# Getting started with a Sinch Push Channel

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

## Prerequisites

Before you can set up a Sinch Push 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 Push prerequisites

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

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

- For information on how to configure a push client for Android, click [here](/docs/sinch-push/getting-started/android/android).
- For information on how to configure a push client for iOS, click [here](/docs/sinch-push/getting-started/ios/ios).


## Configuring the Conversation API and Sinch Push integration

Each Sinch Push 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 Push channel, you must use the value `SINCH_PUSH`. 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