> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.notifique.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start here

> From zero to your first successful send in a few steps.

<Tip>
  This guide is your **first letter in the mail**: in a few steps you go from account to your first `HTTP 202`, confirmation that Notifique received your send.
</Tip>

## What is this guide?

It's the shortest path from **account to first send**. Documentation by devs, for devs: direct, no legalese.

Notifique is your product's **messaging infrastructure**. Queues, retries, and protocols stay on our side; you get a predictable **REST API**.

## What will you accomplish?

By the end of this guide:

* **Account** created in the dashboard
* **API Key** saved (`sk_test_` or `sk_live_`)
* **First message** queued on SMS or WhatsApp

## Where to start?

For your first send, **SMS** or **WhatsApp** is usually the shortest path:

| Channel      | Why start here                                     |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **SMS**      | One HTTP call, no phone pairing                    |
| **WhatsApp** | Pair your number with a QR Code, then send via API |

Other channels (email, push, Telegram) have their own quick starts when you need them.

## Step by step

### 1. Create your account

[**Create your account on the Dashboard**](https://app.notifique.dev)

Complete onboarding for full access to your workspace.

### 2. Create an API Key

In the dashboard, open **Developer → API Keys**. Name it, select [scopes](/guides/api-key/index#scopes-and-permissions) for the channel you will test, and copy it right away.

<Warning>
  Keys start with `sk_live_...` or `sk_test_...`. After you close the modal, we do not show the full value again. Store it in `.env` or your project's secret manager.
</Warning>

* **Production** (`sk_live_...`): real sends, uses credits, message can reach a real phone
* **Sandbox** (`sk_test_...`): same endpoints, no real delivery. Check **Developer → Sandbox inbox**

We recommend starting with `sk_test_...`. More in [Sandbox](/guides/sandbox/index) and [API Keys](/guides/api-key/index).

### 3. Send your first message

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with the key you generated.

#### SMS

Use your number in international format (e.g. `5511999999999`). Message text must be between 9 and 160 characters.

```http theme={null}
POST https://api.notifique.dev/v1/sms/messages
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
```

```json theme={null}
{
  "to": ["5511999999999"],
  "type": "text",
  "payload": {
    "message": "Hello! First SMS with Notifique."
  }
}
```

Expected response: `HTTP 202` with the message queued. With `sk_live_`, it goes to the carrier. With `sk_test_`, open **Developer → Sandbox inbox** to see the simulated send.

Full guide: [SMS Quick Start](/sms-api/como-funciona/quick-start).

#### WhatsApp

You need a paired instance and scopes `whatsapp:instances:create`, `whatsapp:instances:list`, and `whatsapp:send`.

**Create instance and get the QR**

```http theme={null}
POST https://api.notifique.dev/v1/whatsapp/instances
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
```

```json theme={null}
{
  "name": "My instance"
}
```

In the response, use `connection.base64` to show the QR and scan it on your phone. When status is `ACTIVE`, note `instance.id`.

**Send text**

```http theme={null}
POST https://api.notifique.dev/v1/whatsapp/messages
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
```

```json theme={null}
{
  "instanceId": "INSTANCE_ID",
  "to": ["5511999999999"],
  "type": "text",
  "payload": {
    "message": "Hello! First WhatsApp message."
  }
}
```

Expected response: `HTTP 202`. With `sk_live_` and an active instance, the message goes to WhatsApp. With `sk_test_`, check **Developer → Sandbox inbox**.

Full guide: [WhatsApp Quick Start](/whatsapp-api/como-funciona/quick-start).

## Done?

If you got `HTTP 202`, the basic integration works. The letter left your system and entered Notifique's queue.

***

## Next steps

* [API Keys](/guides/api-key/index): scopes, best practices, and key rotation
* [Sandbox](/guides/sandbox/index): test safely before go-live
* [Webhooks](/guides/webhooks/index): receive delivery alerts on your server
* [Logs](/guides/logs/index): debug API calls