Voice Support (IVR): Does the Platform Support Calling?

Yes — you can build voice (IVR) flows in RapidPro, and you can also mix SMS and Voice interactions in the same workflow (depending on your connected channels and flow design). To use IVR, you’ll need a voice-capable channel (for example, Twilio Voice) connected to your workspace.

Quick Setup Checklist

Use this checklist to connect a voice channel and create your first IVR flow.

  1. Connect a voice-capable channel (e.g., Twilio Voice).
  2. Create a new Phone Call flow (voice medium).
  3. Build and test your IVR logic (prompts + input).
  4. Publish and verify call routing to the flow.
  5. Troubleshoot common IVR setup issues.
1
Connect a voice channel

To use IVR, you’ll need a voice-capable channel (for example, Twilio Voice) connected to your workspace.

  • Go to Channels.
  • Add and configure a Voice channel provider (such as Twilio Voice).
  • Confirm the channel shows as connected/active.

[CAPTURE: Channels page showing a connected voice channel (e.g., Twilio).]

[CAPTURE: Add Channel flow showing a Voice channel option and successful connection.]

2
Create a new voice flow

  • Go to Flows.
  • Click New Flow.
  • In the flow medium (or flow type) selector, choose Phone Call.

[CAPTURE: New Flow dialog with “Phone Call” selected as the medium.]

3
Build your IVR logic

Add voice steps such as prompts and input handling (DTMF or voice input, depending on your setup).

  • Add a voice prompt (what the caller hears).
  • Configure input collection (DTMF keypad or voice input, if supported).
  • Route callers using rules or split logic based on the captured input.

[CAPTURE: Flow editor showing a simple IVR flow with a prompt and input step.]

4
Test and verify call routing

Test your IVR flow using the Simulator and then with a real call.

  • Use the Simulator for a quick validation of the flow path.
  • Place a real call to confirm your number/channel routes calls to the correct flow.
  • Confirm the flow is saved/published and the trigger configuration matches your setup.

Common Issues & Fixes

I don’t see “Phone Call” as an option

Possible cause: No voice channel is connected.

Fix: Connect a voice channel first (e.g., Twilio Voice), then try creating the flow again.

Calls don’t reach the flow

Possible causes: Number not configured correctly, channel not active, or flow not published.

Fix: Confirm the voice number is connected to the channel, the channel is active, and the flow is saved/published and correctly triggered.

IVR input isn’t being captured

Possible cause: The flow step isn’t set to collect keypad input (DTMF) or the prompt is misconfigured.

Fix: Verify the IVR step is configured to capture input and test again with a real call.