Quick Setup Checklist
Use this quick checklist to understand what RapidPro can (and can’t) do for multi-person messaging.
- Confirm how messaging is modeled in RapidPro (one contact per conversation).
- Use Broadcasts, Flows, or Campaigns to reach many contacts at once.
- Understand why replies are always private and separate.
- Choose an alternative tool if you need real-time group conversations.
- Review common misconceptions and fixes.
RapidPro is designed for one-to-one messaging between your workspace and individual contacts. Each incoming or outgoing message is associated with a single contact record.
[CAPTURE: Diagram or UI illustration showing one-to-one messaging between contacts and a RapidPro workspace.]
No. RapidPro does not support group chat functionality.
While you can message many contacts at once, contacts cannot see or respond to each other’s messages. Messages and replies remain private between each contact and your workspace.
Although group chats are not supported, you can still communicate with many contacts using:
- Broadcasts to send one-off or scheduled messages to groups
- Flows to start multiple contacts in the same automation at once
- Campaigns to message contacts relative to dates or events
In all of these cases:
- Each contact receives messages individually
- Responses come only to your workspace
- Contacts do not see messages from other contacts
[CAPTURE: Broadcast or flow start dialog showing a group of contacts selected.]
RapidPro’s messaging model maps messages directly between:
- Your workspace, and
- A single contact
This design supports:
- Clear contact histories
- Reliable automation and flow logic
- Accurate consent, opt-out, and compliance handling
Group chat functionality would conflict with this model and is therefore not supported.
Common Issues & Fixes
I expected replies from a broadcast to be shared with the group
Explanation: Broadcasts send messages to many contacts, but replies are always handled individually.
Fix: Use broadcasts for announcements and structured prompts, not group discussions.
I need real-time group conversations
Explanation: RapidPro is not designed for chat rooms or multi-participant conversations.
Fix: Use a dedicated group messaging or collaboration platform for real-time group discussion, and use RapidPro for automated one-to-one workflows.
Is this a channel limitation (SMS, WhatsApp, etc.)?
Explanation: No. This behavior is consistent across all channels supported by RapidPro.
Fix: Treat RapidPro as a one-to-one engagement platform, even when you broadcast to many contacts.