# Whatsapp Co-existence Feature

#### Overview

**WhatsApp Co-existence** allows you to use the **same WhatsApp phone number** on:

* The **WhatsApp Business App**
* **BotPenguin’s WhatsApp Bot**

at the same time.

This feature is enabled via **Meta’s Embedded Signup flow**, allowing businesses to start WhatsApp automation **without migrating or disconnecting** their existing WhatsApp Business account.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/UFx9f1kg2cI>" %}

***

### What Is WhatsApp Co-existence?

Traditionally, WhatsApp API required **full number migration**, which removed the number from the WhatsApp app.

With **Co-existence**:

* Your WhatsApp Business app **remains active**
* BotPenguin can **send and receive messages via Bot**
* Manual and automated conversations run together

***

### When Should You Use WhatsApp Co-existence?

Use this feature if:

* You already have an active WhatsApp Business App number
* You want to keep manual conversations
* You want to add bots, automation, and templates
* You don’t want downtime or number migration
* You are testing WhatsApp automation before scaling
* You would like to sync the chats both in Whatsapp ChatBot as well as on Whatsapp business Account

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that we need an ACTIVE WhatsApp Business Acoount to onboard with Co-existance. The acount needs to be in active use for atleast 2-3 weeks before the onbaording via coexistance an be initiated.
{% endhint %}

***

### What You Can Do with Co-existence

With WhatsApp Co-existence enabled, you can:

* Send & receive messages via WhatsApp API
* Reply manually from the WhatsApp app
* Run chatbots and automated workflows
* Send approved WhatsApp template messages
* Manage chats from both WhatsApp business app and BotPenguin

***

### Prerequisites

Before starting setup, ensure:

* ✔ Active Facebook account
* ✔ Business Manager access (Admin recommended)
* ✔ Valid business website with Privacy Policy
* ✔ WhatsApp-compliant use case
* ✔ Active WhatsApp number (business app)
* ✔ Phone number can receive SMS or voice OTP
* ✔ Valid debit/credit card with international payments enabled
* ✔ GSTIN (mandatory for Indian businesses)

### Technical Requirements (Mandatory)

For this flow to work successfully:

* WhatsApp Business App version **2.24.17 or higher**
* Phone number country code must be **supported**
* You must be a **Meta Solution Partner / Tech Provider**
* You must be familiar with **WhatsApp Cloud API**
* Webhook callback must successfully receive and process events
* Embedded Signup must be enabled **with session logging**

***

#### Step 1: Open WhatsApp Setup in BotPenguin

1. Log in to **BotPenguin Dashboard**
2. Go to **Bots**
3. Select your bot
4. Click **Replace Demo WhatsApp Number**
5. Choose **Connect your WhatsApp Number**

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FnLf23cSaE2UM4ooTAkJ5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7d0b1bdb-37d6-42fc-b7ef-58d940ebdba4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Step 2: Accept WhatsApp Prerequisites

You will see a prerequisites checklist.

* Select **All**
* Confirm you meet WhatsApp requirements
* Click **Proceed**

(This step confirms compliance with Meta policies.)

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2F8CCtOLfad5Qu7FinyAaK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c58d00df-9edd-4ae4-a497-966e4979e242" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Step 3: Meta Embedded Signup (Facebook Login)

You’ll be redirected to Meta’s **Embedded Signup** screen.

Here you need to:

* Log in using your Facebook account
* Select an existing **Business Manager** or create a new one
* Grant required permissions to BotPenguin

Click **Continue**.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FQkniqB6BkWLGXfy1qJQz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e3da93cc-dbb5-4819-92c4-3ef674208ba5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step 4: Seamlessly connect your account to BotPenguin

Connect your account to the BotPenguin by giving permissions by clicking on continue button.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FPy4s4gn4XAsZaIuLrQlN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ebc9ce6f-2616-4823-a434-60c3b2ca46b1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 5: Connect your Business portfolio and Choose the option whether you want to create or connect a Business Account

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2F3gNC3C5Ld7wBi3RTPlRo%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=755eed55-8321-4519-9d2e-48f4f4027a9b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When configuring **Embedded Signup** for **WhatsApp Business App phone numbers**, business users are given the option to **connect their existing WhatsApp Business App account to the WhatsApp Cloud API** (Co-existence mode).

