The WhatsApp Coexistence feature allows businesses to use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API on the same phone number simultaneously. This means you can manage automated campaigns, chatbot flows, and broadcasts through the API, while still using the mobile app for real-time manual conversations.
The WhatsApp Coexistence feature allows businesses to:
- Use WhatsApp Business App on a mobile device for real-time, manual replies.
- Run WhatsApp API-based automations and campaigns through a platform like Happilee — on the same number.
With Happilee, you can fully leverage this feature to combine the power of automation and personal interaction. Run smart marketing workflows, respond instantly using bots, and still step in manually through the app whenever needed — all on one number. Happilee makes it easy to set up and manage this dual approach, helping you maximize efficiency and customer engagement.
Prerequisites to Enable WhatsApp Coexistence Feature
To successfully activate the WhatsApp Coexistence feature, ensure the following requirements are met:
- Access to WhatsApp Business API
Your phone number must be connected to the official WhatsApp Business API through a certified provider like Happilee. - Meta Business Account Verification
You must have a verified Meta Business Account (WABA) with:- Completed business verification
- Approved display name
- Official WhatsApp API Integration Partner
You must set up your WhatsApp Business API via an official Business Solution Provider such as Happilee, which supports Coexistence. - Fresh or Properly Prepared Phone Number
- It is recommended to use a new phone number for faster activation.
- If you are reusing an existing number, you cannot disconnect and immediately re-integrate it for Coexistence.
- You must wait 1–2 months before reusing the number. During this time, you should actively use it for regular communication to build credibility in WhatsApp’s system.
- WhatsApp Business App Installed
Install the WhatsApp Business App on a mobile device using the same number. This enables you to use both the app and API simultaneously under the Coexistence setup. - The Number Must Not Be Linked to Another BSP
The phone number should not be actively connected to a different WhatsApp API provider at the time of integration. - Ongoing Business Activity
Ensure the number is regularly used for customer interactions and not left idle. This helps Meta recognize the number as trustworthy and business-active.
WhatsApp Business Account Phone Numbers Not Supported from the Following Countries
As per Meta’s current guidelines, WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) phone numbers from the following countries are not supported for the WhatsApp API and Coexistence feature:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Syria
- Three sanctioned regions in Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk
How to Link Your WhatsApp Business Account to a Facebook Page
Linking your WhatsApp Business account to your Facebook Page is a smart move — it boosts your brand credibility, allows customers to message you directly from Facebook, and unlocks ad features like Click-to-WhatsApp ads.
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A WhatsApp Business number (connected via the WhatsApp Business App or API)
- Admin access to the Facebook Page
- A Meta Business Manager account
- Your business verified in Business Manager (portfolio/documents uploaded and approved)
- WhatsApp Business API requires Meta Business Verification before you can connect your number.
- If you haven’t completed this yet, follow this guide:
👉 How to verify your business in Meta Business Manager - Once verified, return to the dashboard to proceed.
How to Connect WhatsApp Business Number to a Facebook Page
You can connect your Facebook Page to your WhatsApp Business account when using the WhatsApp Business app.
You can easily link your Facebook Page to your WhatsApp Business account directly from the WhatsApp Business app. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the WhatsApp Business app on your device.
Step 2: Select Business tools > Facebook & Instagram.
Step 3: Tap Facebook, then tap Continue. This will open the Facebook login page.
Step 4: Log in to your Facebook account by entering your credentials and tapping Log In.
Step 5: Choose the Facebook Page you want to link to your WhatsApp Business account, then tap Connect WhatsApp.
Step 6: If you don’t have a Facebook Page, you’ll be given the option to create one.
Step 7: Once linked, a WhatsApp button will appear on your Facebook Page, allowing visitors to message you directly.
Step 8: When you return to the WhatsApp Business app, you’ll see the linked Facebook Page displayed at the top of the Facebook & Instagram screen.
