Getting started

The Smart Conversations Functionality is an add-on feature of the Conversation API. To get started with the Conversation API, follow this guide. The steps are also recreated below for convenience:

1. Sign up for an account on the Sinch Customer Dashboard: Before you can use the Conversation API, you need to sign up for a free Sinch account. This is a quick process where you submit some basic details, including a mobile number you can then use for testing - sign up for a free account.

   Need help?

   Click here to learn how to sign up.

   Note

   If you already have an account, skip this step.

2. Access Conversation API: Log in to the customer dashboard and select Conversation API from the left menu. Review the terms and conditions, select the I agree to the terms and conditions check box, and click GET ACCESS to proceed.
3. Create a Conversation API app: The next step is to create and configure a Conversation API app. Follow the instructions on the customer dashboard.

   Need help?

   Click here to learn how to create an app.

   Note

   You can also create an app programmatically using the API. Click here to learn how.

4. Configure channels: To send and receive messages, you need at least one channel configured on your app. Learn how to configure a channel.

   Note

   Some channels require channel-specific configurations. Read about the requirements for all the channels here.

   If you are using more than one channel, you can prioritize your channels, and Conversation API will send messages to the channels based on the priority you set.

5. Create your access key: Access keys are used to authenticate calls when using Conversation API. Access keys are generated in the customer dashboard. Click here to learn how to configure an access key.

   Note

   When you sign up for a Sinch account, a default project is created for you. Conversation API uses this project to group contacts and apps together. Contacts are shared across apps within the same project. Depending on your needs, you may need to create additional projects to keep contact lists separate. To create additional projects, reach out to your account manager for assistance.

After you have completed the above steps, contact your Sinch Account Manager to activate the Smart Conversations functionality.

Next steps

Now that you have set up a Conversation API app, configured at least one channel on that app, and enabled Smart Conversations, you can begin using the Smart Conversations callbacks to analyze your conversations for sentiment and intent.