What Is WhatsApp Coexistence and How Will It Affect B2B Sales Teams
For years, WhatsApp Business App was known as the most popular messaging platform built to help people and businesses connect. However, now that businesses of all sizes are relying on WhatsApp to sell their products and support their customers, many are moving to the WhatsApp API for its advanced features as well as better client and business management.
That said, switching from the WhatsApp Business App to the API has always meant: businesses must give up the phone number they’ve built relationships with and lose access to their conversation history, which holds valuable customer insights.
For a long time, it has been the biggest barrier for businesses that want to use automation and integrations through the WhatsApp Cloud API without a big migration and losing connections.
This is now changing. WhatsApp has just announced a major breakthrough that removes this pain point: WhatsApp Coexistence.
In this update, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about WhatsApp Business Coexistence and why it can change the way many businesses operate.
What is WhatsApp Coexistence update?
Currently in beta, WhatsApp Business Coexistence is a new WhatsApp update that allows businesses to use the WhatsApp Business app while using the WhatsApp API and the tools it offers.
With this upgrade, you will soon be able to connect your WhatsApp Business App to the Cloud API all while keeping:
- Your existing phone number
- All contacts and past conversations
- Features like catalogs, status updates, and groups
- Full control over conversations, management, and cost
You’ll get the best of both worlds: the familiarity of your existing setup with the power of advanced sales tools. This change will make API onboarding for WhatsApp Business App users easier and will unlock automation, integrations, and analytics for many businesses using WhatsApp.
Who needs WhatsApp Coexistence?
This update is especially perfect for businesses that:
Use WhatsApp daily but rely on tools like CRMs for sales.
Want to automate messages without losing the personal feel of chats.
Hate manual data entry or juggling multiple apps.
What to expect as a WhatsApp Business App user
One of the best parts of this update is that businesses won’t lose any of the core features that make the WhatsApp Business App so effective. In addition to keeping your WhatsApp number and chat history, you’ll still be able to use:
- Product Catalogs to showcase your products and services.
- Status updates to keep your audience engaged.
- Groups to engage with multiple stakeholders or decision-makers.
But now, on top of these familiar tools, you’ll be able to:
- Automate lead qualification to identify high-potential prospects faster.
- Keep using the Business App while integrating it with your CRM to sync data as well as get analytics to track performance and make better decisions.
- Use Chatbots, sales sequences, and campaigns to scale communications and sales processes.
The table below outlines the changes you can expect after onboarding and whether each feature is supported on the Cloud API.
| Existing feature on the WhatsApp Business App | Changes after onboarding to Cloud API | Is this feature supported on Cloud API? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (1:1) chats | Editing/revoking messages is no longer available. | ✅ Supported. Chats from the last 6 months sync, and messages mirror across platforms. |
| Contacts | No changes. | ✅ Supported. WhatsApp contacts sync. |
| Group chats | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. Group chats won’t sync. |
| Phone number hiding chats | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Disappearing messages | This feature turns off for all 1:1 chats. | ❌ Not supported. |
| View once message | Will be disabled for all 1:1 chats. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Live location message | Will be disabled for all 1:1 chats. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Broadcast lists | Will be disabled. Existing lists become read-only. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Voice and video calls | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Business tools (catalog, orders, status, etc.) | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Messaging tools (marketing messages, quick replies, labels, etc.) | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Business profile (name, address, website, etc.) | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
| Channels | No changes. | ❌ Not supported. |
How does WA Coexistence fix common WA Business problems
Problem 1: “I lost access to my WhatsApp Business app after switching to the API.”
Solution: Use the WhatsApp Business app and API together. No more “either/or” decisions.
Problem 2: “Switching to the API erased my chat history!”
Solution: Your past chats sync automatically to your CRM. Keep talking to customers without missing a beat.
Problem 3: “Automation tools don’t let me reply manually.”
Solution: Choose between automated and manual messaging on WA, which gives you more flexibility and control over your communication with customers.
Problem 4: “Automated replies feel slow or robotic.”
Solution: Combine instant manual replies (via the app) with CRM-powered follow-ups to help you engage leads faster and close more sales.
How to set up WhatsApp Business Coexistence
Before you start:
Your business must be registered in these countries: India, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, U.S, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
Update your WhatsApp Business app to version 2.24.17 or higher.
Step 1: Link Your WhatsApp Business to a Facebook Page
- Open your WhatsApp Business app.
- Go to Settings > Business Tools > Facebook & Instagram.
- Tap Facebook, then follow the prompts to link your account.
Step 2: Sign Up for the WhatsApp Cloud API
- Visit the WhatsApp Business Platform.
- Create a Meta Business Account (if you don’t have one).
- Set up the Cloud API by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Connect Your WhatsApp Business App to the Cloud API
In your WhatsApp Business app, go to Settings > WhatsApp > Sign Up with Facebook.
Follow the steps to link your app to the Cloud API.
Optional: Import your contacts and 6 months of chat history to the Cloud API during setup.
Impact of WhatsApp Coexistence on B2B sales teams
If you’re in B2B sales, here’s why this update matters to you:
Smoother transition
Sales agents will be able to keep the same phone numbers they’ve been using with the WhatsApp Business App, but the app can be connected to the WhatsApp Cloud API. They can focus on engaging with prospects and closing deals without having to learn a new system.
Meanwhile, managers can enjoy WhatsApp Business API integration with CRM, greater visibility into conversations, and advanced automation.
Faster onboarding, faster results
The new onboarding process will make WhatsApp Business API adoption easier and quicker than before. You won’t have to go through complex migrations or lengthy training sessions.
This means you’ll be able to start seeing results quickly, whether that’s through improved lead management, better customer insights, or more efficient sales operations.
More control over costs and conversations
Managers will have more control in managing conversations, costs, and integrations. You’ll be able to decide which features to enable, how to route messages, and how to allocate resources without being locked into rigid systems.
Where Rasayel stands on this
We built Rasayel as a WhatsApp sales platform for B2B software companies. With features like a WhatsApp team inbox, CRM integrations, automation tools, message templates, and detailed reporting, we help customers use the WhatsApp Business API to the fullest.
We recognize that not every team wants to change how they use WhatsApp. Some prefer to keep using the app they are already familiar with, while others are ready for a complete platform upgrade.
That’s why once WhatsApp Business coexistence is released to the public, Rasayel will support both ways of working:
Coexistence mode
If you prefer to stick with the WhatsApp Business App, nothing will change in your daily operations and you can continue messaging as usual. The key benefit is that you get advanced features without disrupting existing workflows.
Conversations sync in the background, giving managers better visibility into sales activities. CRM data updates automatically, and AI-powered follow-ups help engage prospects consistently. This mode allows your team to work the way they prefer while quietly adding powerful sales tools in the background.
Full platform mode
With this mode, you can use a shared inbox where you can collaborate in real-time, track conversations, and manage leads more efficiently. You get advanced analytics to measure performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize sales processes. Plus, with built-in sales tools like automated sequences, lead assignment, and team performance tracking, your team can handle more deals with greater efficiency.
The difference? Choice. You don’t have to pick one immediately. Your team can start small and scale when ready.
Want to be among the first to enable this for your team?
Miodrag brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in content writing and marketing, with a talent for making even the trickiest topics clear and interesting. His passion lies in guiding businesses to effectively utilize WhatsApp to build stronger customer relationships and drive results. With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, he’s here to show how effective WhatsApp communication can boost sales and enhance customer engagement.
