> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/first-steps.md).

# First Steps

Get started with Chirp — what you need and the LoRaWAN setup flow that takes you from unboxing to live sensor data.

Start with one useful job for your home: see a room's temperature, watch a door sensor, or receive a leak alert. This section helps you find your way around Chirp and connect your first sensor. You can also ask the [AI Assistant](/ai-assistant/let-ai-set-it-up.md) to work through the configuration with you.

The hands-on tutorial uses LoRaWAN. If your sensor uses another connection, the [Connectors guide](/connectors.md) shows where to begin.

## What's ahead

| Page                                                                   | What you'll learn                                                                                                                               |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Finding Your Way Around](/first-steps/finding-your-way-around.md)     | A tour of the interface — where everything is, what each section does, and how to customize your view                                           |
| [Connect Your First Sensor](/first-steps/connect-your-first-sensor.md) | A hands-on LoRaWAN guide: set up your gateway, create an LNS connection, register a sensor, build a room dashboard, and create your first alarm |

## What you'll need

* A Chirp account
* A web browser on your computer, tablet, or phone
* For the hands-on guide: a LoRaWAN gateway and a sensor (like a temperature/humidity sensor) with its Device EUI and AppKey — these usually come printed on the device or its packaging

No hardware yet? The first two pages are still worth reading — they'll help you understand what Chirp can do and how it works before your sensors arrive.

## The LoRaWAN setup flow

Here's what that path looks like:

```
Sign up → Plug in your gateway → Create a connector → Register your sensor → Build a dashboard → Set up an alarm
```

Not every Chirp setup starts with a gateway. This flow is specifically for LoRaWAN sensors. Other connection types begin with the connection itself instead.

Most people have their first LoRaWAN sensor reporting data within 15 minutes. The [Connect Your First Sensor](/first-steps/connect-your-first-sensor.md) guide walks you through every step.

## After your first sensor

Want to connect scripts or trusted tools to Chirp? Create an API key and use the [API](/api.md) — REST over plain HTTPS is all most home setups need.

## Start with an existing camera

Already have a compatible IP camera? Begin with [Lens and Twin](/lens/installing-twin.md). Twin runs at your home, one container for each camera, and connects it to Chirp. You can complete the sensor walkthrough separately.