With Coexistence, businesses can now use both interfaces on the same phone number — keeping their existing number, chats, and contacts intact.
Key Points
- WhatsApp Coexistence is an official Meta-supported capability that allows the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business Platform (API) to run on the same phone number.
- Businesses can upgrade their existing Business App number to API without losing chats or contacts (some feature limitations may apply).
- You can continue using the Business App for manual conversations while using the API for automation, CRM, and multi-agent chat, both work side by side.
- Coexistence works within WhatsApp’s rules, as long as you onboard via Meta’s Embedded Signup flow or a verified BSP (Business Solution Provider).
- Currently rolling out gradually, availability depends on your country, BSP, and number eligibility.
- Certain functions like disappearing messages, broadcast lists, or view-once media may not fully work when coexistence is enabled.
Table of Contents
In 2020, when the world hit pause due to COVID-19, businesses had no choice but to go digital. From cozy cafes in Delhi to local boutiques in Karachi, everyone scrambled to stay connected with customers. And WhatsApp? It became the lifeline. Especially in countries like Pakistan, where it’s often the go-to communication tool for businesses.
But soon, cracks began to show. Small retailers and service providers who were using the WhatsApp Business app found it limiting. They couldn’t manage multiple agents, automate messages, or handle large volumes of chats.
Naturally, some looked toward the WhatsApp Business Platform (previously known as WhatsApp Business API) for help. It came with powerful features and also a major catch: switching to the API often meant changing your number and losing your chat history. For many businesses, that was too big a sacrifice.
That’s when Meta stepped in with a smarter solution: WhatsApp Coexistence. This official Meta feature now allows eligible businesses to use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) on the same phone number, at the same time, through Meta’s Coexistence or Embedded Signup process.
No more “either-or” choices. Now, businesses can keep their trusted numbers, hold on to old chats, and still unlock all the advanced goodies the API offers.
What is WhatsApp Coexistence?
WhatsApp Coexistence is a feature that enables businesses to operate the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business Platform concurrently on the same phone number. This dual functionality allows for seamless integration of manual and automated communication strategies, enhancing customer engagement without disrupting existing workflows.
It’s available through Meta’s Embedded Signup flow and currently being rolled out gradually, depending on country, BSP, and phone number eligibility.”
Think of it as having the best of both worlds:
- The WhatsApp Business app: for personalized, human interaction via mobile
- The WhatsApp Business API: for large-scale, automated, and professional communication through third-party platforms like CRMs
This is a game-changer, especially for businesses that want to scale without losing their human touch.
Key Benefits of WhatsApp Coexistence
1. Seamless Transition Without Data Loss
Previously, upgrading to the WhatsApp Business Platform necessitated deactivating the existing WhatsApp Business account, leading to potential data loss. With Coexistence, businesses can retain most recent chats (up to six months), contacts, and key information. However, some message types like disappearing messages, broadcast lists, and group chats are not synchronized.
This is especially critical for businesses that rely on trust, such as:
- Medical and healthcare providers
- Education institutions
- Home service businesses
- Financial consultants
2. Unified Chat Management
Messages received on WhatsApp are synchronized across both the Business app and API interfaces. This synchronization allows teams to manage conversations through their preferred platforms, whether it’s the mobile app or a desktop-based CRM system.
This flexibility is vital for businesses with distributed teams or hybrid work setups.
3. Access to Advanced Features
Integrating the WhatsApp Business Platform unlocks a suite of advanced tools, including:
- Automated messaging and chatbots
- CRM integrations for streamlined customer data management
- Multi-agent support for handling higher volumes of inquiries
- Broadcast messaging capabilities for marketing campaigns
These features enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
– Verified sender badge
Gain a green checkmark that builds trust and increases message open rates.
All these features together make businesses more responsive, more organized, and better prepared to deliver an excellent customer experience.
4. Cost-Effective Scaling
By enabling the use of existing phone numbers, Coexistence eliminates the costs associated with acquiring new numbers and the potential loss of customer trust linked to changing contact information.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this means scaling like a big brand, without spending like one.
WhatsApp Business App → Cloud API — Feature Comparison
Existing feature on the WhatsApp Business App
Changes to features on the WhatsApp Business App AFTER onboarding to Cloud API
Is the WhatsApp Business app feature supported on Cloud API?
Individual (1:1) chats
Message Edit/Revoke is no longer supported.
Contacts
No change.
Supported.
No change. |
Disappearing messages
Not supported.
