WhatsApp glossary

What is WhatsApp coexistence?

Coexistence lets one phone number work on both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API at the same time, with chats kept in sync. Meta calls it onboarding WhatsApp Business app users.

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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Quick answer

WhatsApp coexistence lets a business keep using the WhatsApp Business app on its phone while the same number also works on the WhatsApp Business API. Chats are mirrored between both, and Meta can sync contacts and up to 6 months of one-to-one chat history. Some app features switch off, such as broadcast lists and disappearing messages.

Full guide: App and API on one number

Keeps working in the app

Still works on your phone

One-to-one chats, mirrored with the API
Contacts
Group chats, voice and video calls
Catalog, greeting and away messages, quick replies and labels
Messages sent from the app stay free

Changes after connecting

Switched off or limited

•Broadcast lists disabled; existing lists become read-only
•Disappearing messages, view-once and live location off in one-to-one chats
•Linked devices unlinked when you connect
•Fixed speed of 20 messages per second
•Phone inactive for about 14 days → number disconnected

Why it matters for a business You don't have to give up the app your team already knows. The owner keeps chatting from the phone, while the API adds a shared team inbox, bots and bulk messages on the same number. API messages follow Meta's API pricing and the 24-hour window. One limit in Lead Pattern: WhatsApp Calling isn't supported if the account was onboarded through coexistence.

An example A boutique has years of chats on the WhatsApp Business app. With coexistence, the owner keeps replying from her phone, while two staff answer the same number from Lead Pattern and festive offers go out as API broadcasts.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my WhatsApp Business app chats with coexistence?+

No. They stay in the app, and Meta can sync up to 6 months of one-to-one chat history to the API if you choose to share it. Group chats aren't synced.

Are messages from the app still free with coexistence?+

Yes. Meta says messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app stay free; messages sent through the API follow API pricing.

Can I still use broadcast lists in the app?+

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

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What is WhatsApp coexistence?

Still works on your phone

Switched off or limited

An example A boutique has years of chats on the WhatsApp Business app. With coexistence, the owner keeps replying from her phone, while two staff answer the same number from Lead Pattern and festive offers go out as API broadcasts.

Frequently asked questions

Related terms and guides

App and API on one number

What is Embedded Signup?

Move an app number to the API

WhatsApp app vs API

WhatsApp glossary

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