Quick Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to confirm you can deploy RapidPro in your country and choose the best channel approach.
- Confirm your channel options for your country and audience.
- Choose a deployment method (direct carrier, aggregator, or Android phone).
- Connect at least one channel and run a test message.
- Validate delivery and troubleshoot connectivity or SIM issues.
- Use the fixes below if messages don’t send as expected.
Yes. RapidPro can be used in any country worldwide. You don’t need special infrastructure to get started, and there are multiple ways to deploy depending on what’s available in your location.
[CAPTURE: World map or workspace setup indicating global availability.]
You can run RapidPro anywhere using one of the following options:
- Direct carrier connections: In some countries, RapidPro supports direct integrations with mobile network operators.
- Local SIM + Android phone: If direct carrier connections aren’t available, you can use a local SIM card and install the free RapidPro Android app on an inexpensive phone.
This approach makes it easy to deploy SMS applications even in low-resource or remote environments.
[CAPTURE: Android phone connected as an SMS channel.]
RapidPro supports multiple channel types, including:
- SMS
- Facebook Messenger
- Telegram
- Other social messaging platforms
To learn more about available options, see the Introduction to Channels guide.
[CAPTURE: Channels configuration page showing SMS and social channels.]
If you’re new to the platform:
- Review Introduction to Channels to understand how messages are sent and received.
- Follow the New User Guide to learn the basics of building and running flows.
[CAPTURE: Flow editor showing a simple messaging flow.]
Common Issues & Fixes
I’m in a country without direct carrier support
Explanation: Not all countries support direct carrier connections.
Fix: Use a local SIM card with an Android phone as your SMS channel.
Messages aren’t sending after setup
Possible causes: Channel not fully connected, SIM inactive, or phone offline.
Fix: Confirm the channel status, ensure the phone has connectivity, and test with a sample message.