---
title: Send a test Broadcast
description: >-
  Create an Unofficial API Broadcast, pick a contact group, write a text
  message, and send it now.
sidebar:
  order: 1
---
In this tutorial, you will send one small test Broadcast from an **Unofficial API** account to a contact group.

**Time needed:** 10 minutes

## Before you start

Make sure:

- You are logged in to Wabot.
- The WhatsApp account you will send from shows **Online**.
- You have a small test group or **Broadcast List**. Put only your own number in it first.

> If WhatsApp is not connected yet, finish [Connect Your WhatsApp Account](/getting-started/connect-account) first.

> Only send to people who asked to get messages from you. A phone number in your list is not the same as permission.

## 1. Open Broadcast

On the left menu, click **Broadcast**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/features/broadcast/01-broadcast-list-light.png" alt="Broadcasts page with Broadcast highlighted in the left menu" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/features/broadcast/01-broadcast-list-dark.png" alt="Broadcasts page with Broadcast highlighted in the left menu" width="1216" height="760" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Click <strong>Broadcast</strong> in the left menu to open <strong>Broadcasts</strong>.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 2. Start a new Broadcast

Click **Create**.

Enter a **Broadcast Name** you will recognise later.

**Example:** `Test Broadcast`

## 3. Choose Unofficial API and a small group

1. Select **Unofficial API**.
2. Pick the WhatsApp account that is **Online**.
3. Choose **Contact Groups**.
4. Under **Include Groups**, pick your test group or **Broadcast List**.
5. Check the recipient count. For this tutorial, keep it to a few numbers only.

Click **Continue**.

<figure class="doc-shot">
  <img class="doc-shot__light" src="/images/features/broadcast/02-audience-unofficial-light.png" alt="Choose Your Audience with Unofficial API and Include Groups highlighted" width="1216" height="1400" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <img class="doc-shot__dark" src="/images/features/broadcast/02-audience-unofficial-dark.png" alt="Choose Your Audience with Unofficial API and Include Groups highlighted" width="1216" height="1400" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Pick <strong>Unofficial API</strong>, your account, then your test group under <strong>Include Groups</strong>. Sample names shown.</figcaption>
</figure>

## 4. Write a text message

Choose **Text & Media**, then **Caption Only**.

Type a short message.

> This is a test Broadcast from Wabot.

You can add `{name}` if you want each person to see their name.

If you see **Send Test Message**, send one to your own number first.

Use the country code, with no `+` and no spaces.

**Right:** `60123456789`  
**Wrong:** `+60 12-345 6789`

Click **Continue**.

## 5. Send it now

Choose **Send Now**.

Review the account, audience, and message. Click **Launch Broadcast** only when those look right.

## Make sure it worked

This tutorial worked when:

- The Broadcast appears in the list.
- The status moves to **Sending** or **Completed**.
- The test phone receives the WhatsApp message.
- There is no **Failed** status for that recipient.

## If it didn’t work

### The message did not arrive

- Check the account is still **Online**.
- Open the Broadcast and click **Report**.
- Confirm the test number is in the group, with country code and no `+`.

**Right:** `60123456789`  
**Wrong:** `+60 12-345 6789`

### You cannot click Continue

- Fill in **Broadcast Name**.
- Select an **Unofficial API** account.
- Select at least one group under **Include Groups**.

### Official API asks for a template

This tutorial uses **Unofficial API**. If you selected **Official API**, go back and switch, or follow [Send a Broadcast with a Pre-Approved Template](/features/broadcast/pre-approved-template).

### Status is Failed

Open **Report** and read the error. Do not send again to a large list until the test works.

## Next

Your test Broadcast is done. Next, send with a Meta-approved template from an Official API account.

[Send a Broadcast with a Pre-Approved Template →](/features/broadcast/pre-approved-template)