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

# Prerequisites

> Everything you need before integrating the Beem OTP API.

Before integrating the OTP API, ensure your Beem account and OTP configuration are fully set up.

## Requirements

You will need:

* A **Beem account** with access to the OTP service.
* An **OTP application** created in the Beem Dashboard. The generated **Application ID (`appId`)** is required when requesting OTPs.
* An **API Key and Secret** or an **Access Token** for authenticating API requests.
* A recipient phone number capable of receiving OTPs via **SMS** or **WhatsApp**.
* At least one **active OTP template** for the delivery channel you intend to use.

***

## Configure your delivery channel

The OTP API supports multiple delivery channels. Before sending OTPs, configure the appropriate template for the channel you plan to use.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="SMS">
    To send OTPs over SMS:

    1. Navigate to **OTP → Templates** in the Beem Dashboard.
    2. Create an SMS OTP template.
    3. Associate the template with an **approved Sender ID**.
    4. Ensure the template status is **Active** before using it in production.

    <Warning>
      SMS OTP templates require an approved Sender ID. Requests using inactive templates or unapproved Sender IDs will fail.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="WhatsApp">
    To send OTPs over WhatsApp:

    1. Navigate to **WhatsApp → Templates** in the Beem Dashboard.
    2. Create or select an approved WhatsApp authentication template.
    3. Wait for the template to be approved and activated.
    4. Use the active template when sending OTP requests.

    <Info>
      Only **approved and active** WhatsApp templates can be used to deliver OTP messages.
    </Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Before you begin

Before making your first OTP request, verify that:

* ✅ Your Beem account is active.
* ✅ Your OTP application has been created and you have its **`appId`**.
* ✅ Your API credentials or access token are available.
* ✅ Your SMS or WhatsApp template is **Active**.
* ✅ Your Sender ID (SMS only) has been approved.
* ✅ Your test recipient can receive SMS or WhatsApp messages.