diff --git a/backend/auth/otp/request.php b/backend/auth/otp/request.php
index 58676f80..b508ca21 100644
--- a/backend/auth/otp/request.php
+++ b/backend/auth/otp/request.php
@@ -216,5 +216,6 @@ if ($sentSuccessfully) {
         jsonError("OTP sent but failed to save verification data");
     }
 } else {
-    jsonError("Failed to send verification code. Please try again.");
+    $errDetail = !empty($GLOBALS['last_otp_error']) ? $GLOBALS['last_otp_error'] : "Failed to send verification code. Please try again.";
+    jsonError($errDetail);
 }