Co-Existence of WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API on the Same Number (India)

What is Co-Existence?

Co-Existence is a revolutionary capability introduced by Meta that allows businesses in India to use the WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API simultaneously on the same mobile number. Previously, businesses had to make a trade-off between the automation power of APIs and the simplicity of mobile interactions. Now, with the power of DoubleTick, you get the best of both worlds—automation + convenience.

With Co-Existence, businesses can:

• Automate messages, manage campaigns, and govern teams through DoubleTick.

• Access voice/video calling, and use WhatsApp Status for customer engagement.

This is a strategic leap for customer-first organizations aiming to deliver seamless service, drive higher conversions, and maintain personalized experiences.

Benefits of Co-Existence

• Unified Customer Experience: Customers interact with a single number across touchpoints.

• Enable Voice-Driven Sales: Sales agents can continue using the WhatsApp Business App for voice/video calls, and updating status helping build trust and quicker conversions.

• Multi-WABA Support for Scalability: Add multiple WABA instances with dedicated numbers for each sales agent, ensuring better governance, audit, and lead tracking.

• Boost Agent Productivity: Assign specific co-existing numbers to specific agents. Great for franchises, branches, and local dealerships.

• No Number Fragmentation: Consolidate communications without managing multiple numbers for a single entity.

• Meta-Compliant & Secure: Entire process is routed through Meta's embedded signup, ensuring high security.

Limitations

• Only Works with WhatsApp Business App: Not compatible with regular WhatsApp (Messenger).

• Business Display Name Requirement: WhatsApp Business display name must match your official business name.

• Warm-up Period for Fresh Numbers: New numbers must be used on WhatsApp Business for 7 days before onboarding.

• Downgrade Required for WABA Numbers: Deleting a WABA number from Facebook Business Manager before re-onboarding is required.

• WhatsApp Business Backup Doesn't Work on Co-Ex: Backup functionality is not supported in co-existence. However, backup and data continuity can be managed via Doubletick.

• Message Editing on WhatsApp Web Still Enabled: While co-existence is active, message editing remains functional on the WhatsApp Web app (subject to future changes by Meta).

How Does It Work?

A. If You Are Using a Number on WhatsApp Business App

1. Log in to web.doubletick.io
2. Enter your login number and verify via OTP.

1. Choose your Facebook Business Manager Portfolio.

2. Enter business details.

1. On number selection, choose "Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App".

1. Enter the phone number used on WhatsApp Business App.

1. A 5-digit OTP will be sent on WhatsApp.

1. Enter OTP for verification.

1. Choose your Time Zone.

   
2. Review and approve DoubleTick's Access Request.

1. A QR code will appear

2. You will receive a message from Facebook on WhatsApp Business APP with a QR prompt.

1. Scan the QR using your WhatsApp Business App and Select Share Chats.

1. You're now live on Co-Existence with DoubleTick!

B. For Fresh Numbers (Never Used Before on WhatsApp)

1. Activate the number on WhatsApp Business App.

2. Ensure daily conversations for at least 7 days.

3. Then follow the above onboarding process on DoubleTick.

C. For Numbers Currently on WhatsApp Business API

1. Downgrade the number:

   • Delete it from Facebook Business Manager.

1. Install WhatsApp Business App and Log In using the downgraded number.

   • In case of changing the current number on Whatsapp Business App to the downgraded number, back up chat history:

     • Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.

     • Connect your Google Account.

     • Set to "Daily" → Tap "Back Up Now" until upload is confirmed.

2. After setup and conversation usage:

   • Log in to DoubleTick Embedded Sign-Up:

     • Go to Settings → Manage WABAs → Add Number (Green Button).

• • • Select “Add number using embedded sign up”

• • • Select Facebook Portfolio.

    • Choose "Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App".

    • Enter number → Verify OTP → Select timezone → Approve Access → QR appears → Scan QR.

    • Co-Existence is enabled.

Use Cases & Add-Ons

• Multi-WABA Deployment: Enable multiple sales reps with their own WhatsApp API numbers—each with Co-Existence enabled.

• Geo-Targeted Campaigns: Assign numbers by region, city, or dealership for hyperlocal CTWA ads.

