Coexistence (Business App + API)

Use the WhatsApp Business App and API — Together

WhatsApp Coexistence allows businesses to connect a phone number already registered with the WhatsApp Business App to the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API), without losing access to the app, existing chat history, or customer conversations.
This enables businesses to scale messaging through the API while continuing to use the mobile app for personal, one-to-one communication.
Coexistence is ideal for teams that want to introduce automation, integrations, and higher message volumes without disrupting their existing WhatsApp setup.

Why Use WhatsApp Coexistence?

WhatsApp Coexistence removes the need to choose between manual messaging and API-based automation.

With Coexistence enabled, businesses can:

• Keep using the WhatsApp Business App for day-to-day conversations
• Send and receive messages at scale via the API
• Preserve their existing phone number, chat history, and customer base
• Gradually transition from manual messaging to automated workflows

This makes Coexistence the simplest path from small-scale WhatsApp usage to professional, API-driven messaging.

How It Works

• The Business App and Cloud API run in parallel on the same number
• Messages are synchronized using message echoes
  • API messages appear in the App
  • App messages appear in the API conversation history

Sessions, Pricing & Notes

• App and API sessions are handled independently
• Cloud API usage is charged as usual; templates are required
• Messages sent via the App remain free
• The App must be opened at least once every 13 days

Some features (such as blue badge verification) are not supported. Availability may vary by region.