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Meta and accounts

What is WhatsApp coexistence?

Coexistence is Meta's feature that lets one WhatsApp Business number be used on the WhatsApp Business app and the Cloud API at the same time. Messages appear in both places, up to six months of chat history can be imported, and the owner keeps the phone while the team works from software.

Updated 29 Aug 2026 · 1 min read

On this page
  1. Why it matters
  2. In VGraple CRM
  3. Related terms

META AND ACCOUNTS

Coexistence

Coexistence is Meta's feature that lets one WhatsApp Business number be used on the WhatsApp Business app and the Cloud API at the same time. Messages appear in both places, up to six months of chat history can be imported, and the owner keeps the phone while the team works from software.

embedded signupcloud apipacingconnect in coexistence mode

Coexistence in one line

Why it matters

The single biggest reason small businesses did not adopt the API was losing the app: the owner wanted the phone in their pocket. Coexistence removes that trade-off. It also shortens onboarding because the number is already verified in the app. The constraints are real: coexistence numbers are paced more conservatively (about 4 messages per second in VGraple CRM), some interactive message types are limited, and the number must have been on the app for at least a short period.

In VGraple CRM

Choose "Keep using the WhatsApp Business app" during Embedded Signup, scan the QR code on the phone, and the channel connects in coexistence mode with history imported. The inbox, flows, broadcasts and templates work as normal; the channel page shows a coexistence badge and the reduced send rate. The coexistence feature page lists every limitation.

Embedded Signup, Cloud API, Pacing, and the connect in coexistence mode guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do replies sent from the app show in VGraple CRM?
Yes. Messages sent from either side appear in both the app and the inbox, so a teammate sees what the owner replied from the phone.
Can I turn coexistence off later?
Yes. Disconnecting the app side converts the number to an API-only number; you can also keep coexistence indefinitely.
Are there message types that do not work in coexistence?
Some interactive formats and WhatsApp Flows have restrictions on coexistence numbers, and the send rate is lower. Broadcasts, templates, media and the inbox all work.

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