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

# Send a text message

> Send plain text inside an open conversation with POST /v1/whatsapp/messages/text.

Use `POST /v1/whatsapp/messages/text` to reply to a customer with plain text. Text needs an **open 24-hour window** — if the customer has not messaged you in the last 24h, the send returns `422 WINDOW_CLOSED`; send a [template](/guides/whatsapp-send-template) to open one.

## Endpoint

```http theme={null}
POST https://karibu.briq.tz/v1/whatsapp/messages/text
```

**Headers:** `X-API-Key` (required), `Content-Type: application/json`.

## Fields

| Field             | Type   | Required | Notes                                                                                   |
| ----------------- | ------ | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `body`            | string | yes      | The message text, up to 4096 characters.                                                |
| `to`              | string | target   | The customer number in E.164. The number you are messaging.                             |
| `sender`          | string | no       | Which of your numbers to send from. Optional when your workspace has one active sender. |
| `conversation_id` | uuid   | alt      | Alternative to `to` + `sender`: an existing thread to reply in.                         |

## Example

```bash cURL theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://karibu.briq.tz/v1/whatsapp/messages/text" \
  -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{ "to": "255712345678", "body": "Thanks, your order ships today." }'
```

Returns **202** `{ message_id, status: "pending" }`. Then [track delivery](/guides/whatsapp-track-messages). Build and send a live request from the [Send a text message](/Karibu-WhatsApp/messages/send-text) reference page.