# Getting started with SMS

To use Clickatell's SMS channel, you need to:

1. [Activate SMS](https://guides.clickatell.com/sms-channel/getting-started/activate-sms-self-serve) as a channel in your account. *(self-serve only)*
2. Add a [new SMS setup](https://guides.clickatell.com/sms-channel/getting-started/add-new-sms-setups-self-serve). *(self-serve only)*
   * As part of this step, you must purchase a [short code/long number](https://guides.clickatell.com/sms-channel/getting-started/add-view-and-edit-sms-numbers). 
3. Start sending messages:
   1. Via Clickatell's [One API](https://docs.clickatell.com/channels/one-api/one-api-reference/)  or [HTTP API](https://docs.clickatell.com/channels/sms-channels/sms-api-reference/) to send and receive messages directly via SMS.
   2. Via Clickatell's [Chat Flow](https://guides.clickatell.com/flow) and [Chat Desk](https://guides.clickatell.com/chat-desk) applications *(*[*Interact* ](https://www.clickatell.com/products/interact/)*or* [*Transact*](https://www.clickatell.com/transact/) *only)*.
   3. You can also use SMS with our Campaign Manager tool.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you plan on using a **US Long Number**, please refer to the [10DLC section of this guide](https://guides.clickatell.com/sms-channel/10dlc-regulations-us/what-is-10dlc).
{% endhint %}