Coexistence is a Meta feature that lets a business use one phone number in both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) at the same time.
Why it matters
Before coexistence, moving a number to the API meant giving up the app on that number. Many small businesses did not want to lose the app on their phone. Coexistence removes that choice.
What you get
- Keep chatting on the app on your phone.
- Use a team inbox, bots and campaigns on the same number through a platform such as Whatsuite.
- Messages sent from either side appear in both.
- Import contacts and up to six months of recent chat history during setup.
Things to know
Some app features work differently once a number is connected to the API, and availability depends on country. Messages you send from the app remain free. Messages sent through the API follow Meta's per-message pricing.
How to set it up
Start embedded signup, choose to connect an existing WhatsApp Business app number and scan the QR code from the app.