Too Long? Didn’t Read ● WhatsApp Coexistence lets businesses use the same WhatsApp Business number on both the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API. ● Businesses can keep their existing number and recent 1:1 chat history while gaining access to API features like automation, CRM integrations, broadcasts, and multi-agent live chat. ● Some WhatsApp Business App features continue working only inside the app and are not supported on Cloud API, including groups, calls, catalogs, status, and Channels. ● Features like disappearing messages, view once messages, live location, and broadcast lists change or become unavailable after Cloud API onboarding. ● AiSensy can assist with the complete WhatsApp Coexistence setup, including onboarding, number connection, and understanding feature limitations. ● With AiSensy, businesses can combine WhatsApp Business App usage with API-powered features such as Click-to-WhatsApp Ads, automation, chatbots, and customer support tools. |
Until now, to apply for WhatsApp Business API, you needed a fresh mobile number that was inactive on your WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp Business app.
That was a major limitation, especially as WhatsApp has become a core business channel. In India alone, 91% of online adults chat with businesses every week, and WhatsApp Cloud API already powers 70,000 Indian businesses every month.
If you wanted to apply for WhatsApp API on your existing WhatsApp Business number, you had to delete your WhatsApp account and then apply for WhatsApp API
This changes with the WhatsApp Coexistence update.
So, let's get started!
What is the WhatsApp coexistence update
WhatsApp coexistence is an update rolled out by Meta allowing businesses like yours to apply for WhatsApp Business API on your existing WhatsApp Business number. This means your WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business can now co-exist together, very seamlessly.
This is a revolutionary update as most of the businesses that approached us wanted to get WhatsApp API on their existing WhatsApp number and use both of them in coexistence.
And this is now possible!
Benefits of WhatsApp coexistence update
- Seamless Transition, Zero Disruption: Keep all your existing WhatsApp chats, contacts, groups & communities safe while still reaping the massive benefits of WhatsApp Business API.
- WhatsApp Chat Sync: When you get your WhatsApp Business API using AiSensy on your WhatsApp business number, all your chats will sync and showup on both WhatsApp Business app and AiSensy's live chat. Thus, creating a complete sync between both apps. You can respond via AiSensy as well as via your WhatsApp Business app.
- Access advanced features: With coexistence, you get the benefit of all advanced WhatsApp API features like unlimited broadcasting, CRM integrations, automations, WhatsApp chatbot, multi-agent live chat & much more on your existing WhatsApp business number.
- Click to WhatsApp Ad leads sync: One of the major benefit of coexistence is that you can view and engage all your Click to WhatsApp ad leads in your WhatsApp Business app. With AiSensy's forever FREE plan, you can run Click to WhatsApp ads on AiSensy and get all your leads in your WhatsApp Business app without paying any subscription cost! Your WhatsApp API can stay live forever for FREE on AiSensy, no hidden costs included. You'll just need to pay for recharging Meta Ad credits in AiSensy app. That's it!
- Cost-effective Upgrade: Save the extra expense of switching numbers as you can get WhatsApp API on your existing WhatsApp Business number.
Requirements to get started
All you need is a WhatsApp Business account to get started! That's it.
If you have this ready, you can apply for WhatsApp Business API on your existing WhatsApp Business number.
How to get WhatsApp API using WhatsApp coexistence
The steps to apply for WhatsApp Business API in coexistence will be the same as mentioned in this help doc.
However, coexistence is currently a beta feature and if you want to apply for WhatsApp API on your WhatsApp Business number, you'll currently have to contact the AiSensy team.
We will mention it in this blog itself when more updates surface.
Our team will guide you through the requirements, help you complete the onboarding process, connect your existing WhatsApp Business number correctly.
They can explain how your current WhatsApp Business App features will work after Coexistence is enabled.
This way, you can complete the setup with clarity and avoid confusion around WhatsApp Business App functionalities.
Before enabling WhatsApp Coexistence, it is important to understand how your existing WhatsApp Business App features will work after Cloud API onboarding.
The table below shows Meta’s official feature-level breakdown.
| Existing WhatsApp Business App Feature | What Changes After Cloud API Onboarding | Supported on Cloud API? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual 1:1 Chats | Message edit and revoke are supported. Chat messages from the most recent 6 months can be synchronized. Messages sent and received are mirrored between the WhatsApp Business App and Cloud API. | Yes |
| Contacts | No major change. Contacts with a WhatsApp number can be synchronized. | Yes |
| Group Chats | Group chats continue working in the WhatsApp Business App but are not synchronized with the Cloud API. | No |
| Disappearing Messages | Disappearing messages are turned off for individual 1:1 chats. | No |
| View Once Messages | View once messages are disabled for individual 1:1 chats. | No |
| Live Location Messages | Live location messages are disabled for individual 1:1 chats. | No |
| Broadcast Lists | New broadcast lists cannot be created. Existing broadcast lists become read-only. | No |
| Voice and Video Calls | No change inside the WhatsApp Business App. | No |
| Business Tools such as Catalog, Orders and Status | No change inside the WhatsApp Business App. | No |
| Messaging Tools such as Marketing Messages, Greeting Messages, Away Messages, Quick Replies and Labels | No change inside the WhatsApp Business App. | No |
| Business Profile such as Business Name, Address and Website | No change inside the WhatsApp Business App. | No |
| Channels | No change inside the WhatsApp Business App. | No |
Benefits of WhatsApp Coexistence using AiSensy
AiSensy offers a Forever FREE plan with benefits like FREE WhatsApp Business API, AI powered Click to WhatsApp ads manager, Live chat, WhatsApp Blue tick & many more.
When we say FREE it means forever!
When you apply for WhatsApp API using your existing WhatsApp Business number via coexistence update, you can:
- Run Click to WhatsApp ads and get leads on WhatsApp Business app
- Respond to customer queries using WhatsApp Business app and AiSensy's live chat
- Apply for the prestigious WhatsApp blue tick free of cost (it apparently costs ₹639 - ₹18900/ month on WhatsApp Business app)
And, if you subscribe to AiSensy's basic or pro plan, you can also send unlimited broadcasts, build no-code Chatbots, automate notifications & so much more!!
The possibilities are infinite.
Signup Now on AiSensy to get started.
For more info, here are a few FAQs!
WhatsApp coexistence FAQs
WhatsApp Coexistence is a revolutionary update that lets you apply for the WhatsApp Business API on your existing WhatsApp Business number—no need to delete your account. Now, you can run both the WhatsApp Business app and the API side by side, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your customers.
Absolutely! One of the key benefits of WhatsApp Coexistence is that all your current chats, contacts, groups, and communities remain safe and synchronized. You can continue using them while enjoying the new features of the API.
All you need is an active WhatsApp Business account. If you already have one, you can apply for the WhatsApp Business API on your existing number without any additional setup.
Once enabled, WhatsApp Coexistence lets you manage your chats and contacts using both the WhatsApp Business app and the API simultaneously. Everything syncs automatically, so you can work the way you're used to without any interruptions.
The WhatsApp API setup process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes. Once approved, you can start enjoying all the benefits immediately—no need to change your number or lose your existing chats.
Absolutely! With WhatsApp Coexistence, you keep all the features you love in the WhatsApp Business app while also unlocking powerful API tools like automation, CRM integration, and multi-agent live chat. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
Not at all. Your broadcast limits and messaging rates remain unchanged. The coexistence feature is all about enhancing your messaging experience without disrupting the way you currently connect with your customers.
WhatsApp Coexistence is designed to give you the best of both worlds. While it’s currently in beta and some advanced options are still being refined, most features work seamlessly. And if you run into any issues, we’re always here to help!