Quick Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to connect RapidPro to Zapier and start automating data exchange between your tools.
Zapier connects apps using automations called Zaps.
To get started:
- Create an account on Zapier.
- Search for RapidPro in the Zapier app directory.
- Open the RapidPro app page to see available triggers and actions.
[CAPTURE: Show the Zapier editor displaying a Zap with a trigger app on the left and an action app on the right.]
Each Zap has:
- A Trigger (something that happens in an app)
- An Action (what Zapier does next)
Example patterns:
- When RapidPro collects a response → add a row in Google Sheets.
- When a new Typeform submission happens → start a RapidPro flow.
- When a WordPress form is submitted → trigger a RapidPro follow-up flow.
Option A: RapidPro → Zapier (send flow responses out)
The RapidPro Zapier app supports a Flow Event trigger that sends responses collected in a flow to Zapier.
To use it:
- Add a Call Zapier action inside your flow.
- When the flow reaches that step, the collected data is sent to Zapier and forwarded to your selected app (Sheets, Slack, CRM, etc.).
[CAPTURE: Show a flow editor with a Call Zapier action configured.]
Option B: Zapier → RapidPro (push data into RapidPro)
The RapidPro Zapier app supports a Start Flow action that lets Zapier start one or more contacts in a RapidPro flow using data from another app (form submissions, CRM updates, website events, etc.).
[CAPTURE: Show a Zapier action step configured with Start Flow and mapped contact fields.]
Note: Contacts must exist in RapidPro or be created as part of the Zap for the flow to start successfully.
Before enabling your Zap:
- Run a test in Zapier to confirm data mapping is correct.
- Verify the RapidPro step (flow event or start flow) behaves as expected.
- Turn the Zap on only after tests succeed.
[CAPTURE: Show Zapier’s test step (or test results) confirming a successful run.]
Zapier templates are a fast way to learn common automation patterns, such as:
- Add new flow responses to Google Sheets.
- Post new flow responses to Slack.
- Start a flow when a new Mailchimp subscriber is added.
- Create CRM contacts from flow events.
For more control, you can also build multi-step Zaps (RapidPro + two or more connected apps).
[CAPTURE: Show Zapier’s template gallery with RapidPro-related Zaps listed.]
[CAPTURE: Show a multi-step Zap with RapidPro connected to two or more external apps.]
Common Issues
I can’t find the RapidPro app in Zapier
Make sure you are searching the Zapier app directory for RapidPro and that you are logged into your Zapier account.
My Zap isn’t sending any flow responses to Google Sheets or Slack
Confirm your flow includes a Call Zapier action and that contacts are reaching that step. Then test the Zap in Zapier and verify the field mapping.
Zapier can’t start a RapidPro flow for a contact
Contacts must exist in RapidPro or be created as part of the Zap. Verify the contact identifier and any mapped fields required by the flow.
I need help designing my automation
Start with a Zapier template, then adapt it. If you’re still unsure, contact support using the widget in the bottom-right corner of your workspace.