> ## 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

> Account, sender ID, and credit requirements before using the SMS API.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A free **Beem** account
* An active **Sender ID registered on your Beem account**
* SMS API credentials (API Key and Secret) or an access token
* SMS credits available in your account

See [Sender ID registration](/guides/sms/sender-id) for how to register and activate a Sender ID.

Set the `Content-Type` header on every request:

| Value              | Use for       |
| ------------------ | ------------- |
| `application/json` | JSON requests |
| `application/xml`  | XML requests  |

<Info>
  Authenticate API requests using Basic Auth (API Key and Secret) or an access token. See [Authentication](/guides/sms/authentication).
</Info>

<Info>
  Some accounts receive free test credits after sign-up. Availability may vary — you can also test sending through the [Beem Dashboard](https://login.beem.africa/) SMS portal. Contact [support@beem.africa](mailto:support@beem.africa) if you need test credits re-enabled on your account.
</Info>

<Info>
  The default Sender ID **INFO** has been deactivated and cannot be used. You must create or use an active Sender ID before sending messages.
</Info>