• Better Governance & Visibility: Monitor all team conversations via DoubleTick while enabling responses via Whatsapp business App.

• Boost Sales Performance: Let agents take calls, share status updates, or video pitch to clients.

• Increased Lead Conversion: Personalized and real-time engagement converts faster.

• Secure Access Logs: With DoubleTick, all access is tracked and auditable.

FAQs

FAQs – WhatsApp Coexistence with DoubleTick

1. Can I use a regular WhatsApp account (non-business)?

A: No. Only WhatsApp Business App is eligible for Co-Existence.

1. Will I lose my chats from DoubleTick if I downgrade and upgrade my API Number?

A: No. Although the templates and automation will be lost.

1. What if my number is brand new?

A: It must be active on WhatsApp Business for at least 7 days with real conversations before onboarding.

1. What’s the process for migrating from API to Co-Ex?

A: Downgrade in FBM → Log into WhatsApp Business App → Onboard via DoubleTick Embedded Signup.

1. Can I run CTWA campaigns while using Co-Existence?

A: Yes. You can run Click-to-WhatsApp Ads on the same number.

1. How do I know if my number is eligible for Co-Existence?

A: It must be on WhatsApp Business App, not flagged/banned, or successfully downgraded from API.

1. Will chatbot and automation flows work?

A: Yes, all flows and campaign responses will continue via API.

1. Can I assign different teams with different numbers?

A: Yes, using Multi-WABA you can assign sales, support, and service teams separate numbers.

1. Is there downtime while switching to Co-Ex?

A: Only during downgrade. Onboarding completes in minutes afterward.

1. Will I lose messages if I change my number on WhatsApp Business?

A: No, if you have backups and continue during the warm-up period.

1. Does Coexistence support WhatsApp Web/Desktop?

A: Only WhatsApp Web for Business App is supported; not Windows Desktop App.

1. Can I make voice/video calls?

A: Yes, via the WhatsApp Business App only.

1. Are group chats and communities accessible?

A: Yes, in the WhatsApp Business App.

1. Is chat history preserved?

A: Yes, chat history remains intact across platforms.

1. Are disappearing messages supported?

A: No, they are disabled for one-on-one chats.

1. Can I view "view-once" messages?

A: No, these are disabled in Coexistence.

1. Can I create new broadcast lists in whatsapp business?

A: No, only existing lists are retained in read-only mode.

1. Can I upload WhatsApp statuses?

A: Yes, via the WhatsApp Business App.

1. Can I still use labels and catalogues?

A: Yes, through the WhatsApp Business App.

1. Can multiple agents chat with customers at the same time?

A: Yes, through API tools on DoubleTick.

1. Can automation run based on incoming messages?

A: Yes, using workflow automation in DoubleTick.

1. Is meta catalogue sharing still available?

A: Yes, within the WhatsApp Business. Quicksell catalogues can be accessed via DoubleTick.

1. Can I delete messages ?

A: No, message revoke is not supported.

1. Can I schedule messages?

A: Yes, via DoubleTick's API interface.

1. Can I integrate CRMs with Coexistence?

A: Yes, all integrations work as before via API.

1. Is message delivery impacted?

A: No, delivery works smoothly for both App and API.

1. Can I use QR code-based chat triggers?

A: Yes, you can generate QR codes.

1. Can I assign agents automatically?

A: Yes, via DoubleTick's smart routing features.

1. Will welcome messages work?

A: Yes, welcome messages can be configured on the API.

1. Are analytics and reports still available?

A: Yes, reporting is fully supported via DoubleTick.

1. Can I set different access levels for team members?

A: Yes, using user roles in DoubleTick.

1. Can I see all chats in one dashboard?

A: Yes, unified chat view is available on DoubleTick.

1. Can agents reply from their phones?

A: Yes, via the WhatsApp Business App and doubletick.

1. Can I tag or categorize leads?

A: Yes, using custom fields and tags on DoubleTick.

1. Are chat templates supported?

A: Yes, you can create and manage templates in DoubleTick.

1. Can I upload contact lists from Excel?

A: Yes, bulk upload is supported on DoubleTick.

1. Can I use shared inboxes?

A: Yes, through DoubleTick's team inbox feature.