Using the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API together is now possible! Check all the details here

Amy Baker -


Quick Summary of WhatsApp Coexistence:

Aspect

Description

Definition

Use same number for WhatsApp Business app and API.

Benefits

Seamless transition, advanced features, cost-effective, agile messaging.

Requirements

Active WhatsApp Business account, regional eligibility.

Setup Process

Connect via QR code, chat sync takes additional time

Limitations

Country restrictions, template messages via API, profile update using app

Ad Leads

View and engage in app, some platforms offer free plans.

Supported Regions

India, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, U.S., Hong Kong, Singapore

Impact on Business

Smoother transition, faster onboarding, better cost control.

WhatsApp Coexistence Overview:

  • WhatsApp Coexistence is a recently rolled out transformative feature by Meta that allows businesses to use a single WhatsApp Business number for both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API and operate them simultaneously
  • Previously, businesses had to delete the WhatsApp business app account and then create an API account with the same number, and risk losing the present data. Alternatively, they could create a separate WhatsApp API account with a different number

Benefits of WhatsApp Coexistence:

  • Seamless Transition while being tightly integrated is one of the key benefits that businesses get from this coexistence feature. They can retain all their contact, chats, catalog, groups, etc while adding advanced automation, enabling unlimited broadcast capabilities, chatbots, CRM features and other integrations.
  • Hybrid Interoperability to use both the business app and the API account with specific features is a force multiplier for teams now. They can reply to all incoming chats from customers using the business app while creating automated messages and workflows with the API solution
  • Significant Cost reduction: Using the coexistence mode can help businesses reduce the cost of using an additional number and also enable cost optimization by leveraging the Free Business App and selectively using the billed Business API use cases

Prerequisites for Setup:

  • An active WhatsApp Business account
  • The account should be active for a minimum of 7 Days
  • Your country of operations should be eligible for the WhatsApp Coexistence availability - List of Countries available for Coexistence

Setup Steps:

  • Use the option of “Connect the Existing Business App” to register for the WhatsApp API in Chakra Chat
  • Scan the QR code to enable relevant permissions
  • Sync of existing data may require a few hours

Restrictions of WhatsApp Coexistence:

  • There are country and region-specific availability limitations. Numbers from the EU, Russia, UK are some locations restricted from the feature currently
  • Template messages can only be initiated using the WhatsApp API and are a chargeable action
  • The Business profile management has to be done using the business app only

Features Restricted after Coexistence Mode:

  • Group chats will not be synchronized
  • Message revoke, Disappearing, View once message, and live location sharing features would no longer be supported via the business app in coexistence mode
  • A business app can link up to 4 devices generally, post the coexistence onboarding, they are unlinked and need to be re-linked with all supported devices

WhatsApp Coexistence represents a critical upgrade for businesses, bridging the gap between manual and automated communication. Using the above details, potential users can make informed decisions, ensuring they use the feature effectively while being aware of its limitations and other restrcitions. It’s still early day,s and as the feature matures, it promises to redefine how businesses engage with customers on WhatsApp.