“Business Tip: Connecting your WhatsApp Business account to your Facebook Page allows customers to message you on WhatsApp instantly with just one click — right from your Page.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect WhatsApp Business App to API via Happilee
Step 1: Visit the Happilee Signup Page
- Go to 👉 https://app.happilee.io
- Click on the “Sign Up” button
Step 2: Create a Project and Open It
Step 3: Add the phone number, generate the token, and click on the “Go to Facebook” button.
Step 4: Continue with Signup
Step 5: Connect Your Account to Happilee
Step 6: Enter Your Business Information
Step 7: Select Onboarding Type
Step 8: Add a Phone Number for WhatsApp
Step 9: Import Contacts & Chat History
Step 10: Share Chat History
Step 11: Setup Complete
How Contacts and Conversations Will Be Synced
When connecting your WhatsApp Business account, the syncing process for your chats and contacts usually takes around 4 to 6 hours to complete. The exact time may vary based on:
- The number of chat conversations in your history
- The total number of contacts stored in your WhatsApp Business account
After Syncing Is Complete:
- All your past chat conversations will appear under the “Team Inbox” tab in your Happilee CRM
- Your contacts will be visible in the “Contacts” tab
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Sync duration may vary slightly depending on internet speed and server load
- To ensure a smooth sync process:
- Keep your WhatsApp Business App open
- Maintain a stable internet connection on your device throughout the process
How WhatsApp Conversation Charges Will Work
When using the WhatsApp Coexistence feature, charges depend on where the message is sent from — either the WhatsApp Business App or the Cloud API (via platforms like Happilee).
| Platform Used | Is It Charged? | Counts Toward Message Limits? | Subject to Trust Tiering? |
| WhatsApp Business App | ❌ No – Free | 🚫 No | ❌ No |
| Cloud API (via Happilee) | ✅ Yes – Charged per Meta’s Pricing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
WhatsApp Business App vs Cloud API: Feature Comparison
The table below outlines what happens to existing WhatsApp Business App features once your number is onboarded to the Cloud API (via Happilee or any provider), and whether those features are available on the Cloud API itself.
| Feature | Changes in WhatsApp Business App After API Onboarding | Is This Feature Available on Cloud API? |
| 1:1 Individual Chats | Some features like edit and revoke message are no longer supported | ✅ Yes – Full support with 6 months chat sync and real-time mirroring |
| Contacts | No changes | ✅ Yes – All contacts with WhatsApp numbers are synced |
| Group Chats | No changes | ❌ Not supported – Group chats will not be synced |
| Phone Number Hiding Chats | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
| Disappearing Messages | Automatically turned off for all 1:1 chats | ❌ Not supported |
| View Once Messages | Disabled for all 1:1 chats | ❌ Not supported |
| Live Location Messages | Disabled for all 1:1 chats | ❌ Not supported |
| Broadcast Lists | Disabled – Cannot create new lists; existing ones become read-only | ❌ Not supported |
| Voice & Video Calls | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
| Business Tools (Catalog, Orders, Status) | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
| Messaging Tools (Greeting, Away Message, Quick Replies, Labels) | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
| Business Profile Info (Name, Address, Website) | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
| Channels | No changes | ❌ Not supported |
FAQs
1. What is the WhatsApp Coexistence feature?
The WhatsApp Coexistence feature allows you to use the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API on the same phone number at the same time. You can send automated messages via the API (e.g., Happilee) while still using the app for manual chats.
2. Who can use the Coexistence feature?
Businesses using the official WhatsApp Business API through a verified provider like Happilee, and who have a Meta-verified Business Account, can enable coexistence.
3. Can I use an existing WhatsApp Business number for coexistence?
Yes, but if you’ve recently disconnected the number, you must wait 1–2 months before reusing it for coexistence. During this time, actively use the number to build credibility.
4. Is a fresh number recommended for coexistence?
Yes, using a new or fresh number with no recent WhatsApp activity ensures a smoother and faster onboarding experience.
5. Do I need to delete the WhatsApp Business App?
No. With Coexistence, you don’t need to delete the app. You can continue using the WhatsApp Business App for manual messaging while running automations via the API.
6. Will both app and API messages sync?
Yes. Messages sent and received via the app and API are mirrored across both platforms, ensuring a consistent conversation history.
