Articles on: Getting Started

Set Up WhatsApp Business App Number with the WhatsApp API

You can now connect your existing WhatsApp Business App phone number to the WhatsApp API without losing your chats, contacts, or disconnecting the number from the app.


This is made possible with WhatsApp Coexistence, a recent update from Meta that allows you to use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp API simultaneously with the same number.


Let’s look at what Coexistence is and how to set it up for your phone number.


What is WhatsApp Coexistence?


WhatsApp Coexistence is a recent update from Meta that allows businesses to use the same phone number on both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp API without losing their chat history or contacts.


With WhatsApp Coexistence, you can:


  • Use the same number on both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp API
  • Sync up to 6 months of chat history between the two platforms
  • Continue using app features like catalogs, groups, and calls, while accessing advanced API features like bulk broadcast, chatbots, and third-party integrations
  • Deliver a seamless customer experience without switching numbers


Let’s look at how to enable WhatsApp Coexistence for your phone number.


How to Set Up WhatsApp Coexistence for Your Number


WhatsApp Coexistence is enabled through the Embedded Signup Flow. You can follow the steps below to set up Coexistence for your phone number:


Step 1: Begin the Embedded Signup Process


Start the Embedded Signup process with your solution provider (e.g., WANotifier). During this process, you'll see an option to connect your existing WhatsApp Business App account to the API.



Step 2: Enter Your WhatsApp Business Phone Number


If you select this option, you’ll be prompted to choose your country and enter your WhatsApp Business App phone number.



After you complete this step, you’ll receive a QR code with instructions to check for a new WhatsApp Business App message.



Step 3: Scan QR Code


Open the message and tap the Scan QR code button.



Step 4: Choose Whether to Share Chat History


You will now see the following screen:



Tap the Scan QR code Button on this screen to open a pop-up, where you’ll get the option to share your previous messages and chats with the Business Platform.


Important: If you select the Share chats option, you won’t be able to change this setting later.  



Once you’ve chosen an option and scanned your QR code, you can complete the remaining embedded signup flow. You will then be able to synchronize your contacts and up to the last 6 months of chat history across both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp API.


What Changes After WhatsApp Coexistence


Once you've set up Coexistence, you can continue using the WhatsApp** Business App **for 1:1 conversations, group chats, and voice and video calls. However, the following features will no longer be available:


  • Disappearing, View Once, and Live Location Messages in 1:1 chats
  • Broadcast lists (existing lists will become read-only)
  • Message edit/revoke option in 1:1 chats


Learn More


For a detailed explanation of how Coexistence works and how it impacts pricing, WhatsApp Business App features, and companion apps and linked devices, check out this in-depth blog:


>>> WhatsApp Coexistence: Using WhatsApp Business App Number with WhatsApp API


If you want to disconnect the WhatsApp API from the app after setting up Coexistence, see the following article:


Disconnect Your WhatsApp Business App Number from the API (WhatsApp Coexistence)

Updated on: 30/10/2025

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