# Connecting an API inbox

An **API** inbox has no messaging app behind it. Your own system creates the conversations and messages, for example from an in-app chat you built, a kiosk, or a channel Mampu AI does not connect natively, and your team replies from the dashboard like any other inbox.

## 1. Add an API inbox

Go to **Settings → Inboxes → Add Inbox** and choose **API**.

![API channel form](../../.gitbook/assets/guides/api-add-inbox-form.jpg)

* **Channel Name**: how the inbox appears in your sidebar.
* **Webhook URL**: optional. The address where your system receives events such as a new reply from your team. Leave it blank if your system only sends.

Click **Create API Channel**, pick the agents who will answer and **Add agents**.

## 2. Collect what your developers need

Open the inbox's settings page:

* **Settings** shows the **Webhook URL** and the **Webhook Secret** used to sign events sent to you, with **Copy** and **Reset**.
* **Configuration** shows the **Inbox Identifier**, the **Inbound Webhook URL** your system posts contact and message data to, the **Payload Format**, and **Enforce User Identity Validation** for signed requests.

The request and response formats are documented for developers at [developers.sapot.ai](https://developers.sapot.ai).

## Simpler alternative for lead forms

If all you need is to turn a form submission or another system's event into a conversation, an **Inbound Webhook** on a WhatsApp or other inbox may be enough and needs no coding. See [Inbound Webhooks](/settings/inbound-webhooks).

## Related

* [Inboxes and channels](/settings/inboxes-and-channels)
* [Inbox settings, tab by tab](/settings/inbox-settings-tabs)
* [Inbound Webhooks](/settings/inbound-webhooks)
* [SMS and API blasting](/campaigns/sms-and-api-campaigns)

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Source: https://help.mampuai.com/settings/connecting-an-api-inbox