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

# Choose your messaging channel

> Choose between WhatsApp Business, SMS and RCS for Business, and learn how to set up your first channel in Kero.

Kero brings WhatsApp Business, SMS and RCS for Business together in one platform.

You can start with the messaging channel that best suits your business and add other channels later.

Before continuing, make sure you've registered your Kero account, verified your email and completed your billing account setup.

## Which messaging channel should you choose?

Each channel offers a different way to communicate with your customers.

> **WhatsApp Business**
>
> Engage customers with rich messages, approved templates and two-way conversations.

> **SMS**
>
> Reach customers using standard text messages without requiring a messaging app or mobile data connection.

> **RCS for Business**
>
> Create branded messaging experiences with rich media and interactive features on supported devices.

## Get started with your chosen channel

**1. Open your messaging channels**

Sign in to [Kero](https://app.kero.chat).

From the left navigation menu, select **Channels** to access your messaging channel configuration.

You can also use the **Get Started** section on your dashboard when the relevant setup action is available.

**2. Choose the channel you'd like to set up**

Follow the instructions for your preferred channel.

### WhatsApp Business

Connect your WhatsApp Business Account to Kero using Meta's onboarding process.

You'll need access to the relevant Meta business account and a phone number eligible for WhatsApp Business Platform onboarding.

> **[Get started with WhatsApp Business](https://kero.chat/help/getting-started-with-whats-app)**
>
> Learn how to connect your account and prepare your WhatsApp Agent for messaging.

### SMS

Create an SMS Agent to configure how your business sends SMS messages.

SMS is generally the quickest channel to set up, although Sender ID and destination-country requirements may apply.

> **[Set up your SMS Agent](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/setup-your-sms-agent.md)**
>
> Follow the steps to configure your SMS Agent.

### RCS for Business

Create your RCS Brand and Agent to prepare a rich, branded messaging experience.

You can test your RCS Agent on approved test devices before it has completed verification and carrier launch.

> **[Get started with RCS for Business](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/getting-started-with-rcs.md)**
>
> Learn how to create your Brand, configure your Agent and prepare for testing.

**3. Check whether your channel is ready**

Once you've completed the relevant setup steps, check your channel's readiness before sending messages.

**Ready to Test** means your configuration allows you to test messaging capabilities.

**Ready to Send** means your channel meets the requirements for sending live messages to customers.

These are different milestones, particularly for WhatsApp Business and RCS for Business.

## When can you start sending messages?

| Channel | Testing | Live messaging |
| - | - | - |
| WhatsApp Business | Testing may be available shortly after setup, depending on your configuration. | You can begin sending once your WhatsApp number is connected to Kero. Add a payment method in Meta to avoid payment-related failures. Your initial Messaging Limit is 250 messages; business verification is required to increase this limit. |
| SMS | You can generally test soon after configuring your SMS Agent. | Usually available quickly, subject to applicable Sender ID and destination requirements. |
| RCS for Business | Test with approved devices before launch. | Requires verification and carrier approval. |

> [!NOTE]
>
> Ready to Test and Ready to Send describe your progress through onboarding. They are not necessarily the status labels displayed on your Kero Agent.

## Do you need SMS fallback?

Not necessarily.

Kero supports messaging across multiple channels, including the ability to configure fallback where supported.

For example, a business using WhatsApp Business or RCS for Business may choose SMS as an alternative delivery channel when the primary channel cannot be used.

Fallback is optional and depends on your channel configuration, recipient eligibility and the applicable delivery conditions.

You can set up SMS now or return to it later.

## What happens next?

Once your channel is configured, you're ready to prepare and test your first message.

You can use Kero's Direct Message, Templates and Campaigns features according to your selected channel and its readiness.


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