Understanding WhatsApp Coexistence
Learn what coexistence means, how it works with Zaple's WhatsApp Cloud API, and what changes to expect on your WhatsApp Business App after onboarding.
What is WhatsApp Coexistence?
WhatsApp Coexistence is a feature introduced by Meta that allows you to use the same phone number on both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Cloud API (through Zaple) at the same time.
Previously, businesses had to choose between using the WhatsApp Business App or a Cloud API provider like Zaple — they couldn't use both simultaneously with the same number. With coexistence, that limitation is removed.
💡 In simple terms: Coexistence lets you keep using your WhatsApp Business App on your phone while also connecting the same number to Zaple for bulk messaging, automations, and inbox management via the Cloud API.
Why Does Coexistence Matter?
Before coexistence, many businesses faced a tough decision:
- Stick with the Business App — Easy to use on your phone but limited in automation, bulk messaging, and team collaboration.
- Move to Cloud API — Unlock powerful features through Zaple, but lose access to the familiar WhatsApp Business App on your phone.
With coexistence, you get the best of both worlds. You can continue managing day-to-day chats from your phone while using Zaple for:
Send thousands of template messages to your customers at once.
Set up auto-replies, chatbot flows, and keyword triggers.
Multiple agents can handle customer conversations from one dashboard.
Track message delivery, read rates, and conversation costs.
How Does Coexistence Work with Zaple?
When you sign up for Zaple using Meta's v4 Embedded Signup flow, coexistence is automatically enabled. Here's what happens:
- You sign up on app.zaple.ai and begin the WhatsApp connection process.
- Meta's Embedded Signup flow connects your phone number to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
- Your WhatsApp Business App remains active on your phone — you don't get logged out.
- Individual (1:1) chat messages are mirrored between the Business App and Zaple's Cloud API dashboard.
- You can send and receive messages from either platform.
📱 Important: Your WhatsApp Business App version must be 2.24.17 or higher for coexistence to work. Update your app from the App Store or Google Play before onboarding.
Requirements for Coexistence
Before enabling coexistence through Zaple, make sure you meet these requirements:
WhatsApp Business App v2.24.17+
Make sure your app is updated to this version or higher.
Active WhatsApp Business App account
You must already have the WhatsApp Business App set up on your phone.
Meta Business Account
You need a Meta Business Account (formerly Facebook Business Manager) linked to your WhatsApp number.
Keep the Business App open during migration
Keep the WhatsApp Business App open while your chat history is being imported to ensure smooth synchronization.
Feature Comparison: What Changes After Coexistence?
Once coexistence is enabled, some features on your WhatsApp Business App may change, and not all features are available on the Cloud API side. Here's a detailed comparison:
| Existing Feature on WhatsApp Business App | Changes on WhatsApp Business App After Onboarding | Supported on Cloud API? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1:1) chats | Message Edit/Revoke is now supported. |
Supported
Up to 6 months of messages can be synchronized. Messages are mirrored between Cloud API and the Business App. |
| Contacts | No change. |
Supported
All contacts with a WhatsApp number can be synchronized. |
| Group chats | No change. |
Not supported
Group chats will not be synchronized. |
| Phone number hiding chats | No change. |
Not supported
|
| Disappearing messages | Turned off for all 1:1 chats. |
Not supported
|
| View once message | Disabled for all 1:1 chats. |
Not supported
|
| Live location message | Disabled. |
Not supported
|
| Broadcast lists | Disabled. Cannot create new lists. Existing lists become read-only. |
Not supported
|
| Voice and video calls | No change. |
Not supported
|
| Business tools (catalog, orders, payments) | No change. |
Not supported
|
| Status updates | No change. |
Not supported
|
| Labels | No change. |
Not supported
|
Key Things to Know
⚠️ Fixed throughput: Coexistence numbers have a fixed 20 messages per second (mps) Cloud API throughput. This is the rate at which Zaple can send messages through the API.
⚠️ Disappearing messages disabled: Once coexistence is enabled, disappearing messages will be turned off for all 1:1 chats on the Business App. This cannot be re-enabled while coexistence is active.
💰 Cloud API pricing applies: Messages sent through the Cloud API (via Zaple) follow standard Cloud API pricing. However, messages sent directly from the WhatsApp Business App remain free — just as they always have been.
🔄 Message syncing: Up to 6 months of your existing 1:1 chat history can be synchronized to the Cloud API. New messages sent from either the Business App or Zaple will be mirrored on both platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my existing chats?
No. Your existing chats on the WhatsApp Business App remain intact. Up to 6 months of 1:1 chat messages can also be imported to Zaple's Cloud API dashboard.
Can my team members see chats from the Business App?
Yes, for individual (1:1) chats. Once coexistence is enabled, 1:1 chats are mirrored to Zaple's inbox, where multiple team members can view and respond.
What happens to group chats?
Group chats are not synchronized to the Cloud API. They will continue to work normally on the WhatsApp Business App, but you won't see them in Zaple.
Can I disable coexistence later?
Coexistence is enabled during the onboarding process through Meta's Embedded Signup. If you want to revert, you would need to disconnect the number from the Cloud API. Contact our support team for assistance.
Does coexistence work with WhatsApp (regular, non-business)?
No. Coexistence only works with the WhatsApp Business App, not the regular WhatsApp consumer app.
Do I need a new phone number?
No. That's the whole point of coexistence — you use your existing WhatsApp Business number. No need for a separate or new number.
📌 Ready to Get Started?
Setting up coexistence is automatic when you sign up for Zaple. Follow our step-by-step guides: