Yes. With coexistence you keep using the WhatsApp Business app on your phone and connect the same number to a chatbot through the WhatsApp API. Your team answers from the phone whenever it wants, and the chatbot handles conversations through the API, on the same number, so the number your customers already know does not change.
For the general difference between the app and the API, see WhatsApp Business app vs API. This guide covers only using both at once.
What you need
According to Meta’s documentation (checked on 30 October 2026):
- The WhatsApp Business app on version 2.24.17 or higher.
- The connection has to be made by a Meta Solution Partner or Tech Provider. It is not something you switch on from the app settings.
- The connection has to use Meta’s Embedded Signup, its guided sign-up flow.
Meta enabled onboarding of Business app users on 11 February 2025. On 23 October 2025 it added Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, the European Economic Area, the European Union and the United Kingdom. If you are unsure your country is available, ask whoever will make the connection.
What syncs
When the number is connected, Meta brings a copy of what you already have in the app to the API:
| Syncs | Does not sync |
|---|---|
| Your contacts with a WhatsApp number | Group chats |
| 1:1 chat history for the last 6 months (180 days before connecting) | Older history |
| Media asset IDs for recent media files | The rest of the media files |
The sync has to happen within 24 hours of connecting. If it does not, the number must be disconnected and the process repeated.
What changes in the app
The app still works for writing and replying, with adjustments. After connecting:
- In 1:1 chats, disappearing messages are turned off, and view-once messages and live location are disabled.
- Broadcast lists are disabled. Existing ones become read-only.
- Linked devices are unlinked at connection. The Windows and WearOS apps are not supported.
- Calls, catalog, orders, status, quick replies, labels, away messages, the business profile and Channels do not carry over to the API.
If you use broadcast lists for campaigns, read WhatsApp bulk messages first.
How billing works
There are two separate bills, depending on who sends:
| Who sends | What it costs |
|---|---|
| Your team, from the app | Messages sent from the app stay free, according to Meta |
| The chatbot, through the API | WhatsApp API pricing: you pay per delivered message, by category and the customer’s country |
Since 1 October 2026 Meta also charges service messages sent through the API, with 1,000 free per month per number. To see what that means for you, use the WhatsApp API cost calculator. If your chatbot needs to write first, the rules are in the WhatsApp message templates guide.
Sending speed
A number used on both the app and the API has a fixed throughput of 20 messages per second. Normal conversations do not come close to that pace. It matters only if you send large campaigns all at once.
Is it for you?
Coexistence fits when your team already lives in the app and you do not want to give up that habit or the number:
Hotel
Reception keeps answering from the phone
The chatbot answers availability and common questions at night. When a guest needs a person, reception steps in from the phone, in the same conversation.
Real estate
The advisor keeps their chat
The chatbot handles the first enquiry about a project. When the buyer wants a visit, the advisor continues from the phone with the history in view.
Online store
The owner stays in the app
The chatbot answers sizes, shipping and order status. The owner handles special cases personally, without changing numbers.
It may not be for you if you depend on the app’s broadcast lists, because they are turned off when you connect. In that case read the app vs API comparison before deciding.
Questions to ask before connecting
- Is the provider a Meta Solution Partner or Tech Provider? Without that, coexistence is not possible.
- Is your app on version 2.24.17 or higher?
- Do you use broadcast lists or linked devices today? Lists become read-only and devices are unlinked when you connect. Catalog, quick replies and labels do not carry over to the API.
- Who handles the 24-hour sync window, and what happens if it fails?
- How will you see what the chatbot answered, and how does your team take over a conversation?
How Manoflow does it
Manoflow supports coexistence: we connect your current number and your team keeps answering from the WhatsApp Business app. When a person replies from the app, the AI stays quiet in that chat until 30 minutes after your team’s last message, so the two do not talk over each other. If you want to see how it would work with your number, book a call.