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Introduction

WhatsApp Coexistence allows businesses to connect their active WhatsApp Business App phone number to the WhatsApp Cloud API — without losing chats, contacts, or requiring re-registration. This guide covers:
  • What Coexistence is
  • Prerequisites before onboarding
  • Step-by-step setup process
  • Common issues and troubleshooting
  • FAQs for beginners
  • Best practices after onboarding

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What is WhatsApp Coexistence?

Coexistence (Coex) allows businesses to:
  • Connect the WhatsApp Business App to the Cloud API
  • Continue using the Business App normally
  • Sync messages and contacts into a Cloud API platform
  • Avoid re-registering the number
  • Preserve the Verified badge (if applicable)
Key Benefits:
  • Use the same phone number across both Business App and API
  • Real-time message and contact synchronization
  • Combine human interaction with automation
  • Preserve chat history and contacts
  • Maintain access to the familiar WhatsApp Business App interface
This is the safest method to migrate to Cloud API without losing data.

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Prerequisites

Before starting the onboarding process, ensure you meet these requirements:
1

WhatsApp Business Account Required

Your 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 QR-linking. Update your app before proceeding.
3

Phone Number Health Requirements

Your number must have:
  • Regular WhatsApp activity
  • No Meta restrictions
  • No policy violations
  • Active and genuine usage both before and after the Coexistence connection (real 1:1 conversations and consistent activity for at least 3–7 days)
4

Facebook Business Page with Admin Access

You need admin access to a Facebook Business Page to complete the setup.
5

Meta Business Account Required

A Meta Business Account is required for the integration.
6

Number Eligibility

Your number cannot be currently linked to another WhatsApp API provider.
Numbers from Nigeria or South Africa may be subject to additional Meta regulations and restrictions.

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Step-by-Step Onboarding Process

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Initial Setup

1

Email Login

Enter your email address to begin the onboarding process.Email Login
2

Enter OTP

Enter the OTP code sent to your email address.Enter OTPAfter OTP verification, you will be redirected to the Get Started page.
3

Click Add Number

Click the Add Number button to proceed with connecting your WhatsApp number.Add Number
4

Facebook Login

Log in with your Facebook account. You can click Continue as if your Facebook login is already saved.Facebook Login
5

Grant Permissions

Review the permissions page and click Continue to proceed.Permissions Page
6

Fill Business Details

Enter your business information in the required fields.Business Details
7

Choose or Create Business Portfolio

Select an existing business portfolio or create a new one.Choose Business PortfolioCreate New WABA
Always create a NEW WABA account for the coexistence setup. This ensures fresh usage and a healthy connection flow.

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Choose Your Onboarding Method

You have two options:
  1. Connect existing WhatsApp Business number — Recommended for most users
  2. Start with a new WhatsApp contact number
Constraints:
  • Number cannot be currently linked to another partner
  • Must be a new or existing WhatsApp Business number
  • Number cannot be blocked by Meta

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Connect Existing WhatsApp Business Number

1

Enter Phone Number

Select your country code and enter your phone number, then click Next.Enter Phone Number
2

Scan QR Code

A WhatsApp message will be sent to your number. Click Scan QR Code and scan the displayed code with your WhatsApp Business App.Scan QR Code
3

Choose Chat History Import

After scanning the QR code, configure your import preferences:Chat History Import
  • Contacts: All contacts are imported automatically
  • 1:1 Chats: Optional — Import up to 6 months of chat history
  • Media: Optional — Import up to 2 weeks of media files
  • Group Chats: Not imported
4

Wait for Account Verification

Your account will be verified. This process may take some time.Account Verification
5

Click Finish

Once verification is complete, click Finish to complete the setup.Finish Setup

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Troubleshooting

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Issue 1: Integration Failed

Common reasons:
  • Old WhatsApp version
  • Number inactivity
  • Meta restrictions
  • No Facebook Page admin access
Solution: Use another number with active WhatsApp Business usage and no past violations.

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Issue 2: Chat History Did Not Import

If the import fails, follow these steps:
1

Open WhatsApp Business App

Launch the WhatsApp Business App on your phone.
2

Navigate to Settings

Go to Settings → Business Tools → WhatsApp Business Platform.
3

Disconnect

Tap Disconnect to remove the current connection.
4

Restart Onboarding

Start the Coexistence onboarding process again from the beginning.
If you manually skipped history import initially, you must fully offboard and onboard again. Note that chat backups may not restore if you chose the wrong option during the initial signup.

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Issue 3: Number Has Meta Restrictions

Symptoms:
  • Coexistence onboarding fails instantly
  • QR code doesn’t complete
  • No “Connect to Business Platform” message appears
Solution: Use a new number with zero policy issues and frequent legitimate WhatsApp Business activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Only WhatsApp Business App numbers are allowed for Coexistence.
Yes. Nothing is deleted from the WhatsApp Business App. Your existing chats remain intact.
Yes. You can continue using the WhatsApp Business App normally while also benefiting from the Cloud API integration.