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

# Quickstart

> Get your first notification working in 5 minutes

# Quickstart

Send your first notification in under 5 minutes.

## Prerequisites

* Dashtray account (sign up at [web.dashtray.app](https://web.dashtray.app))
* Dashtray app installed on your Android device ([Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.dashtray))
* `curl` or any HTTP client

## Step 1: Generate an API Key

1. Open [Dashtray Dashboard](https://web.dashtray.app)
2. Navigate to **Settings** → **API Keys**
3. Click **Generate New Key**
4. Name it `quickstart-test`
5. Copy the full key (you won't see it again!)

Example key: `sk_test_a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6`

## Step 2: Send Your First Notification

Use `curl` to send a notification:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.dashtray.app/api/v1/notifications/send \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_test_a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title": "Hello Dashtray!",
    "body": "Your first notification is working"
  }'
```

✅ Check your phone - you should see the notification! (The delivered title will be prefixed with `MCP - `.)

## Step 3: Customize Your Notification

Send more details in the body — status, error messages, links:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.dashtray.app/api/v1/notifications/send \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_test_a1b2c3d4e5f6g7h8i9j0k1l2m3n4o5p6" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title": "Build Complete",
    "body": "Deployment succeeded in 2m 45s"
  }'
```

## What's Next?

* 📚 Read the [API Reference](/api-reference/overview) for all options
* 🤖 Set up [MCP Integration](/integration/mcp) for Claude/Cline
* 📋 Explore [Alerts](/api-reference/endpoints#get-alerts) for templates
* 🔑 Learn about [API Keys](/authentication)

## Troubleshooting

**Not receiving notifications?**

* Ensure the app is installed and you're logged in
* Check your device notification settings
* Verify the API key is correct (starts with `sk_`)

**Getting 401 errors?**

* API key format: `Bearer sk_test_...`
* Check for typos in your key
* Regenerate the key if unsure

**Rate limited?**

* Check your current [plan limits](/introduction#plans)
* Upgrade for higher limits
* Space out requests to stay under limits

That's it! You're ready to integrate Dashtray into your workflows. 🎉


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.