Coexistence Onboarding

Set up WhatsApp Business API alongside your existing WhatsApp Business App -- no need to disconnect your current number.

What is Coexistence Mode?

Coexistence mode is WhatsBizAPI's signature onboarding method. Unlike traditional WhatsApp API providers that require you to migrate your phone number away from the WhatsApp Business App, coexistence lets you:

• Keep your WhatsApp Business App running on your phone as usual
• Use the same phone number for both the Business App and the Cloud API simultaneously
• Send API messages (campaigns, templates, automated responses) via WhatsBizAPI
• Continue chatting manually with customers on your phone

How It Works

Coexistence leverages Meta's Business App Coexistence feature, which allows the WhatsApp Business App and Cloud API to share the same phone number. Here's the technical flow:

1. You initiate the signup from WhatsBizAPI Dashboard > Setup > Coexistence Mode
2. Meta's Embedded Signup dialog opens -- you log in with your Facebook account
3. You select or create a Meta Business Portfolio and WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)
4. You add your existing phone number -- the one currently on your WhatsApp Business App
5. OTP verification -- you receive a code via SMS or voice call and enter it
6. Done! WhatsBizAPI receives the access credentials and your API is ready

Setup Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Setup

After logging into your WhatsBizAPI dashboard, go to Setup > Choose Onboarding Method > Coexistence Mode.

Step 2: Facebook Login

Click the "Continue with Facebook" button. A Meta dialog will open where you:

• Log in with the Facebook account linked to your business
• Grant the required permissions: whatsapp_business_management and whatsapp_business_messaging

Step 3: Business Configuration

• Meta Business Portfolio: Select your existing one or create a new one
• WhatsApp Business Account (WABA): Select existing or create new
• Phone Number: Enter the number currently on your WhatsApp Business App

Step 4: Verify Phone Number

You'll receive an OTP via SMS or voice call. Enter the 6-digit code to verify ownership.

Step 5: Start Using the API

Once verified, your API token is generated and you can immediately start sending messages via the API while continuing to use the WhatsApp Business App on your phone.

Coexistence vs Other Methods

Feature	Coexistence Mode	Embedded Signup	Manual Setup
Keep WhatsApp Business App	Yes	No (migrates number)	No (migrates number)
Setup Time	10-15 minutes	10-15 minutes	30-60 minutes
Technical Skill	None required	None required	Moderate (needs Meta developer account)
Existing Chat History	Preserved	Lost on App	Lost on App
Downtime	Zero	Brief	May have gaps
Best For	Businesses already using WhatsApp	New numbers / fresh start	Developers with existing Meta setup

Important Notes

• Business Verification: Meta requires business verification for full API access. Unverified businesses are limited to 250 unique recipients per 24 hours.
• Template Approval: You still need Meta-approved templates to send messages outside the 24-hour customer service window.
• Webhook Messages: Incoming messages are received by both the API (via webhooks) and the WhatsApp Business App on your phone.
• No Double Billing: You are only charged once per conversation regardless of whether messages are sent via API or app.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
OTP not received	Ensure the phone can receive SMS. Try the voice call option instead.
Facebook login error	Use the Facebook account that is an admin of your Meta Business Portfolio.
Phone number already registered	The number may be linked to another WABA. Contact support to resolve.
Business verification pending	Verification typically takes 24 hours. Ensure your business website and documents are ready.
Messages not delivered	Check your messaging tier limit and template approval status in the dashboard.