WhatsApp Business App coexistence
WhatsApp Business App coexistence lets you onboard the same phone number you use on an already registered WhatsApp Business app (mobile application) to Infobip's WhatsApp API as well. The number stays active in the app, while the same number is also connected to Infobip's WhatsApp API, so you can send messages through the API while the app remains usable. This removes the need to delete the app or migrate the number exclusively to the API.
To connect a number this way, follow Connect a number from your WhatsApp Business app.
Only numbers currently used on the WhatsApp Business app can be onboarded to coexistence. A number already active on WhatsApp Business API cannot be converted into coexistence, and the reverse is not possible either.
Coexistence is for a business that wants to:
- Start using the WhatsApp API without losing access to the WhatsApp Business app.
- Run manual conversations (through the app) and automated messaging (through the API) in parallel.
- Transition gradually from app-based communication to API-based messaging.
Limitations
When connecting an existing WhatsApp Business app, the following limitations apply:
- The WhatsApp Business app must be version 2.24.17 or later.
- This onboarding flow is currently not supported for numbers registered in Nigeria and South Africa.
- Senders onboarded to both WhatsApp Business app and WhatsApp Business API have a maximum throughput of 20 messages per second.
- Message history sync between the WhatsApp Business app and the API is supported only over webhooks.
- A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) with coexistence enabled is automatically created by Meta during embedded signup and can contain only one phone number. A business portfolio can contain a maximum of 4 coexistence WABAs.
- Some WhatsApp Business app features are not synced with the API, for example Channels and Stories.
- Only numbers previously used on the WhatsApp Business app can be onboarded to coexistence. A number already active on WhatsApp Business API cannot be converted into coexistence.
In the WhatsApp Business app, you can use the same phone number on up to five devices, with one primary device. After you connect the number to Infobip:
- All companion devices are unlinked.
- Only the primary device remains connected.
- To use the number on multiple devices again, you must relink companion devices in the WhatsApp Business app.
Changes to WhatsApp Business app features after onboarding
When you connect an existing WhatsApp Business app to Infobip (WhatsApp API), some WhatsApp Business app features change or become unavailable.
| WhatsApp Business app feature | Behavior after onboarding to WhatsApp API |
|---|---|
| Individual (1:1) chats | Supported, including message edit and revoke. Messages sent and received are mirrored between the app and the WhatsApp API. |
| Contacts | Remain available in the WhatsApp Business app. Contact data is not yet synchronized to Infobip in this onboarding flow, except through the API. |
| Group chats | Remain available in the WhatsApp Business app, but are not synchronized and are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Disappearing messages | Turned off for all individual (1:1) chats. |
| View-once messages | Disabled for all individual (1:1) chats. |
| Live location messages | Disabled for all individual (1:1) chats. |
| Broadcast lists | Disabled. You cannot create new broadcast lists. Existing broadcast lists become read-only. |
| Voice and video calls | Remain available in the app, but are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Business tools (catalog, orders, status) | Remain available in the app, but are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Messaging tools (greeting message, away message, quick replies, labels) | Remain available in the app, but are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Business profile information | Remain available in the app, but are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Channels and Stories | Remain available in the app, but are not supported through the WhatsApp API. |
| Message history | Message history transfers after onboarding, delivered through webhooks. |
Connect a number from your WhatsApp Business app
Follow the step-by-step onboarding flow to connect an existing WhatsApp Business app number.
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Compliance and best practices
Review Meta's policies, template guidelines, and opt-in requirements.