Meta has introduced a new way to connect WhatsApp Business numbers using Coexistence, allowing companies to integrate with the official WhatsApp API while keeping the WhatsApp Business app functional on their mobile device.
With this new integration, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - advanced API capabilities via Callbell and the familiar WhatsApp Business app on your phone.
1. How to Connect the Number
As with any other WhatsApp API integration, first ensure your company meets the mandatory requirements for WhatsApp API connection. Also, make sure your WhatsApp Business app is version 2.24.17 or later.
1.1 Step-by-Step to Connect Your WhatsApp Business Number
1. Log in to your Callbell account.
2. From the "Connect your channels" section, click on "WhatsApp Cloud".
3. On the right, click "Add channel".
4. Choose a name for the channel, then click the “Connect your WhatsApp Business account” button.
5. A pop-up will appear. Log in with the Facebook account that has admin access to the Meta Business you want to use, then click “Start”.
6. Select the Meta Business Manager you want to use and then click “Next”.
7. Select the option "Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App".
8. Enter your WhatsApp Business phone number with the country code.
9. You’ll now see a QR code. Scan it using the WhatsApp Business app:
10. Meta will send you a message. Open it and click "Scan QR Code".
11. You’ll see a confirmation screen. Click "Scan QR Code". WhatsApp will then ask if you want to import your chat history to Callbell. Choose your preferred option and click "Confirm".
12. Finally, scan the QR code again and wait. This process can take up to 45 seconds.
13. Once it’s complete, select your timezone and click "Continue" to finish the integration. You should see the image below:
14. Go back to Callbell, add a name to your new channel, enter the connected phone number with the country code, and click "Connect".
That’s it! Your number is now active on both Callbell and your mobile WhatsApp Business app. You can track the synchronization status of your messages by clicking on the channel name:
1.2 Chats and Contacts Sync
If you selected the option to share your chats during the integration process, Callbell will recover your chats and contacts. As part of the onboarding:
- Messages: Last 6 months of 1:1 history
- Media: Last 2 weeks of attachments
- Contacts: All device contacts, even if they’ve never interacted via WhatsApp
Important: Even personal contacts from your mobile phone may be imported if they are saved in your agenda
Your contacts will be created in Callbell as closed. Once the message sync is complete, we’ll email the account owner.
In the WhatsApp Business app, your message and chat history will remain unchanged.
2. What Are the Differences Compared to the Classic Integration?
The Coexistence integration introduces several key differences compared to the classic setup:
| Feature | Classic Cloud API integration | Coexistence Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Keep WhatsApp Business App | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| WhatsApp Web | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (up to 4 devices) |
| Group Chats | ❌ Not supported | ✅ WhatsApp app only (not shown in Callbell) |
| WhatsApp Status | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (WhatsApp app only) |
| WhatsApp Channels | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (WhatsApp app only) |
| Chat History Import | ❌ Not imported | ✅ Last 6 months (messages) + 2 weeks (media) |
| Contacts Sync | ✅ Manual by importing | ✅ All contacts from device |
| Broadcast Campaigns | ✅ Via WhatsApp templates | ✅ Via WhatsApp templates |
| Voice and video | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Yes (WhatsApp app only) |
| Message Edit/Delete | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Live location message | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Disappearing and view once messages | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
3. FAQ
Is there any extra cost?
No. Pricing is the same as the regular WhatsApp integration.
Can I post WhatsApp Status?
Yes. You can post status updates from the WhatsApp mobile app.
Can I still use WhatsApp Web?
Yes, you can link up to 4 devices.
Can I run broadcast campaigns from the WhatsApp mobile app?
No. You must run broadcast campaigns using Callbell with pre-approved templates.
What happens with WhatsApp groups?
Nothing changes in the WhatsApp Business App or Web. You can continue receiving and sending group messages. However, groups are not shown in Callbell.
Do I need to send templates from the WhatsApp Business app to initiate conversations?
No. Messages sent from the app are free-form and do not require template approval.