WABA Coexistence

You can now connect a number to WhatsApp Cloud API even if it is already linked to the WhatsApp Business app.

Coexistence is a mode where your phone number stays active in the WhatsApp Business mobile app while also being connected to the 1MSG.

Main benefit: If a teammate writes to a customer directly from the phone (from the app), that message is delivered to your webhook immediately as a normal outbound message from the business. Your system always knows what is being discussed, even when conversations happen “in the field” from a mobile device.

Note: Only this scenario is supported: WhatsApp Business App → API (Coexistence). You cannot connect a WABA number to the WhatsApp Business App the other way around.

Capabilities and advantages

• Full sync: Outbound messages from the app appear in your integration.

• Flexible workflow: Managers can reply on the go from the phone, while bulk sends and chatbots run through the API.

• Single history: All threads are stored in your database without gaps.

Requirements and important notes

Coexistence comes with rules you should follow for stable operation:

1. Number “seasoning”: The phone number must have been active in WhatsApp Business for at least 7 days before you enable this mode.

2. Account choice: During setup, pick the correct WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) right away.

3. Open WhatsApp Business at least once every 14 days, or the connection may drop.

4. Up-to-date app: Install the latest WhatsApp Business on a phone with a camera (needed to scan the QR code when connecting).

WhatsApp Business App limitations in Coexistence

After Coexistence is enabled, the app still works, but some features are restricted or behave differently.

Broadcast lists. You cannot create new broadcast lists. Old lists become view-only. Mass messaging is only possible via the API (templates).

Disabled message types. The following are unavailable:

• Disappearing messages

• View-once messages

• Live location

Edit and delete limits. Editing or deleting messages in the app does not remove or update them in the WABA API.

Device limits.

• All linked devices are reset when you connect; you must sign in again.

• Coexistence works only with WhatsApp Business, not the personal WhatsApp app.

• Messages from unsupported setups may not reach the API.

Business Manager and WABA (Meta) limitations

Business Manager (Meta). After connection, you cannot change Business Manager. The phone number must belong to the company that will send messages. Adding people who are not from your company may lead to Business Manager restrictions.

24-hour customer care window. The 24-hour window applies to messages sent via Cloud API. Messages sent from the WhatsApp Business app do not follow that window for Cloud API: they do not open or extend Cloud API conversation windows and do not affect Cloud API pricing for that window.

Pricing. After connecting to Cloud API, messages sent by the company through the WhatsApp Business app remain free; messages sent through the API are charged according to Cloud API / WABA rules.

• App: not billed

• Cloud API: billed per WABA rules

Green badge (Official Business Account). You cannot obtain OBA status (the verified badge) in Coexistence mode.

Regional limits. The feature is not available everywhere. The number must not be in Meta-restricted regions (the list is updated by Meta), including:

• Nigeria

• South Africa

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How to connect via Embedded Signup

Connection is built into the 1MSG UI and takes a few minutes.

1. Start Embedded Signup. Use the standard flow and choose:

   • No, this number is not connected to WhatsApp Business API.

   • Yes, this number is connected to the WhatsApp Business app.

2. Connect the WhatsApp Business app. Continue with “Connect existing WhatsApp Business app”, enter the phone number again, and complete verification.

1. Open WhatsApp Business on the phone and follow in-app steps:

• A new WhatsApp message may ask you to scan a QR code.

• Open it and scan the QR code shown on screen.

1. Confirm migration and history sync. Follow the prompts. Tap “Scan QR code” and choose not to sync message history and contacts (if you need historical sync, contact support).

1. Finish Embedded Signup. Confirm or edit your WhatsApp Business Account details.

After completion, the number is ready on WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API). Webhooks will log events and become available.

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How to disconnect from WABA

Disable Coexistence in WhatsApp Business settings.

Steps

1. Open WhatsApp Business

2. Go to Settings

3. Open Account

4. Select Business Platform

5. Tap Disconnect

What happens after disconnect

• WABA API is disabled

• The app keeps working as normal WhatsApp Business

• The webhook stops receiving events

• Integrations (CRM, bots, etc.) stop working