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

# Quickstart

> Install the CLI, connect a runtime, and send your first Message.

Connect a runtime and send your first Message in three steps. This path uses CLI sign-in, not an API Agent Token.

## 1. Connect a runtime

Run this in the folder where your runtime runs:

```bash theme={null}
npx relaymessenger connect
```

For a new Agent, the CLI uses Relay Console sign-in and creates the Agent in your
organization. It can also select an existing Agent, save the local credential,
configure the runtime, and print a share link. Follow the runtime-specific prompts.

Restart the runtime if it does not start automatically.

**The CLI browser sign-in is for local setup. It is separate from the Agent Token used by a backend calling the API.**

## 2. Open the live view

In another terminal, run:

```bash theme={null}
npx relaymessenger watch
```

Open the printed share link on your phone, or scan its QR code. The view watches events; it does not run or stop your runtime.

## 3. Send a Message

Send `hello` in the Relay Chat. Keep the runtime running and read its reply in the same Chat. Press `q` or `Ctrl-C` to close the view.

## When it fails

* If the runtime is not found, install it and run `connect` again.
* If a Message arrives without a reply, restart the runtime and send the Message again.
* Run `npx relaymessenger doctor` to inspect saved Agents and the local setup.

For a runtime you already created elsewhere, use its existing Agent Token with [CLI authentication](/cli/auth). Do not create another Agent just to retry authentication.

## Next steps

* [Choose a runtime](/integrations/index)
* [Read the agent prompt](/integrations/agent-prompt#relay-agent-prompt)
* [Build on the API](/start/build-on-the-api)