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Beginner guide · Coexistence

Use the WhatsApp Business app and API on one number

Meta calls it onboarding WhatsApp Business app users — most people call it coexistence. You keep chatting from the WhatsApp Business app on your phone, while the same number also works on the API for a team inbox, bots and broadcasts. Here is what Meta says carries over, what changes and how to connect.

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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Quick answer

Yes — one number can be on the app and the API at the same time

With coexistence you keep sending one-to-one messages from the WhatsApp Business app, and chats are mirrored between the app and the API. Meta can bring across your contacts and up to 6 months of chat history. Some app features switch off (like broadcast lists and disappearing messages), and the number sends at a fixed 20 messages per second.

Meta's coexistence documentation

What carries over

What syncs to the API

WhatWhat Meta says
ContactsAll contacts with a WhatsApp number can be synced.
Chat historyOne-to-one chat messages from the most recent 6 months can be synced — you choose whether to share it. Photos and files only from the last 14 days.
New chatsMessages sent and received are mirrored between the app and the API, so both stay in sync.
Group chatsNot synced.

Source: Meta for Developers — Onboarding WhatsApp Business app users.

Keeps working in the app

Still works on your phone

  • One-to-one chats — and you can now edit and delete sent messages
  • Contacts
  • Group chats, voice and video calls
  • Catalog, orders and status
  • Greeting and away messages, quick replies and labels
  • Your business profile and channels

Changes after connecting

Switched off or limited

  • •Broadcast lists are disabled; existing lists become read-only
  • •Disappearing messages, view-once and live location are turned off in one-to-one chats
  • •Linked devices are unlinked when you connect; WhatsApp for Windows and WearOS can't be used as linked devices
  • •Group chats, calls, catalog, quick replies, labels and other app tools don't come through the API
  • •The number has a fixed speed of 20 messages per second

Costs and the 24-hour window - **Messages you send from the WhatsApp Business app stay free.** Messages sent through the API are charged at Meta's normal API rates. [Pricing →](/pricing) - The **24-hour customer service window** applies to messages sent through the API. Messages sent from the app don't open or extend an API window.

Keep your phone active Meta disconnects the number if the main phone with the WhatsApp Business app is inactive for about **14 days**. You can also disconnect yourself in the app under **Settings → Account → Business Platform**.

In Lead Pattern Lead Pattern is an official Meta Tech Provider — Meta offers coexistence through its Tech Providers and Solution Partners. Inside Lead Pattern you choose **Connect Existing WhatsApp Business App** on the Home dashboard, and Meta's popup walks you through it. One thing to know: **WhatsApp Calling in Lead Pattern isn't supported if your account was onboarded through coexistence.** [WhatsApp Calling →](/product/whatsapp-calling)

Help Center: Connect WhatsApp →

Prefer to move the number fully to the API instead? The two ways to move an app number →

How to connect

Connect your app number in 4 steps

Meta's popup is hosted by Meta, so the exact screens can change — follow the prompts it shows.

1

Update the app

Update the WhatsApp Business app on your phone to version 2.24.17 or newer.

2

Start in Lead Pattern

In Lead Pattern, open the Home dashboard and choose Connect Existing WhatsApp Business App. Meta's Embedded Signup popup opens.

3

Confirm in the WhatsApp Business app

Enter your WhatsApp Business app number. Meta sends a message in the app — tap Connect, then Connect to the Business Platform.

4

Choose chat history and finish

Tap Confirm in the app and choose whether to share your chat history, then paste the code and finish the steps in Meta's popup.

Frequently asked questions

What is WhatsApp coexistence?+

It lets one number work on both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API. You keep messaging customers one-to-one from the app, while the API handles a team inbox, automation and bulk messages — and chats stay in sync.

Will I lose my old chats?+

No. They stay in the app. Meta can also sync up to the most recent 6 months of one-to-one chat history to the API if you choose to share it. Group chats are not synced.

Can I still send broadcast lists from the app?+

No. Meta disables broadcast lists in the app after connecting, and existing lists become read-only. Bulk messages go through the API instead, using approved templates.

Are messages from the app still free?+

Yes. Meta says messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app continue to be free. Messages sent through the API follow Meta's API pricing.

Which version of the WhatsApp Business app do I need?+

Version 2.24.17 or newer, according to Meta.

Can I use WhatsApp Calling in Lead Pattern with coexistence?+

No. Calling isn't supported if your account was onboarded through coexistence.

Keep reading

Related beginner guides

WhatsApp Business API for beginners

Start here: what the API is and how to get it.

Learn more →

Who can get the API?

Meta's eligibility rules in simple words.

Learn more →

Which phone number to use

Meta's rules for the API number.

Learn more →

Documents needed

What Meta asks for to verify your business.

Learn more →

Meta business verification

The steps, one by one.

Learn more →

Setup checklist

Everything to keep ready before you start.

Learn more →

Move an app number to the API

The two ways to bring your number across.

Learn more →

WhatsApp app vs API

Which one your business needs.

Learn more →
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