> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bolten.gitbook.io/bolten-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bolten.gitbook.io/bolten-docs/en/brand-activation/whatsapp-cloud-api-official-coexistence-mode.md).

# WhatsApp Cloud API (Official) - Coexistence Mode

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/r85WyODbO-s?si=dAJoYP6cigVQaNZt>" %}

### 🔄 Traditional Connection vs. Coexistence

When connecting a number via WhatsApp Cloud API, you can choose between two modes:

* **Traditional connection (official Cloud API):** the number starts operating **exclusively** through the API. Recommended for new numbers or numbers dedicated to support.
* **Coexistence:** connects a number that **is already on WhatsApp Business**, allowing you to keep using the **app and the API at the same time**, without losing chat history.

#### Comparison

|                                      | 🟢 Traditional (Cloud API)              | 🔵 Coexistence                                    |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Number**                           | New or dedicated exclusively to the API | Existing WhatsApp Business app number             |
| **Use in the WhatsApp Business app** | The number stops working in the app     | Continues working in the app **and** in the API   |
| **Verification PIN (6 digits)**      | Required                                | ❌ Not required                                    |
| **Number registration in Meta**      | Done during connection                  | Already registered (step skipped)                 |
| **Chat history**                     | Not imported                            | Imports up to **\~1 month** of chats and contacts |
| **How to connect**                   | Enter the number and verify             | Scan a **QR Code** using the app                  |

> 💡 **When to use each one?** Use **Coexistence** when the brand already serves customers through the WhatsApp Business app and wants to keep support on the phone while starting to use the platform. Use the **traditional connection** for new numbers or when support will be handled 100% by Bolten.

> ⚠️ **Coexistence Requirements**
>
> * App **WhatsApp Business** updated (version 2.24.17 or later).
> * The number **cannot** already be registered in another WhatsApp Cloud API account.
> * Feature unavailable in some regions (e.g., the European Union, the United Kingdom, among others). Check Meta availability for the country of the number.

***

### 📲 How to connect via Coexistence

Follow the steps below to connect a number that is already in the WhatsApp Business app.

#### Prerequisites

* Access to the app **WhatsApp Business** on the phone that uses the number.
* Permission to connect new numbers in the project.
* Number compatible with Coexistence (see requirements above).

#### Step by step

**1.** Access the **WhatsApp** component of the project and start a new connection **Business API**.

<figure><img src="/files/57a0a9da6ff939d7a824d8f90e4674a99c23908d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**2.** On the connection screen, in **Connection type**, select the option **"Coexistence (connect existing WhatsApp Business app)"**.

<figure><img src="/files/c7b1e64f239ae6060cec75cfcacb03e023298b1b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**3.** Click **"Connect via Meta"** and click "**Continue"**.

<figure><img src="/files/f4dd9631ac46c975fe7400eb72883baf31838362" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**4.** Select a business portfolio and choose "**Connect a WhatsApp Business app"**.

<figure><img src="/files/7bafe7e11ac992f508648756f8c7efc53c893da2" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**5.** Follow Meta's step-by-step until the QR Code is displayed.

<figure><img src="/files/9b93fa29efc1e8fb3869d36ec1bc0f75f55a697c" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/dcbf055a2662ca8f41af28740e23dd1dc511f1ea" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/579b2b506238afa6d4a841d783b138674c61f473" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**6.** On the phone, open WhatsApp Business and scan the QR Code

* Go to **Settings → Account → WhatsApp Business Platform**.
* Follow the step-by-step guide and point the camera at the QR Code shown on the screen. You may choose whether or not to share your chat history

<figure><img src="/files/051a415d4e71915831c236d9cd99646ca646451b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/58febc69c3bd9249b8b05263fb503b89abbb9bac" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/77adec9af9207b517eaa682314828e17c1b4ffbb" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/796812eabc8acc9f31d75a03479fc3fa910c85b6" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After scanning the QR Code, the number will be connected and will appear as an active session on the platform. ✅

<figure><img src="/files/c4edb0aca44769420c7dcb917f53572e57830f5b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### What happens next

* 📥 **History import:** recent chats and contacts (up to \~1 month) are automatically imported and will start appearing in the inbox. The import may take a few minutes.
* 🔄 **Simultaneous use:** the number continues to work normally in the WhatsApp Business app. Messages sent through the app also appear on the platform, and vice versa

> ⚠️ **Important**
>
> * History synchronization has a **call limit per number** in Meta. Avoid reconnecting several times in a row.
> * If you need to reconnect, **disconnect first** the integration in the WhatsApp Business app (**Settings → Connected devices**) before repeating the process.