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

# Quick Start

> Test the Poku API in minutes — send an SMS, send a WhatsApp, and place a phone call.

## Prerequisite: Get your API key

Generate your API key from the [Poku dashboard](https://dashboard.pokulabs.com). You'll need it for every request below.

***

## Send your first SMS

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.pokulabs.com/messages/sms \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <your-api-key>" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "message": "hello there!",
    "to": "<your-phone-number>"
  }'
```

Replace `<your-api-key>` with your API key, and `<your-phone-number>` with your own number in [E.164 format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.164). (Example: `+12155551234`) Check [supported countries](/reference/supported-countries) for SMS availability.

***

## Send your first WhatsApp message

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.pokulabs.com/messages/whatsapp \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <your-api-key>" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "message": "hello there!",
    "to": "<your-phone-number>"
  }'
```

Replace `<your-api-key>` with your API key, and `<your-phone-number>` with your own number in [E.164 format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.164). (Example: `+12155551234`) The message will arrive wrapped in the Poku WhatsApp template: *"Notification from AI agent: hello there! No response required."*

***

## Place your first call

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.pokulabs.com/calls \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer <your-api-key>" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "prompt": "You are a friendly voice assistant agent calling on behalf of Poku. You are calling to see how the user is finding their Poku welcome experience.",
    "to": "<your-phone-number>"
  }'
```

Replace `<your-api-key>` with your API key, and `<your-phone-number>` with your own number in [E.164 format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.164). (Example: `+12155551234`). Check [supported countries](/reference/supported-countries) for calling availability.

***

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Install the Poku Skill" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/poku-skill/installation">
    Give your agent (e.g., Openclaw, Cursor, Claude Code, and more) the ability to call and message.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore the API" icon="code" href="/api-reference/calls/place-outbound-call">
    Browse the full API reference to explore calls, messages, forms, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>