WhatsApp Coexistence

Before coexistence, moving a number to the Business Platform meant leaving the WhatsApp Business app: the phone could no longer send or receive on that number. Coexistence removes that trade-off. The app keeps working for the owner, and the API connection lets software answer, route and automate on the same number.

Why it matters for small businesses. The owner keeps the app they know on their phone, with existing chats and contacts, while an AI agent handles the volume and a team works from a shared inbox. There is no cut-over day and no customer-facing change.

How it is set up. The number must already be on the WhatsApp Business app. During Botcadence's connection flow you choose coexistence, scan the QR code Meta provides, and grant the permissions; chat history can sync so the agent has context.

Limits and rules. Meta's messaging rules still apply: opt-in, the 24-hour window, approved templates for business-initiated messages and the quality rating. Some advanced API features may be restricted on coexisting numbers; check Meta's current documentation.

Example. A clinic has run its WhatsApp Business app for years. It connects in coexistence mode; the agent answers appointment questions and books into the calendar overnight, and the front desk still uses the app during the day. See the WhatsApp chatbot page for connection options.