Keep using your existing WhatsApp Business App and phone number — while also sending messages through the WhatsApp Cloud API at the same time. MobiWeb supports Coexistence mode, so your team can keep using the app they already know.
Coexistence lets a business register its existing WhatsApp Business App and phone number through Meta's official onboarding page — without losing the app. Once connected, you can keep chatting from the WhatsApp Business App on your phone and send messages programmatically through the WhatsApp Cloud API, all on the same number.
This means your front-line team can continue replying to customers directly in the familiar app, while your systems send templates, notifications, and automated flows through the API in the background. Messages stay mirrored between both, so everyone sees the full conversation.
Coexistence shines when your team handles one-to-one conversations — answering enquiries, resolving issues, and following up with customers. Your agents keep using the WhatsApp Business App they already know, while the API adds notifications and automation on top.
We strongly advise against using a Coexistence number for large marketing broadcasts. Sending high-volume promotional blasts from a number tied to the WhatsApp Business App carries a real risk of being flagged or banned by the provider (Meta).
For marketing campaigns, we recommend a dedicated WhatsApp Business API (WABA) number with properly approved marketing message templates — this helps protect your sender reputation and lowers the risk to your account. Learn about dedicated WABA →
Conversations are mirrored between the app and the platform, so a message sent from either side appears in both. Your agents and your automation share one unified inbox on a single number.
Messages typed and sent manually from the WhatsApp Business App stay free. But when a customer messages you first and you reply through the platform, that opens a 24-hour service conversation that is chargeable — the iSMS platform applies a session fee for each 24-hour window. See pricing →
MobiWeb guides you through the whole process from start to finish. Here is exactly what happens, step by step:
Contact the MobiWeb team and let us know you'd like to connect your existing WhatsApp Business App. We'll create your WhatsApp channel on our platform and prepare your account for registration.
When registration begins, Meta's official embedded page appears. Log in using the Facebook account that manages your business. This is handled entirely by Meta — your password is never shared with MobiWeb.
Pick your business portfolio (or create a new one), then on the WhatsApp Business account step, choose the option to connect an existing WhatsApp Business App — not create a brand-new number. Click Next to continue.
Type in the exact phone number your WhatsApp Business App currently uses. This is the number that will run in Coexistence mode — used by both the app and the API.
A QR code appears on screen. Open your WhatsApp Business App on the phone that owns the number, and scan the code — the same way you link WhatsApp Web. This securely links your app to the platform.
Your WhatsApp Business App walks you through a short confirmation. Approve it, return to the Meta page, review the details to share, and click Confirm. Wait a moment for the connection to complete, then click Done.
Once linked, your recent chat history (up to the last 6 months) and your WhatsApp contacts sync to the platform. Your team keeps chatting in the app, while your systems send via API — all on one number.
Tip: complete the sync within 24 hours of linking, and open the WhatsApp Business App at least once every 14 days to keep the connection healthy.
Most day-to-day features keep working, but some WhatsApp Business App features change once a number runs in Coexistence mode. Here's a clear summary:
| Feature | After Coexistence |
|---|---|
| Personal chat (1:1) | ✓ Supported — chats from the last 6 months sync (media older than 14 days won't sync). Edit & revoke not supported. |
| Contacts | ✓ Supported — contacts with a WhatsApp number sync across. |
| Group chat | ✗ Not synced — group chats are not carried over. |
| Broadcast lists | ✗ Read-only — use platform broadcast instead (templates). |
| Voice & video calls | ✗ Not supported in the platform. |
| Business tools (catalog, orders, status) | ✗ Not supported in the platform. |
| Messaging tools (greetings, away, quick replies) | ↔ Use Flow Editor — recreate auto-replies via automation. |
| Disappearing / view-once / live location | ✗ Disabled for 1:1 chats. |
MobiWeb helps you set up WhatsApp Business App Coexistence the right way — ideal for customer service teams. Talk to us about whether it fits your use case.