Introduction: Channels connect your RapidPro.app workspace to messaging or voice providers so you can send and receive messages (and calls, depending on the channel). Once a channel is added, it can start processing immediately—so your flows can deliver messages right away. This guide shows how to add a new channel and how to disable an existing channel without losing its integration or history.
Add a channel (and disable it safely when needed)
If you just need the essentials, follow this quick path:
- Open Workspace Settings and click + New channel
- Pick the channel type and complete provider setup
- Verify the channel is enabled and can send/receive
- Disable a channel via Edit → uncheck Enabled → Save
- Re-enable later (or keep disabled during maintenance)
Adding connects delivery immediately; disabling stops new outbound sends without deleting the integration or history.
Step-by-Step Process
- Open Workspace settings (gear icon).
- Click + New channel.
- Choose the channel type you want to add (Twilio, Telegram, Messenger, etc.).
- Follow the provider-specific setup steps and Save.
[CAPTURE: Workspace settings screen showing the “+ New channel” button.]
Each provider requires slightly different details (API credentials, a number, a bot token, or a page connection). During setup, make sure you:
- Paste credentials carefully (avoid extra spaces)
- Select the correct number/account where applicable
- Confirm the channel is enabled before saving
[CAPTURE: New channel setup screen showing provider fields (credentials/token/number selector) and a Save button.]
After adding the channel:
- Confirm it appears in Workspace settings → Channels.
- Confirm it shows as Enabled.
- Run a quick test with a simple flow (one Send Message) to verify delivery.
[CAPTURE: Channels list showing the newly added channel with an Enabled status.]
Disabling a channel stops new outbound messages from being sent without removing the channel or deleting history.
- Go to Workspace settings → Channels (or open the channel page).
- Open the channel menu (top-right ☰ or ⋮).
- Click Edit.
- Uncheck Enabled.
- Click Save.
What happens next:
- New outbound sends stop for that channel.
- Previously sent messages may still deliver (depending on the provider queue).
[CAPTURE: Channel Edit window showing the “Enabled” checkbox unchecked.]
When you’re ready to resume sending:
- Open the channel’s Edit screen again.
- Check Enabled.
- Save.
[CAPTURE: Channel Edit window showing the “Enabled” checkbox checked.]
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
I don’t see “+ New channel”
Problem: The option to add a channel isn’t visible in settings.
Fix:
- Make sure you’re in Workspace settings (not Flows).
- Confirm you have the right permissions (Admin access may be required).
Messages still deliver after disabling the channel
Problem: You disabled the channel, but some messages continue to deliver.
Fix:
- This can be normal: previously sent messages may already be queued by the provider.
- Check your provider dashboard/logs if delivery continues long after disabling.
Flows don’t send after adding a channel
Problem: The channel exists, but messages aren’t sending.
Fix:
- Confirm the channel is Enabled.
- Verify contacts have the correct URN type (phone number, Telegram ID, etc.).
- Test with a simple one-step flow and review message/call logs.