This allows the same phone number to be used on:

* WhatsApp Business App
* BotPenguin (via Cloud API)

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FC3cqMTN7DQX79OQhxT4l%2Fimg%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3a24326b-ef2e-43c7-b2a9-90287ddde00d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step-by-Step: Verification Inside WhatsApp Business App

If the user selects **Use an existing WhatsApp Business App number**, the following process occurs:

***

#### Step 1: Enter WhatsApp Business App Phone Number

* The user enters their **WhatsApp Business App phone number**
* Meta generates a **verification code**

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FZXitbG6cvXw9AB1Kcked%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c0f685cb-9872-48a2-b5f7-1e6a8544d7d1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step 2: Receive Verification Message in WhatsApp Business App

The business will receive a message from the **official Facebook Business Account** inside the WhatsApp Business App.

The message instructs the business to:

* Copy the verification code or scan the QR
* Follow the on-screen connection steps

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FLlYbxK3dtKqTeIvVjvVW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bee960a4-41a8-43c7-8d07-3bb708ef293f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step 3: Tap “Connect” in WhatsApp Business App

Inside the WhatsApp Business App:

1. Tap **Connect**
2. Tap **Connect to the Business Platform** to continue onboarding

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FvPY0v83J9HmjG1m3mKpg%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=db95658e-fe9d-4217-b48e-99042602979b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step 4: Confirm Chat History Sharing (Optional)

* Tap **Confirm** when prompted
* This allows the business to **share chat history and contacts** with the platform (BotPenguin)
* Permission is optional but recommended for a smoother transition

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FeicJ6aJ01GLFEbbwrxSv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=563dd181-e766-46bf-8e82-4abbc8309462" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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#### Step 5: Paste the Verification Code

* Paste the verification code received earlier or scan the QR&#x20;
* This confirms ownership of the WhatsApp Business App number

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FLlYbxK3dtKqTeIvVjvVW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bee960a4-41a8-43c7-8d07-3bb708ef293f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Step 6: You are now Connected to the BotPenguin&#x20;

**Business Platform Connection (WhatsApp)**

This screen shows that your WhatsApp Business app is currently connected to the **BotPenguin Business Platform**.

* You can be connected to **only one Business Platform at a time**.
* If you disconnect from BotPenguin, you will lose access to BotPenguin features, but **your WhatsApp Business app will remain unaffected**.
* To keep the connection active, make sure to **open your WhatsApp Business app at least once every 14 days**.
* If setup is incomplete, tap **“Finish setting up on BotPenguin”** to complete the integration.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FQuEXUICXYP6sKfMrICIq%2FWhatsApp%20Image%202026-01-06%20at%2011.32.12%20AM.jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=643db084-d560-4b5a-aeed-a7595038ff7f" alt="" width="270"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Step 7: Confirm or Edit Your WhatsApp Business Account**

Your WhatsApp Business account has been successfully linked to your business portfolio. By proceeding, you agree to share your WhatsApp Business account and business profile details with BotPenguin. Please review and, if required, update your **WhatsApp Business account name** and **time zone** before continuing.

{% hint style="info" %}
Please ensure that all the fields are filled for smooth onboarding .
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FsxOKj3oQRe5Ozu2Ndso3%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d9a6a878-2cf6-4325-bc73-17b7d8f5fa0e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Step 8: Review and Confirm Access Permissions**

On this screen, review the permissions that **BotPenguin v2** is requesting for your WhatsApp Business account. BotPenguin will be able to manage your WhatsApp accounts, access and manage conversations, handle product catalogues, and log events on behalf of your WhatsApp Business account. Carefully verify the details, then click **Confirm** to grant access and complete the connection, or click **Back** if you want to make changes.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2F3HtkslyjtPUnjSmcxP4R%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f5cce480-392f-4fba-8a78-66fd350c9aee" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 9 : You are now connected to the BotPenguin

This screen confirms that your WhatsApp Business account has been successfully connected to **BotPenguin**. Meta will review your business to ensure it complies with WhatsApp’s Commerce Policy and will notify you within **24 hours** if any action is required. You can manage or opt out of event activity sharing at any time from **Business Settings**. Click **Add Payment Method** to enable marketing or drip campaigns, then select **Finish** to complete the setup.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FW5gSGPFbphpdUXCymILG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cf8db3b5-d739-4fb9-b688-b9a816931236" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Step 10: WhatsApp Account Approved & Bot Created**

This screen confirms that your WhatsApp number has been approved and your bot has been created successfully. You can now start using your bot by sending your first message, editing your chat flow, or viewing the bot overview. Make sure your payment method is added to begin your marketing or drip campaigns and fully activate your WhatsApp bot.

