# Getting started

Account required!
Using the SMS API requires [signing up for a free account](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Customer-Dashboard/How-to-sign-up-for-your-free-Sinch-account/ta-p/8058) on the Sinch Build Dashboard. If you haven't already done so, [sign up now](https://dashboard.sinch.com/signup)!

Follow the steps below to learn how to quickly start sending messages using the Sinch SMS API:

## 1. Get a number

When you sign up for a Sinch Build Dashboard account, you get a **free virtual number** for **testing**. A virtual number is a standard telephone number that is not locked down to a specific phoneline. [Copy your virtual number](https://dashboard.sinch.com/numbers/your-numbers/numbers) and use it to send test messages.

Note:
When you are done testing, you can purchase additional virtual numbers (with additional capabilities) from the Sinch Build Dashboard. Click [here](https://community.sinch.com/t5/Virtual-Numbers/Buying-a-number-from-Sinch/ta-p/8081) to learn how get a number from Sinch.

## 2. Get credentials

You need an **API Token** and **Service Plan ID**, which are used to authenticate calls when using the SMS API. These tokens are created automatically in the [Sinch Build Dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/sms/api/rest). A Service Plan ID is assigned to you when you create an account on the Sinch Build Dashboard. You can find your Service Plan ID and API Token on the [APIs page under the SMS tab](https://dashboard.sinch.com/sms/api/rest). Click Show to view your API token.

Note:
Most of our endpoints will request your `service_plan_id`, API token, and Sinch phone number. So, keep them handy.

## 3. Select a language

Now you're ready to get started sending messages with the SMS API! In addition to our REST API guides that highlight production-ready features, we also offer Unified SDK guides that allow you to explore exciting new features that are in development.

### Unified SDK guides

Our Unified SDKs provide cross-product functionality and streamline code development. Select your preferred language SDK and set up a simple application:

Node.js SDK
Java SDK
.NET SDK
Python SDK
*If you'd like to get started using the legacy Java SDK, [use this guide](/docs/sms/getting-started/java/send-sms).

## Additional resources

[View the whole API Reference](/docs/sms/api-reference/sms).

If at any point you need more help, you can find support documentation and answers to frequently asked questions in the [Sinch Support Community](https://community.sinch.com/t5/SMS/tkb-p/SinchSMS).