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WhatsApp Coexistence: the app and the API on one number
Many businesses want a team inbox and automation without giving up the WhatsApp Business app on their phone. WhatsApp Coexistence makes that possible. Meta describes it as onboarding WhatsApp Business app users to the Cloud API: the same number works in both, and WhatsApp keeps the messages in sync. Here is how it works and what to expect.
What WhatsApp Coexistence is
Coexistence is an option in Meta's Embedded Signup. A business connects its existing WhatsApp Business app account and number to the Cloud API through a provider such as BelloSend. After that, the business can still send messages one to one from the app, while the provider's software uses the API for team replies, templates and automation.
Meta decides whether a number is eligible during onboarding. The app must be version 2.24.17 or newer.
How Coexistence onboarding works
Start Embedded Signup
In BelloSend, choose to connect an existing WhatsApp Business app account and enter its phone number.
Confirm in the app
WhatsApp shows a code. In the app you receive a message from Meta, tap Connect, then choose whether to share your chat history.
Finish the Meta flow
Enter the code and complete the remaining steps for your business portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account.
Let the sync finish
Contacts and history sync over a few minutes. Keep the app open. Meta gives the provider 24 hours to sync, otherwise the flow must be done again.
What syncs and what changes
| Feature | In the app after onboarding | Through the Cloud API |
|---|---|---|
| One-to-one chats | Keep working, with edit and delete | Supported; up to 6 months of history can sync and new messages are mirrored |
| Contacts | No change | Contacts with a WhatsApp number can sync |
| Group chats | No change | Not synced |
| Broadcast lists | Disabled; existing lists become read-only | Not supported |
| Disappearing, view-once, live location | Turned off in one-to-one chats | Not supported |
| Voice and video calls | No change | Not supported |
| Catalog, labels, away messages, quick replies | No change | Not supported |
Limits to know about
- Throughput is fixed at 20 messages per second for numbers used with both the app and the Cloud API.
- Linked devices are unlinked during onboarding. You can link supported ones again; WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp for WearOS are not supported.
- Meta can disconnect the number if the main phone is inactive for about 14 days, or a companion device for about 30 days.
- Re-registering the number on a new device, changing the number or moving it to the consumer WhatsApp app also disconnects it.
Pricing and the 24-hour window with Coexistence
Messages you send from the WhatsApp Business app remain free. Messages sent through the Cloud API, including from BelloSend, follow Meta's Cloud API pricing per delivered message.
The 24-hour customer service window applies only to Cloud API messages. App messages do not open, extend or affect it. A customer message that arrived before onboarding opens no window, so the API can only answer it with a template.
Coexistence with BelloSend
BelloCloud LLC is verified by Meta as a Tech Provider, which Meta requires to offer Coexistence. When you connect, BelloSend offers Coexistence where Meta makes your number eligible, or a Direct Cloud API setup, which disconnects the app for that number. Your team then answers in the shared inbox, while you keep the app on your phone.
Facts checked on 2026-10-05. https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/embedded-signup/onboarding-business-app-users · https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/pricing · https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/messages/send-messages
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using the WhatsApp Business app with the API?
Yes, if Meta makes your number eligible for Coexistence during onboarding. Messages stay in sync between the app and the Cloud API.
Will my old chats appear in BelloSend?
If you agree to share your history, up to six months of one-to-one chats can sync. Group chats are not synced.
Do messages from the app cost money?
No. Meta says messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app stay free. Cloud API messages follow Cloud API pricing.
Can I still send broadcast lists?
No. Broadcast lists are disabled after onboarding. Use WhatsApp campaigns with approved templates instead, included in BelloSend's Max plan.
What if my number is not eligible?
You can use a Direct Cloud API setup. The WhatsApp Business app is then disconnected for that number.