> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lipachat.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lipachat.com/guides/join-code.md).

# Join code

* Found on your Lipachat app [dashboard](https://app.lipachat.com/app/home).
* Used only in **sandbox mode** to test the WhatsApp API end-to-end before linking your own number.
* Once your number is linked, you won’t need join codes.

**Active Sessions**

* WhatsApp requires an **active 24-hour session** to send messages (text, media, buttons).
* A session is created when you send a message to:
  * The **sandbox number** (using your join code), or
  * Your own WhatsApp number once it’s linked.
* If you don’t want the customer to send the first message, you can send messages by using a **pre-approved template**.

**How to Get Your Joincode**

1. Log in to [app.lipachat.com](https://app.lipachat.com).
2. Navigate to the **Home** screen.
3. Your join code is displayed there (see example below).

<figure><img src="https://4060499158-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2JHt6V4YwZLX6ZUdLqMy%2Fuploads%2Foor1WMYpZ6JeoUjfB02m%2FScreenshot%202025-09-02%20at%2010.31.07.png?alt=media&amp;token=0eacfe67-1e6f-4c8b-8926-d8ea4f5c8606" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to Start a 24-Hour Session**

* On your WhatsApp mobile app, send your join code to the sandbox number.
* Example: if your join code is `elipa`, send:

<figure><img src="https://4060499158-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2JHt6V4YwZLX6ZUdLqMy%2Fuploads%2FBXnpQbIUygxmhIc3E55Z%2FScreenshot%202025-09-02%20at%2010.35.08.png?alt=media&amp;token=370be465-49e4-4a3b-9782-79b4fdb96e16" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* This will create a session, after which you can send any type of message.