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

# Create a Developer Account

> Learn how to set up your Smartbills developer account

## Overview

To start building with Smartbills API, you'll need to create a developer account. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

## Step 1: Sign Up for Smartbills

If you don't already have a Smartbills account, you'll need to create one first.

1. Visit [app.smartbills.io/register](https://auth.smartbills.io/sign-up)
2. Choose your account type:
   * **Personal** - For individual users
   * **Business** - For companies and organizations
3. Fill in your information:
   * Email address
   * Password (minimum 8 characters)
   * First and last name
   * Country/Region
4. Accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
5. Click **Create Account**

<Tip>
  Use a business email address for better account management and team collaboration.
</Tip>

## Step 2: Verify Your Email

After signing up, you'll receive a verification email:

1. Check your inbox for an email from Smartbills
2. Click the **Verify Email** link
3. You'll be redirected to the Smartbills dashboard

<Warning>
  The verification link expires after 24 hours. If it expires, you can request a new one from the login page.
</Warning>

## Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Once your email is verified, complete your profile:

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Profile**
2. Add additional information:
   * Phone number (optional but recommended)
   * Company name (for business accounts)
   * Address
   * Time zone
   * Preferred currency
3. Upload a profile picture (optional)
4. Click **Save Changes**

## Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

To access developer features and API keys:

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Developer**
2. Read and accept the Developer Terms
3. Click **Enable Developer Mode**
4. You'll now see the Developer dashboard

<Check>
  Congratulations! Your developer account is now active.
</Check>

## Step 5: Create Your First Business (Optional)

While not required for API access, creating a business allows you to test the full range of features:

1. Click **+ New Business** in the sidebar
2. Enter your business information:
   * Business name
   * Industry/Category
   * Currency (e.g., USD, CAD, EUR)
   * Time zone
   * Fiscal year start month
3. Click **Create Business**

## Developer Dashboard

Your developer dashboard provides access to:

### API Keys

Generate and manage API keys for authentication.

### Webhooks

Configure webhook endpoints to receive real-time notifications.

### API Usage

Monitor your API usage and rate limits.

### Logs

View API request logs and debug issues.

### Documentation

Quick access to API reference and guides.

## What's Next?

Now that your developer account is set up, you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Generate API Keys" icon="key" href="/developer/api-keys">
    Create API keys for authentication
  </Card>

  <Card title="Make Your First API Call" icon="code" href="/quickstart">
    Follow our quickstart guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Webhooks" icon="webhook" href="/developer/webhooks">
    Configure event notifications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore API Reference" icon="book" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Browse all available endpoints
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Account Types and Limits

### Free Plan

* Up to 50 API requests per hour
* 500 expenses per month
* Basic support

### Professional Plan

* Up to 1,000 API requests per hour
* Unlimited expenses
* Priority support
* Webhook support

### Enterprise Plan

* Custom rate limits
* Unlimited expenses
* Dedicated support
* SLA guarantees
* Custom integrations

<Tip>
  Start with the Free plan to test the API, then upgrade as your needs grow.
</Tip>

## Security Recommendations

### Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Protect your developer account with 2FA:

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Security**
2. Click **Enable Two-Factor Authentication**
3. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
4. Enter the verification code
5. Save your backup codes

### Set Up Account Recovery

Configure account recovery options:

1. Add a recovery email address
2. Add a recovery phone number
3. Save your recovery codes in a secure location

### Review Login Activity

Regularly check your login history:

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Security** → **Login History**
2. Review recent logins
3. Report any suspicious activity

## Team Management

### Invite Team Members

Add developers to your account:

1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Team**
2. Click **Invite Member**
3. Enter their email address
4. Assign a role:
   * **Developer** - Can create API keys and webhooks
   * **Admin** - Full account access
   * **Viewer** - Read-only access
5. Click **Send Invitation**

### Manage Permissions

Control what team members can access:

* **API Keys** - Create and revoke API keys
* **Webhooks** - Configure webhook endpoints
* **Billing** - View and manage billing
* **Settings** - Modify account settings

## Troubleshooting

### Can't Verify Email?

If you don't receive the verification email:

1. Check your spam folder
2. Verify the email address is correct
3. Request a new verification email from the login page
4. Contact [support@smartbills.io](mailto:support@smartbills.io) if issues persist

### Developer Mode Not Available?

Developer mode may not be available if:

* Your email is not verified
* Your account is suspended
* You're in a restricted region

Contact support for assistance.

### Forgot Password?

To reset your password:

1. Go to [app.smartbills.io/login](https://app.smartbills.io/login)
2. Click **Forgot Password?**
3. Enter your email address
4. Check your email for reset instructions
5. Create a new password

## Support

Need help setting up your account?

* **Email**: [support@smartbills.io](mailto:support@smartbills.io)
* **Documentation**: [docs.smartbills.io](https://docs.smartbills.io)
* **Community**: [community.smartbills.io](https://community.smartbills.io)
* **Status**: [status.smartbills.io](https://status.smartbills.io)

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="API Keys" icon="key" href="/developer/api-keys">
    Generate your first API key
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="shield" href="/authentication">
    Learn about API authentication
  </Card>
</CardGroup>