> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.1msg.io/platform-1msg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.1msg.io/platform-1msg/getting-start/quick-start.md).

# Quick start

This guide walks you from sending a test message to full use of WhatsApp Business API (WABA) in six simple steps.

### **Step 1. Create an account**

You need an account on **platform.1msg.io** to get started.

Go to the [registration page](https://platform.1msg.io/register?utm=qst), enter your email and password, and click **Sign up**. Alternatively, use the Facebook icon below the registration form.

### **Step 2: Activate the Test channel**

You don’t have to wait for Meta approval — start testing right away.

1. Scan the QR code in your dashboard or click **"Write to WhatsApp"** and send the generated code to the test WABA number.

<figure><img src="/files/T7Y9FHHBQtKaIdFBpFlq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Your account will automatically connect to the test WABA channel.
3. You can chat with your phone number on WhatsApp.

✅ **Test channel is ready.** A **$5** bonus has been credited to your balance for testing paid templates and sessions.

#### Why use the **Test** channel?

Connect to our pre-configured WABA test number — no Meta approval or additional setup required.

* send and receive WhatsApp messages;
* test webhooks and API methods;
* verify your integration flow before connecting your own WABA number.

**Test limitations:**

* Messages can be sent only to your own WhatsApp numbers.

### **Step 3: Send your first message**&#x20;

Once your test channel is created, you can send your first API message.

Click **"Send"** and check the message in your WhatsApp chat with the test WABA number.

<figure><img src="/files/yUDWXovOHWYjOJtvWFbd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Example request**

```
POST http://platform.1msg.io/{{channel_id}}/sendMessage?token=••••••••
```

You can find your **channel ID** and **token** on the channel page.

**Request body (JSON):**

```
{  
    "phone": "your_phone_number",  
    "body": "Hello 1msg",  
    "preview_url": false
}
```

You can find more API methods in **Playground**

### **Step 4: Try** more API methods in **Playground**

In a couple of minutes, verify that the messaging API works end to end.

1. Open [Playground](https://platform.1msg.io/dashboard/playground).
2. Send another message in one click and receive it instantly on your WhatsApp number.
3. In the UI you’ll see a ready-made JSON request you can use in your code, plus the send response and the webhook payload.

### **Step 5: Configure webhooks**

Teach your system to “listen” to WhatsApp.

1. Set your webhook URL in the channel settings.
2. Incoming messages, delivery statuses (sent, delivered, read), and profile changes will be delivered to your server in real time.
3. Test webhook handling in your integration using webhook simulation from [Playground](https://platform.1msg.io/dashboard/playground).

### **Step 6: API, SDK, and developer tools**

Once the flow is clear, move on to automation. Use our resources to ship faster:

{% columns %}
{% column width="66.66666666666666%" %}
**API documentation** — full description of all methods in OpenAPI format
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="33.33333333333334%" %} <a href="https://docs.1msg.io/" class="button primary">API Docs</a>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

**Postman collection**&#x20;

{% file src="/files/ttWAriPgdjhClDNCox8P" %}

{% columns %}
{% column width="66.66666666666666%" %}
**SDK** — ready-made libraries for Node.js, Python, and PHP with code examples.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="33.33333333333334%" %} <a href="https://github.com/1msg/1msg-sdk" class="button primary">SDK</a>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% columns %}
{% column width="66.66666666666666%" %}
**MCP (Model Context Protocol)** — connect our API directly to your AI assistant (Cursor, Claude Desktop) to generate integration code on the fly.&#x20;
{% endcolumn %}

{% column width="33.33333333333334%" %}
{% hint style="info" %}
Coming soon.&#x20;
{% endhint %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

### **Step 6: Go to production**

Ready to launch for real customers?

1. In the left menu, go to **Add new channel**.
2. Choose a plan for your channel and pay the subscription via Stripe in the dashboard.
3. Connect your own number: use the Embedded Signup flow to register your business number with Meta quickly.
4. Configure API, webhooks, and message templates — then start broadcasts, chatbots, and everything else the 1MSG API offers.

For a tutorial on connecting a WABA channel, see:

{% content-ref url="/pages/ztW9XnQQbylFBcHcvCGA" %}
[Connection WABA](/platform-1msg/getting-start/connection-waba.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}