🔄 Coexistence Feature (Onboarding WhatsApp Business App Users)
The coexistence feature allows you to configure Embedded Signup so business customers can onboard using their existing WhatsApp Business app account and phone number. Successfully onboarded customers can use your app to message at scale while retaining the ability to send one-to-one messages using the WhatsApp Business app, with messaging history kept in sync between both platforms.
What is Coexistence?
Coexistence allows businesses with existing WhatsApp Business app accounts to seamlessly transition to Cloud API without losing their existing setup. When configured for coexistence:
- Existing Account Integration: Businesses can connect their current WhatsApp Business app phone number to Cloud API
- Dual Messaging Options: Continue using WhatsApp Business app for personal conversations AND use Cloud API for automated messaging
- Message History Sync: Keep messaging history synchronized between both platforms
- QR Code Onboarding: Simple QR code scanning process connects existing accounts
WHY COEXISTENCE IS IMPORTANT
Many businesses already have established WhatsApp Business app accounts with:
- Existing customer conversations and history
- Verified phone numbers and business profiles
- Team members familiar with the WhatsApp Business app interface
- Custom business settings and preferences
Coexistence lets them leverage Cloud API's automation capabilities without losing their existing setup.
How Coexistence Works
When configured for coexistence, the Embedded Signup flow presents businesses with an option to connect an existing WhatsApp Business app account to Cloud API:
Step-by-Step Process
- Business chooses existing account option in Embedded Signup flow
- Enters WhatsApp Business app phone number they want to connect
- QR code is displayed with instructions to check WhatsApp Business app
- WhatsApp message received with instructions to scan the QR code
- Business scans QR code using WhatsApp Business app
- Optional history sharing - business chooses whether to share message history
- Connection completed - account now works with both WhatsApp Business app and Cloud API
Integration Benefits
- Seamless Transition: No disruption to existing business operations
- Dual Platform Access: Use WhatsApp Business app for personal touch AND Cloud API for automation
- Message History Sync: Previous conversations remain accessible
- Contact Synchronization: Existing contacts are automatically synced to your platform
Requirements for Coexistence
Business Customer Requirements
- WhatsApp Business app version 2.24.17 or higher
- Supported country code for the phone number (see unsupported countries below)
- Active WhatsApp Business app account with verified phone number
WhatsMarkSaaS Requirements
- Solution Partner or Tech Provider status with Meta
- Cloud API knowledge and implementation
- Webhook callback capability to handle coexistence-specific webhooks
- Embedded Signup with session logging enabled
UNSUPPORTED COUNTRIES
WhatsApp Business account phone numbers from the following countries are NOT supported for coexistence:
- Nigeria
- South Africa