Connect your WhatsApp Business app number (Coexistence)
Connect the number you use in the WhatsApp Business app to the platform without losing it on your phone, and bring over your contacts and chat history.
Meta lets the same number run in the WhatsApp Business app on your phone and on the Cloud API in the platform at the same time. Messages reach both, and what you send from the phone also shows in the inbox.
Before you start
- Update the WhatsApp Business app to version 2.24.17 or later.
- Open the app on your phone at least once every 14 days, or the link drops.
- Sending through the platform is limited to 20 messages per second on this number.
- Broadcast lists, disappearing messages and view-once messages are turned off on this number.
- Groups are not brought over, and WhatsApp for Windows and WearOS watches are not supported as companion devices.
Connecting
- Open Channels & integrations, then the WhatsApp Cloud API (official) card.
- In the Connect WhatsApp through Meta card choose I already use the WhatsApp Business app on this number, then click Continue with Meta.
- Log in to Facebook in the pop-up window, pick your business and enter your phone number.
- Scan the QR code or enter the verification code shown in the WhatsApp Business app on your phone.
- Choose to share your chat history if you want earlier messages brought over, then finish the steps.
Bringing your data over
- Once connected, the platform brings over your contacts and then up to 6 months of chat history; the progress shows in the transfer card.
- Keep the WhatsApp Business app open on your phone until it finishes.
- If you did not agree to share the history, earlier messages are not brought over and new messages arrive as usual. The transfer cannot be repeated later.
Template messages need a payment method on your account in Meta's WhatsApp Manager; add it there after connecting.