How does coexistence work?
During sign-up you choose to connect your existing WhatsApp Business app number instead of a new one. WhatsApp sends a code to the app, you confirm the connection, and you can choose to share your chat history. After that, both the app and the API work on the number, and messages stay in sync.
Meta's documentation calls this onboarding WhatsApp Business app users, and notes that it's often called coexistence in support channels and partner documentation.
What are the limits of coexistence?
Meta's docs list a few. A number used with both the app and the API has a fixed throughput of 20 messages per second. You need WhatsApp Business app version 2.24.17 or later. And a customer service window only opens for messages that arrive after the number is connected to the API.
Does coexistence change what you pay?
Messages you send by hand from the WhatsApp Business app stay free. Messages sent through the API, including automated follow-ups and broadcasts, follow Meta's normal per-message pricing. Your software provider's plan is charged on top, as it would be without coexistence.
How does Rainmaqer AI handle this?
With coexistence you keep the WhatsApp Business app on your phone and connect the same number to Rainmaqer AI, so you keep your chat history and still get Sid, the team inbox and automation.
Rainmaqer AI is ₹1,999/month billed yearly or ₹2,999/month billed quarterly, plus GST. See pricing.
Sources
Checked on 25 Oct 2026. Meta updates these pages often, so check them for the latest detail.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my old chats?
No. During onboarding you can choose to share your chat history, and WhatsApp keeps messages in sync between the app and the API afterwards.
Does it work with personal WhatsApp?
No. Coexistence is for numbers on the WhatsApp Business app. If you use personal WhatsApp for your business, move the number to the free WhatsApp Business app first.
Can my team still reply from the phone?
Yes. You can keep replying one-to-one from the WhatsApp Business app, while the API handles automation, the shared inbox and broadcasts.
Does Rainmaqer AI support coexistence?
Yes. You can connect your existing WhatsApp Business app number to Rainmaqer AI and keep using the app on your phone.