# Co-Existence vs WhatsApp Business API

Businesses today need flexibility — the ability to **chat personally with customers** while also running **automated campaigns and workflows**.

Meta’s **Co-Existence setup (currently available in India)** allows businesses to use the **same WhatsApp number on both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Cloud API simultaneously**.

This means businesses can:

* Continue chatting with customers from their **mobile WhatsApp Business App**
* Run **automation, campaigns, and integrations through DoubleTick**

This article explains how **Co-Existence differs from the standard WhatsApp Business API setup** and helps you determine which option is best for your business.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Feature Comparison**</mark>

| Feature                             | Coexistence (App + API)                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Cloud API Only                                                                                                         |
| ----------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Number Usage                        | Use the same number on both the WhatsApp Business App and DoubleTick.                                                                                                                                                         | The number can only be used through DoubleTick. The WhatsApp Business App cannot be used on this number.               |
| Voice and Video Calls               | Supported via the WhatsApp Business App. Calls cannot be made or received through DoubleTick in a Coexistence setup.                                                                                                          | Fully supported through the Calling API.                                                                               |
| 1:1 Chats                           | Agents can reply through the WhatsApp Business App, and the same conversations also appear in DoubleTick.                                                                                                                     | All conversations are handled through DoubleTick.                                                                      |
| Automation and Campaigns            | Automation runs via DoubleTick while manual conversations happen on the WhatsApp Business App.                                                                                                                                | Fully automated workflows, chatbots, and campaigns run entirely through DoubleTick.                                    |
| Group Chats                         | Available through the WhatsApp Business App only. Group chats are not synced to DoubleTick.                                                                                                                                   | Fully supported through the Groups API. Businesses can create, manage, and message groups directly through DoubleTick. |
| Broadcast Lists                     | Existing lists remain visible but read-only. New broadcast lists cannot be created on the WhatsApp Business App.                                                                                                              | Broadcast campaigns are managed entirely through DoubleTick using API templates and marketing campaigns.               |
| Status Uploads                      | Supported through the WhatsApp Business App.                                                                                                                                                                                  | Not supported via the API.                                                                                             |
| Disappearing and View Once Messages | Disabled once Coexistence is enabled.                                                                                                                                                                                         | Not supported through the API.                                                                                         |
| Chat Backup                         | Google Drive and iCloud backups are disabled after API integration.                                                                                                                                                           | No chat backup available.                                                                                              |
| Data Sync and History               | Up to 6 months of messages can be synced between the WhatsApp Business App and DoubleTick at the time of onboarding.                                                                                                          | All data exists within DoubleTick or the connected API system only.                                                    |
| Linked Devices                      | Supports up to 4 companion devices. All linked devices are disconnected at the time of onboarding and must be re-linked afterward.                                                                                            | Access is only via DoubleTick or connected CRM interfaces.                                                             |
| Customer Service Window             | The standard 24-hour customer service window applies to messages sent through DoubleTick only. Messages sent from the WhatsApp Business App do not open, extend, or affect this window, and do not contribute to API billing. | The standard 24-hour customer service window applies to all messages sent through DoubleTick.                          |
| Message Throughput                  | Fixed at 20 messages per second regardless of account tier.                                                                                                                                                                   | Scales with your account tier. Suitable for high-volume messaging.                                                     |
| Message Revoking                    | Supported on the WhatsApp Business App for 1:1 chats.                                                                                                                                                                         | Not supported through the API.                                                                                         |
| Best Suited For                     | Small and medium businesses that want API-powered automation while keeping the personal touch of the WhatsApp Business App during the transition period.                                                                      | Businesses managing high-volume automated messaging that are ready to fully adopt a platform like DoubleTick.          |

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**When to Choose Co-Existence**</mark>

Co-Existence is ideal for **small and medium businesses** that want to combine **personal customer conversations with automation**.

Choose **Co-Existence** if you:

* Want to continue using **WhatsApp on your phone** while running campaigns through DoubleTick.
* Need the ability to **call or video chat with customers** from your business number.
* Run **small to medium scale marketing campaigns** where personal interaction is important.
* Have a **small sales or support team** handling conversations.
* Want to maintain existing **customer chat history and contacts**.
* Prefer a **smooth transition from the WhatsApp Business App to API automation**.
* Need both **manual chats and automated workflows on the same number**.

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Example Use Case**</mark>

A **real estate agent** uses the WhatsApp Business App to send property photos, voice notes, and location pins to buyers.

At the same time, **DoubleTick automatically**:

* Sends follow-up messages
* Collects lead information
* Runs remarketing campaigns
* Syncs conversations with the CRM

All communication happens through the **same WhatsApp number**.

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**When to Choose WhatsApp Business API Only**</mark>

The **standard API setup** is best suited for **large businesses and enterprises** that rely heavily on automation and integrations.

Choose **API Only** if you:

* Send **high-volume campaigns** (thousands of messages daily).
* Depend heavily on **chatbots and automated workflows**.
* Integrate WhatsApp deeply with **CRMs or internal systems**.
* Have **multiple agents managing conversations from dashboards**.
* Do not require **voice or video calls from the WhatsApp app**.
* Need **higher message throughput** (80–100 messages per second compared to Co-Existence's 20 MPS limit).
* Operate across **multiple countries or teams** where mobile usage is unnecessary.

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Example Use Case**</mark>

An **e-commerce company** sends:

* Order confirmations
* Payment notifications
* Shipping updates
* Delivery alerts
* Return confirmations

to **thousands of customers daily**, all automated through DoubleTick workflows integrated with their CRM.

***

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Choosing the Right Setup**</mark>

<table><thead><tr><th width="374">If You Want To…</th><th>Recommended Setup</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Chat with customers directly on WhatsApp while running automation</td><td><strong>Co-Existence</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Fully automate marketing and support workflows</td><td><strong>API Only</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Send large-scale broadcast campaigns</td><td><strong>API Only</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Maintain a personal touch while automating campaigns</td><td><strong>Co-Existence</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Manage multiple agents and operations centrally</td><td><strong>API Only</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


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