Coexistence
Use the WhatsApp Business app and Cloud API on the same number.
Coexistence
Coexistence (also called Coex) lets a business use the same phone number on both the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) through Gupshup.
That means the business can message at scale via API while still handling one-to-one chats in the WhatsApp Business app — without giving up the existing number, history, or audience.
Why use coexistence?
- Keep the WhatsApp Business app for day-to-day chatting
- Add API messaging, insights, and Click-to-WhatsApp style growth
- Helpful for SMBs already active on the Business app who want to scale
Meta generally recommends coexistence for businesses already using the WhatsApp Business app consistently — not for brand-new Business app accounts that are not yet active.
How communication works
Coexistence relies on message echoes:
- Messages sent via the API appear in the WhatsApp Business app automatically
- Messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app are delivered to your webhook (for example via
smb_message_echoes) so your platform stays in sync
Pricing (high level)
- Messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app remain free on WhatsApp’s app side
- Messages sent through the Cloud API follow WhatsApp Business Platform pricing
- Template messages are still required to start many business-initiated API conversations
- Service/session replies follow the usual customer service window rules
Important constraints
- Do not uninstall the WhatsApp Business app after onboarding — that can disconnect the account
- Open the WhatsApp Business app at least once every 13 days to keep the account active
- Chat history sync from the app to the platform is supported with the correct setup
- Some platform features may be limited on coexistence numbers (for example Official Business Account / blue badge behavior, some migrations, calling API, and profile picture updates after onboarding — confirm current Meta feature comparison for your use case)
- Companion/linked devices may be unlinked at onboarding; only supported devices can be re-linked
Related guides
Updated about 1 month ago
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