1. Introduction
WhatsApp Coexistence is a Meta-provided solution that allows businesses to connect their active WhatsApp Business App phone number to the WhatsApp Cloud API — without losing chats, contacts, or requiring re-registration of the number.
This guide covers:
What Coex is
Prerequisites before onboarding
Step-by-step setup
Common issues & troubleshooting
FAQs for beginners
Best practices after onboarding
2. Product Overview — What is WhatsApp Coexistence?
Coex allows businesses to:
Connect the WhatsApp Business App to the Cloud API
Continue using the Business App normally
Sync messages & contacts into a Cloud API platform
Avoid re-registering the number
Avoid losing the Verified badge (if applicable)
Benefits of WhatsApp Business App Coexistence
Use the same phone number across both the WhatsApp Business App and API.
Synchronise messages and contacts in real-time: Messages sent/received through the app appear in the API inbox and vice versa.
Combine human interaction with automation: Use the mobile app for 1-to-1 chats, and API for scalable Broadcast messaging and Workflows.
Preserve chat history and contacts without data loss.
Maintain access to your familiar WhatsApp Business App interface.
This is the safest method to migrate to Cloud API without losing data.
3. Prerequisites (Must-Meet Requirements Before Starting)
To ensure a smooth onboarding experience, confirm the following:
1. You must already have a WhatsApp Business account/number OR a new Number.
The number must be registered on the WhatsApp Business App — personal WhatsApp numbers are not supported.
2. WhatsApp Business App Version 2.24.17 or newer
Older versions will fail during the QR-linking process.
3. Phone number health requirements
The number must have:
Regular WhatsApp activity
No Meta restrictions
No policy violations
Inactive or restricted numbers frequently fail setup.
4. You must have a Facebook Business Page
→ And you must have Admin Access.
5. Your number should not be from Nigeria and South Africa ( *subject to meta regulations )
7. You have a Meta Business Account.
8. Your business phone number is eligible and not currently linked to another WhatsApp API provider.
4. Setup Guide — Step-by-Step Onboarding Process
→ Enter your email here and log in with your account
-> Enter the OTP that will be sent to your entered Gmail account inbox
After entering your OTP, you will be redirected to the Get Started Page.
-> Now, click on “ Add Number ” → To proceed with the embedded sign-up
->Afterwards, a login page will appear, and you will be required to enter your Facebook login credentials. ( If your Facebook login is saved, you can click on “ Continue as “ as shown below.)
-> Now, after you continue with your Facebook account, it will redirect you to the permissions page. Click “ Continue “ to proceed.
-> After clicking, a window will appear where you have to fill in your business details accordingly
-> Now choose/create a business portfolio
*NOTE: Always create a NEW WABA account for the coexistence, for fresh usage and healthy flow.
Choose Your Onboarding Method
You will see two options:
Connect your existing WhatsApp business number.
Start with your new WhatsApp contact number.
Select based on your preference and requirement.
Constraints:
The number should not be currently linked to any other partner.
The number should be a new or an existing WhatsApp Business number.
The number should not be blocked from Meta.
Connect your existing WhatsApp business number.
-> Now choose your country code and enter your number and click on " Next "
-> Afterwards, a WhatsApp message will be sent to your number and you need to click on the " Scan QR Code " to scan the QR Code displayed on the main screen.
Also, Choose Whether to Import Chat History
After scanning the QR code:
All contacts are imported automatically.
You can choose to import ( You can opt based on your preference ):
Up to 6 months of 1:1 chats
Up to 2 weeks of media
Group chats are not imported.
Once you verify your account, it will proceed, and it will take a while to connect your account.
-> Click on Finish, and you're done with the setup
Troubleshooting
Issue 1: Integration Failed
Common reasons:
Old WhatsApp version
Number inactivity
Meta restrictions
No Facebook Page admin access
Solution: Use another number that has active WhatsApp Business usage + no past violations.
Issue 2: Chat History Did Not Import
If chat import fails:
Open WhatsApp Business App.
Go to: Settings → Business Tools → WhatsApp Business Platform
Tap Disconnect.
Restart Coex onboarding.
If you manually skipped history import initially, you must fully offboard and onboard again; it may back up all the chats, sometimes it does not get back up if you chose the wrong option while signing up for the first time and the old chats on your account changed/deleted.
Issue 3: Number Has Meta Restrictions
Symptoms:
Coex onboarding fails instantly
QR code doesn’t complete
No “Connect to Business Platform” message appears
Solution: Use a new number that has:
Zero policy issues
Frequent legitimate WA Business activity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I use a personal WhatsApp number?
A. No. Only WhatsApp Business App numbers are allowed.
Q. Will my chats stay in my phone app?
A. Yes. Nothing is deleted from the WhatsApp Business App.
Q. Can I still use the WhatsApp Business App after Coex?
A. Yes. You continue using it normally.