Quick Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to confirm what the API can do and how to safely start using it in your workspace.
- Identify the main actions you can perform with the RapidPro API.
- Open the API documentation and use the API Explorer to test endpoints.
- Generate and use an API token to authenticate requests.
- Use the API for common integrations (contacts, flows, messaging, reporting).
- Know what to check first when API requests fail.
RapidPro provides a powerful and flexible API that lets you integrate your workspace with external systems and services. You can use the API to automate workflows, synchronize data, and build custom integrations.
Common actions available via the API include:
- Create, update, and manage contacts
- Start flows for individual contacts or groups
- Send messages programmatically
- Retrieve messages, flow runs, and results
- Manage groups, fields, and channels
- Synchronize RapidPro data with external databases or services
The API supports both simple automations and complex system integrations.
To explore the API:
- Open the API documentation from the RapidPro website.
- Use the API Explorer to test endpoints directly from your browser.
[CAPTURE: API Explorer interface with an example request.]
To authenticate API requests, generate (or use an existing) API token from your account settings.
General workflow:
- Go to your Account settings.
- Find the API token section.
- Generate a token and store it securely.
- Include the token in your requests when calling endpoints.
[CAPTURE: RapidPro account page showing API token section.]
Security note: Treat API tokens like passwords. Only share them with trusted administrators and rotate them if they are exposed.
Typical use cases include:
- Syncing contacts from an external CRM
- Automatically starting flows based on events in another system
- Sending messages from an external application
- Exporting messages or flow data for reporting
- Posting collected data to third-party services via webhooks and API calls
If you need historical data that no longer appears in standard views, archived data may be available via the Archives area and related endpoints (depending on your setup).
When requests fail, start by checking authentication and request formatting. The API Explorer is the fastest way to validate an endpoint, method, and payload.
Common Issues & Fixes
I can’t access the API
Possible cause: Missing or invalid API token.
Fix: Generate a valid API token from your account settings and include it in your requests.
My requests are failing
Possible causes: Incorrect endpoint, method, or payload.
Fix: Verify the endpoint and parameters using the API Explorer, then retry with a known-good example.
I can’t retrieve older messages or runs via the API
Possible cause: Older data may be archived and not available through standard endpoints.
Fix: Download archives from the Account → Archives section, or use the archive-related endpoints if your workflow requires API access to older data.