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

# Quickstart

> Start automating your chats in less than 5 minutes

Welcome to Automate Chats! Follow these three simple steps to get your first integration running.

## Step 1: Log in to your Dashboard

Access your Automate Chats dashboard to manage your account, team, and automations.

<Card title="Open Dashboard" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square" href="https://automatechats.com/dashboard">
  Visit Automate Chats Dashboard.
</Card>

## Step 2: Generate an API Key

To use our API, you'll need a secret key.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Settings">
    Click on **More** in the top navigation bar and select **Webhook & API**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Key">
    Go to the **APIs** tab and click **Create API Key**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy and Store">
    Name your key and copy the secret immediately. You won't be able to see it again!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Connect your first Channel

Before you can send messages, you need to link a WhatsApp Business number.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Channels">
    Navigate to **More > Channels**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link WhatsApp">
    Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or link via phone number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Send a test message from the **Team Inbox** to ensure everything is connected.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

Once you're set up, explore our advanced features to fully automate your business.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Build a Flow" icon="diagram-sankey" href="/automate-chats/features/automations">
    Create interactive customer journeys.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="terminal" href="/automate-chats/api-reference/introduction">
    Send messages programmatically.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>