In the fast-paced world of digital communication, WhatsApp remains a cornerstone for businesses, boasting over 2 billion active users worldwide. For small and medium-sized businesses, the WhatsApp Business App has been a go-to tool for direct, personal customer interactions. However, scaling operations often required switching to the WhatsApp Business API, which meant abandoning the app or using a new number—a significant hurdle. In early 2025, Meta introduced a groundbreaking solution: WhatsApp Coexistence. This feature allows businesses to connect their existing WhatsApp Business App to the WhatsApp Cloud API using the same phone number, blending the simplicity of the app with the API’s advanced capabilities.
This comprehensive guide explores WhatsApp Coexistence, its benefits, setup process, practical applications, limitations, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a small business owner or a growing enterprise, this feature could transform how you engage with customers.
WhatsApp Coexistence, also referred to as “Coex” or “Embedded Signup,” is a feature that enables businesses to use the same phone number for both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API. Previously, businesses had to delete their Business App account or obtain a new number to use the API, risking the loss of chat history and customer connections. Now, Coexistence allows seamless integration, syncing messages between the app and API for a unified experience.
This update, rolled out in beta in early 2025, is a game-changer for businesses looking to scale without sacrificing their established WhatsApp presence. Messages sent via the API appear in the app, and vice versa, ensuring continuity across platforms.
The Coexistence feature offers several advantages for businesses aiming to enhance their WhatsApp strategy:
These benefits make Coexistence a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes, from local retailers to global enterprises.
Setting up WhatsApp Coexistence is straightforward, but it requires meeting specific criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the latest information:
Eligibility:
Your business must be actively using the WhatsApp Business App, and eligibility is based on account tenure and messaging quality. The feature is currently available in countries like India, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, the United States, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but not in regions like Australia, Japan, or the European Economic Area.
You must have a verified Meta Business Account to access the WhatsApp Cloud API.
WhatsApp Coexistence opens up a world of possibilities for businesses. Here are some real-world scenarios illustrating its impact:
A small clothing boutique uses the WhatsApp Business App to answer customer inquiries about sizes and styles. By integrating the API, they automate order confirmations and shipping updates via their Shopify store, while still handling personal queries through the app. This dual approach enhances efficiency without losing the personal touch.
A local clinic uses the app to communicate directly with patients. With Coexistence, they integrate the API to send automated appointment reminders and use chatbots to triage common questions, freeing up staff for more complex tasks.
A travel agency uses the app for booking inquiries. By connecting to the API, they send automated itinerary updates and promotional offers to thousands of customers, while agents handle personalized requests via the app. Analytics from the API help track engagement metrics.
These examples highlight how Coexistence enables businesses to maintain personal connections while scaling operations with automation and analytics.
While WhatsApp Coexistence is a powerful tool, there are some limitations to consider:
Geo Restrictions: As of June 2025, WhatsApp Coexistence—the ability to use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API simultaneously on the same phone number—is officially supported in the following countries:
This feature allows businesses in these countries to integrate their WhatsApp Business App with the Cloud API, enabling both manual and automated messaging using the same phone number.
However, WhatsApp Coexistence is not supported in the following countries and regions:
Businesses with phone numbers registered in these countries cannot currently enable WhatsApp Coexistence.
Pricing: The Business App is free, but API messages are charged based on a conversation-based model, varying by message type (marketing, utility, authentication, service) and user location.
Technical Requirements: Businesses may need assistance from WhatsApp Business Solution Providers for API integration.
Companion Devices: Up to four companion devices can be linked to the app, but unsupported devices may not sync with the API.
Account Maintenance: The Business App must be opened every 13 days to remain active.
Businesses should weigh these factors against their operational needs to determine if Coexistence is the right fit.
WhatsApp Coexistence is a transformative feature that empowers businesses to combine the simplicity of the WhatsApp Business App with the scalability of the WhatsApp Business API. By using the same phone number for both, businesses can maintain customer relationships while leveraging automation, multi-agent support, and analytics to drive growth. Whether you’re a retailer, healthcare provider, or travel agency, this feature offers a flexible and cost-effective way to enhance customer engagement.
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