# Getting Started

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Step 1</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Sign up</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Step 2</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Get a sender ID</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Step 3</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Get credential</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Follow the steps below to learn how to quickly start sending messaging using 9bits SMS API:

## 1. Sign up

Using the SMS API starts with signing up for a free account on the [9bits Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net/). If you already have an account, skip this step.

## 2. Get a sender ID

When you sign up for a 9bits account, you get a free sender ID for testing. You may request for a custom sender ID on the [Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net).

## 3. Get credentials

You need an API Token which is required for each transactions or requests to the SMS API. These tokens are created automatically on the [Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net) for each account. You can find your token security tab, under Settings

{% hint style="info" %}
All our endpoints will request for your API token, so keep them handy.
{% endhint %}


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://developer.9bits.net/messaging/a2p-sms/getting-started.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.