Getting Started with the Vonage API Dashboard

This guide will walk you through your first login, help you navigate the Dashboard interface, and show you how to get your API credentials so you can start building with Vonage.

Please note: Some Dashboard features require account verification and payment method setup. You can explore most features with a free trial account.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  1. A Vonage account - Sign up for free if you don't have one yet
  2. Verified email address - Check your inbox for the verification email
  3. Payment method (optional for trial) - Required for production use and certain features

Log In to Your Dashboard

Dashboard Landing Page

Access your Vonage API Dashboard and familiarize yourself with the interface.

  1. Navigate to Vonage API Dashboard

  2. Enter your email address and password.

  3. Complete two-factor authentication (2FA) if enabled on your account.

    If this is your first login, you may see an onboarding wizard. Follow the prompts to set up your account preferences.

  4. After successful login, you'll see the Dashboard homepage.

Understanding the Dashboard Layout

The Dashboard is organized into three main sections accessible from the left navigation:

Control - Manage Your Account

Access billing, payments, and core account settings:

  • Billing & Payments - Add payment methods, view balance, download invoices
  • API Settings - Manage your API keys and secrets securely
  • Pricing - View per-destination pricing for all products
  • Account Settings - Update profile, notifications, and preferences

Monitor - Track Your Usage

View real-time activity and protect your account:

  • Logs - Real-time logs for SMS, voice, and messaging traffic
  • Analytics - Usage patterns and delivery metrics
  • Fraud Defender - Set rules to detect and block suspicious activity
  • Delivery Reports - Monitor message and call quality

Build - Configure Products

Set up and test Vonage API products:

  • Applications - Create applications that store webhooks and configuration
  • Phone Numbers - Buy and manage virtual numbers globally
  • Messaging - Send test SMS, configure WhatsApp, set up 10DLC
  • Voice - Test calls, configure SIP trunking, use voice playground
  • Video - Access video session tools and configuration

Top Navigation Bar

Left side:

  • Vonage APIs logo - Click to return to the homepage
  • Search for help - Quick search for documentation and support articles

Right side:

  • Account balance - Shows your current credit (e.g., "You have €39.27 credit left")
  • Add funds button - Quick access to top up your account

Get Your First API Credentials

Dashboard API Settings

Your API key and secret are required to authenticate API requests.

  1. From the Dashboard homepage, navigate to API Settings in the left sidebar.

  2. On the API Settings page, you'll see your API Key (1) and API Secret (2).

  3. Click the copy icon next to each credential to copy it to your clipboard.

    Security Note: Never commit your API secret to source control. Store credentials securely using environment variables or a secrets management system.

  4. (Optional) Click "Show" next to the API secret to reveal the full value before copying.

    Your API secret is hidden by default for security. Only reveal it when you need to copy it.

Learn more: API Settings Guide

Next Steps

Now that you're familiar with the Dashboard, explore based on your use case:

For Messaging

For Voice

For Security & Monitoring

For Account Management

Getting Help