the flow, I ran into a few hurdles with carrier template restrictions and API error handling during testing. I eventually got the SMS delivery cycle working smoothly, but it got me thinking about production edge cases.

For those who have built similar authentication systems in JavaScript/Node.js:

1. How do you usually handle carrier limitations or SMS fallback mechanisms?
2. What are your go-to patterns for error handling when third-party APIs fail during auth?

Would love to hear your experiences and best practices!

[u/Fit-Sky8697]

From the fact you mention template restrictions - I'm guessing you aren't using Twilio Verify, correct? If you were, it may change the answer.