> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://hilos-40.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start a Conversation

To start a conversation in Hilos, first navigate to the Templates section to create or choose an initial template. Then, go to the Inbox and **use the "+" button** to open a new conversation by searching for the contact or entering the phone number.

Select a template to start the conversation and, if it contains variables, fill in the value for each variable. Wait for the contact to respond to activate the 24-hour conversation window, allowing you to interact freely as you would on WhatsApp Web.

![How to start a conversation in Hilos](https://hilos-media.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/mintlify/%5BEN%5D/newagent/1..png)

You can read and learn more about quick replies [by clicking here.](https://hilos.io/docs/user/using-hilos/inbox/starting-a-conversation)