> ## 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.

# Send a test message

> Send your first test message using Kero Direct Message and understand the testing requirements for SMS, WhatsApp and RCS.

Once you've configured your messaging channel and prepared your message, you're ready to test it.

Sending a test message helps you confirm that your channel is working and that your message reaches the intended recipient.

**We recommend starting with Direct Message.** You can send to a single recipient without creating a Campaign or importing a contact list.

## Before you begin

Make sure you have:

* Set up your chosen messaging channel in Kero.
* A mobile number you can use to receive your test message.
* Prepared your message content or selected an appropriate template, where required.
* Completed any channel-specific requirements for testing.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Being able to send a test message does not necessarily mean your channel is approved for live customer messaging.
>
> WhatsApp Business and RCS for Business have additional requirements that may affect who you can message and when.

## Send a message using Direct Message

**1. Open Direct Message**

Sign in to [Kero](https://app.kero.chat) and open **Direct Message** from the navigation menu.

![Kero Direct Message screen for preparing and sending a test message](https://mintcdn.com/kerochat/Ljjq0vQXt5wf6yi0/images/getting-started/direct-message-test.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=Ljjq0vQXt5wf6yi0\&q=85\&s=796928a6d24c9524b6930836f8d45817)

**2. Choose your messaging channel**

Select the available Agent or Template for the messaging channel you want to test. The options displayed depend on your configured channels and message type.

Depending on your channel, you may need to select a configured Agent or an existing Kero Template.

**3. Enter your test recipient**

Enter the mobile number of the person receiving your test message.

For RCS for Business, use a test device that has been added to your Agent while it is still in testing.

**4. Prepare and send your message**

Compose your message or select the required template.

If your template contains personalisation variables, check that the correct values have been provided.

Review the recipient and message details, then send your test message.

**5. Check the result**

Check the receiving device to confirm that the message has arrived.

You can also review the available message status and history in Kero.

If the message does not arrive, check the selected Agent, recipient number, template requirements and channel readiness.

## Testing requirements by channel

| Channel | What you need to know |
| - | - |
| **SMS** | You can generally send a test message once your SMS Agent is configured, subject to applicable Sender ID and destination requirements. |
| **WhatsApp Business** | Your message must comply with Meta's messaging rules. Outside an open 24-hour customer service window, an approved WhatsApp template is required. |
| **RCS for Business** | Before carrier launch, you can test your Agent using approved test devices. Live customer messaging requires Agent verification and launch. |

For more information about setting up and testing each channel, see:

* [Set up your SMS Agent](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/sms/setup-your-sms-agent.md)
* [Get started with WhatsApp Business](https://kero.chat/help/getting-started-with-whats-app)
* [Add an RCS test device](https://kero.chat/help/product/channels/rcs-for-business/add-an-rcs-test-device.md)

## Can you test using a Campaign?

Yes. Campaigns are useful when you want to test messaging with multiple recipients or check how contact data and personalisation work together.

![Kero Campaigns screen for preparing a test campaign](https://mintcdn.com/kerochat/Ljjq0vQXt5wf6yi0/images/getting-started/campaign-test-message.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=Ljjq0vQXt5wf6yi0\&q=85\&s=996ef8472a60d571ed8bf41a85f64a73)

You can prepare a small test audience using existing Contacts or a supported contact file upload.

We recommend completing a successful Direct Message test before moving on to Campaigns.

## What happens next?

Once you've successfully sent your test message, the next step is to confirm whether your messaging channel is ready for live customer communication.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **A successful test does not always mean you're ready to go live.**
>
> SMS, WhatsApp Business and RCS for Business have different approval and operational requirements.


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