View once message
View once messages will be disabled for all individual (1:1) chats
Not supported.
Live location message
Live location messages will be disabled for all individual (1:1) chats
Not supported.
Broadcast lists
Not supported.
Voice and video calls
No change.
Not supported.
Business tools (eg. catalog, orders, status)
No change.
Not supported.
Messaging tools (e.g., marketing messages, greeting message, away message, quick replies, labels)
No change.
Not supported.
Business profile (eg. business name, address, website)
No change.
Not supported.
Linked devices
Implementing WhatsApp Coexistence
WhatsApp Coexistence is enabled only through Meta-approved Business Solution Providers (BSPs) such as Wetarseel.
To leverage WhatsApp Coexistence, businesses need an active WhatsApp Business account. The feature is currently being gradually rolled out by Meta and may be limited to select numbers and regions.
Interested businesses should contact their WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) to initiate the setup process. Providers like Wetarseel offer guidance and support during this transition.
To get started, here’s what businesses need:
- An active WhatsApp Business account on the phone number
- A WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP)—such as Wetarseel.
- A brief onboarding process (usually handled by the BSP)
- Access to the beta version of WhatsApp Coexistence (currently being rolled out gradually)
The BSP plays a critical role here. They:
- Handle the setup and configuration
- Ensure smooth migration and minimal downtime
- Offer training on using API dashboards
- Provide troubleshooting and customer support
Real-World Impact
In Pakistan, where WhatsApp is a primary communication tool for businesses, Coexistence has been transformative. Retailers, educational institutions, and service providers can now enhance their customer engagement strategies without overhauling their existing systems. For example, a local clothing boutique can continue personal interactions via the WhatsApp Business app while simultaneously deploying automated order confirmations and promotional messages through the API.
Common Use Cases for WhatsApp Coexistence
WhatsApp Coexistence is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a practical tool that enhances everyday operations across industries. Here’s how different types of businesses can benefit:
1- Retail & Boutiques
- Use the app for personalized styling suggestions
- Use the API for order confirmations, shipping updates, and promotions
5 Best Ways to Use WhatsApp Business API for Retail in 2025
2- Healthcare & Clinics
- Schedule appointments manually via the app
- Send automated appointment reminders or FAQs via the API
Read more: Whatsapp healthcare sector use cases
3- Educational Institutions
- Counsel students and parents on the app
- Share class schedules, fee reminders, or notices automatically through the API
Read more: WhatsApp Education Use Cases
4- Salons & Spas
- Take bookings through the app
- Send festive offers or appointment reminders with automation
Top 5 ways to use WhatsApp API in Salon
5- Logistics & Delivery
- Handle urgent customer queries via the app
- Automate dispatch messages, live tracking links, and delivery confirmations
6- Financial Services
- Personal consultations through the app
- Automated loan status updates, EMI reminders, and KYC alerts via API
Read more: Whatsapp Finance Use Cases
Limitations and Feature Adjustments with Coexistence
While Coexistence enables powerful new flexibility, some app features will behave differently once your number is linked to the API.
Limitations and changes in functionality are:
- Template Messaging Restrictions: Template messages can only be sent through the API interface, not via the WhatsApp Business App.
- Profile Management Constraints: Business profile updates must be managed through the WhatsApp Business App; the API interface does not support profile modifications.
- Feature Disabling: Certain features such as message editing, disappearing messages, view-once messages, live location sharing, and broadcast lists are disabled when Coexistence is enabled.
- Group message sync and some message types (view once, disappearing, live location) are not supported.
Integration Requirements and Onboarding Process
- Latest App Version: Ensure the WhatsApp Business App is updated to version 2.24.17 or newer to support Coexistence.
- Facebook Page Linking: Linking your WhatsApp Business account to a Facebook Page is a necessary step in the integration process.
- Embedded Signup Process: The onboarding involves an embedded signup that connects your existing WhatsApp Business App to the Cloud API, facilitating seamless integration without data loss.
Operational Considerations and Best Practices
- Team Training: Educate your team on the functionalities and limitations of both the WhatsApp Business App and the API to ensure effective use.
- Monitoring and Analytics: Utilize analytics tools to monitor messaging performance across both platforms, enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Regular Updates: Stay informed about updates and changes to WhatsApp’s policies and features to maintain compliance and leverage new capabilities.
- If your business later wants to deactivate Coexistence or migrate fully to API, contact your BSP — switching repeatedly between modes isn’t recommended.