{% content-ref url=".." %}
[..](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/whatsapp-bot)
{% endcontent-ref %}

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FPvK37HX1RPt0rTpEXP5E%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7076f378-d0b8-4924-b852-0aa7b12bb9cb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Limitations

* Phone numbers used in **both WhatsApp Business App and Cloud API** have a **fixed throughput of 20 messages per second (20 MPS)**
* If the business previously worked with another partner and still shares the same **credit line**, they may see an error when switching partners\
  → Follow Meta’s **credit line migration guide** to resolve this

### Feature Comparison: WhatsApp Business App vs BotPenguin (Cloud API)

| WhatsApp Business App Feature                               | Behavior After Co-existence                                                                                  | Supported on BotPenguin (Cloud API) |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------- |
| **Individual (1:1) Chats**                                  | <p>Message edit/revoke disabled<br>Messages mirrored between app & BotPenguin<br>Last 6 months chat sync</p> | ✅ Supported                         |
| **Contacts**                                                | <p>No change<br>Contacts synced</p>                                                                          | ✅ Supported                         |
| **Group Chats**                                             | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Disappearing Messages**                                   | Automatically turned off                                                                                     | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **View Once Messages**                                      | Disabled                                                                                                     | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Live Location**                                           | Disabled                                                                                                     | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Broadcast Lists**                                         | <p>Disabled<br>Existing lists read-only</p>                                                                  | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Voice & Video Calls**                                     | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Business Tools (Catalog, Orders, Status)**                | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Messaging Tools (Greeting, Away, Quick Replies, Labels)** | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Business Profile**                                        | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |
| **Channels**                                                | No change                                                                                                    | ❌ Not Supported                     |

### Important Notes

* Co-existence is ideal for businesses needing **both automation and manual control**
* Some WhatsApp features are disabled intentionally to maintain API compatibility
* BotPenguin handles automation, templates, analytics, and integrations
* The WhatsApp Business App remains fully usable for manual chats

***

### When to Contact Support

Contact **BotPenguin Support** if:

* Verification fails repeatedly
* You see partner credit line errors
* Messages are not syncing
* Templates fail after onboarding

Provide:

* Business Manager ID
* WhatsApp Business Account ID
* Phone Number ID

### FAQs

<details>

<summary>Will my WhatsApp Business App stop working after enabling Co-existence?</summary>

No. Your **WhatsApp Business App remains fully active**. You can continue manual conversations while BotPenguin handles automated chats in parallel.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need to migrate my WhatsApp number to use Co-existence?</summary>

No. Unlike traditional WhatsApp API onboarding, **number migration is not required**. Co-existence works without downtime or number removal.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I send and receive messages from both the app and BotPenguin?</summary>

Yes. You can:

* Reply manually from the WhatsApp Business App
* Send and receive automated messages via BotPenguin\
  Both manual and automated conversations work together.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Are chats synced between WhatsApp Business App and BotPenguin?</summary>

Yes, chats can sync across both platforms. During setup, Meta may ask for **chat history sharing permission**—this is optional but recommended for smoother synchronization.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I use WhatsApp templates with Co-existence?</summary>

Yes. You can send **approved WhatsApp template messages** via BotPenguin while continuing manual chats from the WhatsApp Business App.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is WhatsApp Co-existence suitable for testing automation?</summary>

Absolutely. Co-existence is ideal for businesses that want to **test automation before scaling**, without impacting their existing WhatsApp workflows.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will any WhatsApp features be disabled?</summary>

Yes, some WhatsApp Business App features may be intentionally limited to ensure **Cloud API compatibility**, while automation, templates, analytics, and integrations are managed by BotPenguin.

</details>