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

# Quickstart

> The three things to do first: connect your WhatsApp number, get the phone app and invite your team.

A new workspace needs three things before your team can reply to customers. Companion walks you through them straight after you sign up, and you can skip any step and come back to it.

<Note>
  The setup steps are for owners and admins. If you were invited to a workspace that is already set up, go to [If you were invited](#if-you-were-invited).
</Note>

## The first three things

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect your WhatsApp number">
    Choose **Connect WhatsApp**. It takes about five minutes and happens in a Meta window. Your free trial starts once a number or a website chat button is connected, not before.

    Not ready yet? Choose **I will do this later**. See [Connect your WhatsApp number](/get-started/connect-whatsapp) for the full steps.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get the app on your phone">
    Scan the QR code on screen with your iPhone, or search for **Message Companion** in the App Store. Sign in with the same email you use on the web.

    See [Get the phone app](/phone-app/get-the-app).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite your team">
    Enter each person's email, pick a role, and choose **Send invitation**. Each person gets an email with a link to join. Choose **Skip for now** if it is only you.

    You can invite more people later under **Settings**, then **Users and teams**. See [Invite people](/team/invite-people) and [Roles](/team/roles).
  </Step>
</Steps>

At the end you can choose **Take the tour** or **Go to my dashboard**.

## The setup guide

Whatever you skipped is kept in the setup guide. It shows in two places: a **Finish setting up** card on **Home**, and a **Setup guide** checklist that floats in the corner of every screen. Each item links to the place where you do it.

| Section | Steps |
| - | - |
| Get WhatsApp ready | Connect a WhatsApp number, add a payment method at Meta, get a message template approved |
| Bring in your team | Get the app on your phone, invite a teammate |
| Make it yours | Add your logo, connect your shop or till (optional) |

Steps tick themselves off as you do them. **Add a payment method at Meta** is ticked once Meta accepts your first message, because that is the only proof the card is in place.

### Hide it and bring it back

Close the card or the checklist to hide the guide. Hiding one hides both, and the choice follows your account to every device.

To bring it back, open the menu under your name at the bottom of the sidebar and choose **Setup guide**.

## If you were invited

You do not need to set anything up. The workspace is ready.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Accept your invitation">
    Open the invitation email and choose **Accept invitation**. Continue with the email address you were invited on, enter the code you are sent, and join. Invitations last seven days.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get the phone app">
    Install **Message Companion** from the App Store and sign in with that same email address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start replying">
    Your chats are under **Conversations**. **Home** shows who is waiting on you.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Take the tour again

The tour is a two-minute walk round the main screens. It runs on sample data, so nothing in your own workspace changes.

Open the menu under your name at the bottom of the sidebar and choose **Take a tour**. Anyone can do this, at any time.

## Related

* [Connect your WhatsApp number](/get-started/connect-whatsapp)
* [How WhatsApp messaging works](/get-started/how-whatsapp-messaging-works)
* [Find your way around](/get-started/find-your-way-around)
* [Free trial](/billing/free-trial)


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