# Getting started with a Sinch Chat Channel

This article details the steps required to set up a Sinch Chat channel for use with the Sinch Conversation API.

## Prerequisites

Before you can set up a Sinch Chat channel on the Conversation API, you need to do the following:

### General prerequisites

Note
If you have already completed the [Conversation API Getting started](/docs/conversation/getting-started) steps, you can skip this section.

1. Sign up for the Sinch Build Dashboard.
2. Get access to the Conversation API.
3. Create your app.
4. Create your access key. Any API calls you make will require authentication information provided by your access key.


Refer to the [Conversation API Getting started](/docs/conversation/getting-started) section for more information on any of these steps.

### Sinch Chat prerequisites

In order to use a Sinch Chat channel, you must configure at least one Sinch Chat client. The code for that client must include a **Client ID** generated from the Sinch Build Dashboard.

For information on using the Sinch Build Dashboard to generate a **Client ID**, see [How do I use the Sinch Build Dashboard to set up a Sinch Chat client?](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Conversation-API/How-do-I-use-the-Sinch-Build-Dashboard-to-set-up-a-Sinch-Chat/ta-p/10263) on our [Community site](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Conversation-API/tkb-p/ConversationAPI). The Build Dashboard will also provide you with templates that can be used to create chat clients for the following platforms:

- For information on how to configure a chat client for Android, click [here](/docs/sinch-chat/getting-started/android/installation).
- For information on how to configure a chat client for iOS, click [here](/docs/sinch-chat/getting-started/ios/installation).
- For information on how to configure a chat client for the Web, click [here](/docs/sinch-chat/getting-started/webchat/basic-usage).


## Configuring the Conversation API and Sinch Chat integration

Each Sinch Chat channel is preconfigured with the creation of your Conversation API app. No additional configuration steps are required.

## Next steps

Prior to sending messages, you need to [set the channel priority](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Conversation-API/How-to-prioritize-your-channels-in-Conversation-API/ta-p/8613) in your app. Note that, when specifying a Sinch Chat channel, you must use the value `SINCH_CHAT`. Also, when sending messages, you'll need to make sure you have the `recipient` information of the contact to which you are sending the message.

If you already know how to set channel priority, or your channel priority is already established, you can begin sending and receiving messages in your preferred language:

Node.js SDK
Java SDK
.NET
Python