FAQs
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Q1. Can I use WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API at the same time?
Yes, you can use both under the Coexistence mode. In particular it allows your Business App and API (Cloud or Platform) to coexist on the same phone number, provided your number is eligible and you go through the supported onboarding flow.
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Q2. How to use WhatsApp Business App and API on the same phone number?
To do this, you use the Coexistence onboarding (via Embedded Signup) to link the same number currently on the Business App into the API/Platform. You don’t switch to a new number. However you must ensure your number is eligible, meets region requirements, and is not already bound to another API setup. The practical solution is to use two different numbers and manage them together through your business system — this is the exact setup explained in our coexistence guide.
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Q3. Can I keep using WhatsApp Business App after switching to API?
Yes, under Coexistence you can keep using the Business App and the API. The number remains active in the App while the API is enabled. Some features of the App may change or be limited though.
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Q4. Can sales use WhatsApp Business App while support uses API?
Yes — that setup is consistent with Coexistence: one team uses the Business App for manual chats, another uses the API side for automation/support. The key is both use the same number (in a properly-onboarded Coexistence setup) or separate numbers if you choose a different architecture.
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Q5. How to avoid getting blocked when using WhatsApp Business App and API together?
Use the same policies you would: ensure proper opt-in from users, use approved templates via the API, follow messaging best practices (avoid spam, repetition), maintain number health. The Coexistence feature itself doesn’t change Meta’s policy about quality of messages.
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Q6. How do I avoid getting blocked when sending WhatsApp broadcast messages?
Use the API for large-scale broadcast campaigns (with template messages) rather than the App’s broadcast for very large lists. Ensure recipients have opted in, avoid repetition and low-quality messages, monitor number’s quality rating.
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Q7. What are the limitations of WhatsApp Cloud API compared to BSP solutions?
The Cloud API is Meta’s native interface; BSPs (Business Solution Providers) often add dashboards, templates, analytics, integrations and support. Limitations depend on your provider rather than Meta specifying a fixed comparison.
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Q8. What is WhatsApp Business Coexistence?
Coexistence is the feature whereby the Business App and Business Platform/API can operate simultaneously on the same phone number, allowing businesses to keep manual chat capability in the App while scaling through the API
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Q9. Can I send bulk broadcasts without getting blocked?
Bulk messaging must still comply with Meta policies. Using the API with approved templates and opt-in recipients is the safer route. The App’s broadcast is less appropriate for large-scale outreach.
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Q10. Can I use the same business number on two phones?
For the Business App: you can use companion devices (WhatsApp Web/Desktop) but the number cannot be simultaneously active on two independent App installations in violation of WhatsApp’s device rules. With the API side, multiple team members can respond via a shared inbox, which is one of the advantages of the API.
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Q11. How do I use WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API simultaneously without technical issues?
Use the Coexistence onboarding path, ensure number eligibility, keep the Business App updated, work with a supported BSP, and ensure your number is not bound to a separate legacy API setup. Proper set-up prevents technical conflicts.
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Q12. What happens if I switch from the App to the API too often?
Switching frequently may reduce eligibility or trigger cooldowns, especially if the number has previously been connected to API or changed status. It’s best practice to decide on the Coexistence path and avoid unnecessary re-registrations or number changes.
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Q13. Is it possible to link WhatsApp API and Business App to the same Meta Business Account?
Yes. Your Meta Business Manager or WhatsApp Business Account can support both the App and the API number (especially under Coexistence) within the same business asset structure, provided your provider supports it and the number is eligible.
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Q14. Can I use WhatsApp API for chatbots without losing my business number and chat history?
Yes — with Coexistence you can keep your business number and retain much of your chat history official Meta doc say up to ~6 months) when onboarding. However, group chats and some message types may not fully sync.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Coexistence represents a significant advancement for businesses seeking to balance personalized customer service with the efficiencies of automation. By maintaining existing communication channels and enhancing them with advanced features, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
This coexistence capability was introduced by Meta in 2024 and continues to expand to new regions through official Business Solution Providers. As the feature becomes more widely available, it stands to benefit a diverse range of industries, particularly in regions where WhatsApp is integral to daily business operations.
Ready to explore WhatsApp Coexistence for your business? Platforms like Wetarseel can help you make the most of it, without disrupting your current setup. Check out this simple guide to create your Wetarseel account and start combining personal service with smart automation, all in one place.
How to create a Wetarseel Account
