Introduction: Need a channel to temporarily stop sending messages to contacts? In RapidPro.app, you can disable a channel without removing it. Disabling keeps the channel’s configuration and history, while preventing it from being used for new outgoing messages.
Disable a channel safely (without deleting it)
If you just need the essentials, follow this quick path:
- Open Workspace Settings → Channels → open the channel → Edit
- Uncheck Enabled → Save
- Confirm what changes (sending stops, inbound auto-archives, URN routing)
- Know what won’t change (queued Outbox messages can still send)
Disabling preserves configuration and history—use it for maintenance windows, provider incidents, or staged rollouts.
Step-by-Step Process
- Go to Workspace Settings (gear icon).
- In the left menu, click Channels.
- Click the channel you want to disable.
- Open the channel menu (⋮ / ☰) and select Edit.
[CAPTURE: Workspace Settings → Channels list → channel page with the Edit option highlighted.]
- In the Edit pop-up, find the Enabled checkbox.
- Uncheck Enabled.
- Click Save.
[CAPTURE: Edit channel window showing Enabled unchecked.]
What happens after disabling:
- The channel is no longer available for sending messages to contacts.
- Incoming messages to that channel are automatically archived.
- If a contact’s only URN is tied to that channel, message attempts may fail with: “No suitable channel found”.
[CAPTURE: Channels list showing the channel status as disabled/unavailable for sending.]
Disabling a channel prevents new outbound sends, but queued messages may still deliver.
[CAPTURE: Outbox/queued messages view (if available) showing pending sends.]
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
I disabled the channel, but messages are still being delivered
Problem: After disabling, you still see deliveries happening.
Fix:
- Check the Outbox: messages already queued can still send.
- Wait for the provider queue to clear, then re-test with a new message.
Messages fail with “No suitable channel found”
Problem: RapidPro.app can’t find an enabled channel/URN to reach the contact.
Fix:
- Confirm the contact has another valid URN (or another enabled channel that can reach them).
- Re-enable the channel if it’s the only path for that contact.
I can’t find the “Edit” option for the channel
Problem: The channel menu doesn’t show Edit.
Fix:
- Make sure you opened the channel page, not just the Channels list.
- Confirm you have the right permissions (Admin access may be required).