WhatsApp Coexistence allows you to connect your WhatsApp Business App to respond.io via the WhatsApp API using the same phone number. You can continue using the WhatsApp Business App while unlocking automation, CRM syncing, reporting, and other features on respond.io.
This setup is ideal for teams that want to adopt API-based workflows gradually without giving up the app they’re already using.
Connect your WhatsApp Business App number to respond.io without giving up the app
Send and receive messages from both platforms
View messages sent from the app on respond.io as echo messages
Use respond.io features like automation, CRM integration, team visibility, and more
Note: Contact and message history syncing is currently not supported. Want this feature? Upvote here to show your interest.
WhatsApp Coexistence is available only to businesses actively using the WhatsApp Business App, based on Meta’s review of account age and messaging quality.
WhatsApp Business App version 2.24.17 or later. Learn more.
Add phone number to your Meta Business Manager. Learn more.
Your business must not be registered in a currently unsupported country. Learn more.
On respond.io, go to Settings > Channels > Add Channel. Then, Select WhatsApp.
Choose Connect WhatsApp Business App
Click Connect With Facebook and log in with your Facebook account and follow the embedded sign-up flow
Complete the setup. Your WhatsApp Business App will remain usable, and you can start using respond.io
You’ll be able to:
Continue using your WhatsApp Business App
Send and receive messages on respond.io using the same number
View messages sent from the app as echo messages
Messages sent from the WhatsApp Business App will appear on respond.io as echo messages. These provide visibility into team conversations and allow you to sync contact data or follow up via automation.
Behavior of echo messages:
Will not open a service window
Will not trigger automation
Will not start a new conversation
Will create a contact if one doesn’t exist
Once your WhatsApp Business App is connected to respond.io (via WhatsApp Coexistence), some native features of the WhatsApp Business App will no longer be available. These changes are made by WhatsApp and apply to all integrations with third-party platforms like respond.io.
Feature | Change |
|---|---|
Broadcast Lists | You will no longer be able to create or send Broadcast Lists from the WhatsApp Business App. Existing lists will become read-only. However, you can still send broadcasts using the Broadcast module on respond.io. |
Message Edit/Revoke | This feature will no longer be supported in individual (1:1) chats. |
Disappearing Messages | Automatically turned off for all individual (1:1) chats. |
View Once Messages | Disabled for all individual (1:1) chats. |
Live Location Sharing | Disabled for all individual (1:1) chats. |
Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
Message and contact history import | No |
Group chats, calls, and status updates | No |
View past chats on WhatsApp Business App | Yes |
CRM and automation on respond.io | Yes |
Companion devices | Must be reconnected after setup |
Meta Verified badge | Will be removed after onboarding |
Yes. You can continue using the app while gaining access to API-based tools on respond.io.
No, it will still be free even after connecting your WhatsApp Business App to respond.io.
No. Chat history remains available in the WhatsApp Business App. Respond.io will not display past conversations during Phase 1.
Respond.io will display it as an echo message. It won’t open a service window or trigger automation.
No. Messages sent from the app are free. Only messages sent via the Cloud API will be counted and billed.
Australia, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, European Union, European Economic Area
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