# Sandbox

If you’re looking to build a WhatsApp Chatbot, CRM integration, or marketing campaign, the first step is to try out our **Sandbox Environment**.

The sandbox allows you to test sending and receiving WhatsApp messages without needing your own WhatsApp Business Number. It's a great way to validate your setup and understand our APIs.

### What is the Sandbox?

The sandbox is a test WhatsApp number provided by Lipachat. You can:

* Send business-initiated messages
* Receive and reply to messages
* Test webhooks
* Build and test chatbots
* Run CRM-like flows
* Simulate surveys and broadcasts

No approvals or number setup is needed—just connect and test.

### 🚀 Step-by-Step: Connect to the Sandbox

#### 1. Join the Sandbox

Send the code below to our sandbox number to activate your 24-hour session:

{% hint style="info" %}
Your session is valid for 24 hours. To keep using the sandbox, you must send a message within that window to extend it.
{% endhint %}

2. #### Send a Message via API

Once connected, you can send a message using our [Message API](https://docs.lipachat.com/api/sending-messages).

Sample Request:

```sh
curl --location 'https://gateway.lipachat.com/api/v1/whatsapp/message/text' \
--header 'apiKey: YOUR_API_KEY' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--data '{
    "message": "Hello world",
    "messageId": "e66fc7b8-680f-4887-8dc8-ee062d65b54f",
    "to": "254XXXXXXX",
    "from": "254110090747"
}'
```

You can also explore prebuilt examples in our [Postman Collection](https://www.postman.com/lively-shuttle-345383/workspace/lipachat-apis/collection/1880882-362c9de0-8bff-4dbb-9596-194223a41ad8?action=share\&creator=1880882\&active-environment=1880882-199aa005-02f1-4f12-8b08-70ab6d90d1ee)

### Common Troubleshooting

<table><thead><tr><th width="294.39453125">Problem</th><th>Solution</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>401 Unathorized</td><td>Ensure you are sending apiKey header.</td></tr><tr><td>400 No active sanbox session</td><td>Check if you are within the 24-hour window or if the number was entered correctly.</td></tr><tr><td>Webhook not firing</td><td>Double-check your webhook URL configuration and use webhook.site to test.</td></tr></tbody></table>