respond-io

A multi-agent team inbox for WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API

WhatsApp Business App isn’t built for growing teams. Unlock expanded multiuser capabilities, advanced automation, AI and more by connecting WhatsApp Business App or WhatsApp API to respond.io.

WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business API: Which is best for multiple users?

The WhatsApp Business App is a free and simple solution designed for small businesses and limited users. It supports only one device per phone number and up to 5 linked devices, without advanced or collaborative features.

For businesses handling high volumes of chats, calls or users, the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) is a scalable solution. When connected to a software like respond.io, it enables unlimited users in a team inbox, AI and automation, CRM integrations and more.

But here's the best part — you don't have to give up the WhatsApp Business App when switching to the API.

With respond.io, run WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API on the same phone number. This setup, known as WhatsApp Coexistence, lets you:

  • Send and receive messages from both the WhatsApp Business App and API using one number
  • See messages sent from WhatsApp Business App reflected on respond.io
  • Access unlimited users, AI, automation, reports, integrations and more — even while still using WhatsApp Business App

This way, you can transition to the API gradually without interrupting your existing workflow. Scale your operations while keeping it flexible for your team.


WhatsApp Business App

WhatsApp Business API

Best for

Small businesses

Medium to large businesses

Number of Users

Up to 5 linked devices

Unlimited

Broadcast Limit

256 contacts per broadcast

Unlimited

Automation Capabilities

Limited

Advanced AI and automation

Supports Third-party Integrations

Supports Voice Call

Available on respond.io

WhatsApp Green Tick

Reports/Analytics

Lead Management

Simple tagging

Manage the entire customer lifecycle on respond.io

WhatsApp Business App & API Coexistence

Available on respond.io

Available on respond.io

Optimize full customer journeys over WhatsApp API and other channels

Empower your teams to work independently or collaborate seamlessly— all on one omnichannel platform.

Capture leads with WhatsApp Marketing

- Use Meta click to chat ads to get leads into WhatsApp

- Launch Workflows to respond to and qualify leads instantly

- Manage the entire WhatsApp customer lifecycle in one platform

- Track WhatsApp marketing performance with in-depth analytics

Learn More

Convert with WhatsApp Sales Automation and Calling

- Automate appointment and meeting booking

- Share product or service information instantly with WhatsApp Catalog

- Leverage WhatsApp Business Calling API to close high-value deals faster

Learn More

Retain with targeted broadcasts

- Send promotional broadcasts at scale

- Remind customers about renewals or upgrade opportunities

- Conduct customer satisfaction surveys

Learn More

Marketing

Sales

Customer service

Reach customers over voice calls, email, WhatsApp, TikTok, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Viber and more

Leverage Meta and TikTok ads, your website and QR codes in physical locations to get new customers

Track and manage your entire customer lifecycle so no opportunity slips through the cracks

Optimize ad and broadcast campaigns with performance analytics to maximize ROI

10x

More leads

125%

More revenue-driving chats

50%

Boosted sales

Secure and organize conversations with role-based access

Respond.io offers comprehensive team permission features to enhance collaboration and security within your teams.

Restrict reading and replying to chats

Define which categories of chats agents can handle so conversations are managed by appropriate team members.

Limit actions that can be taken on chats

Specify who can assign, reassign, resolve, delete, block or export contacts.

Define approved message types 

Control whether agents can send media, audio, location and contact cards to align with your business standards.

Control contacts access and editing

Determine which agents can view, edit and create contacts to safeguard sensitive customer information.

Hide contacts' numbers from agents

Decide whether agents can see your contacts' phone numbers for better privacy and security.

Easily migrate to the most powerful WhatsApp API solution

Migrate from WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp API

  1. 1. Purchase a phone number that’s not connected to a current WhatsApp Business account or sign up for a virtual number
  1. 2. Connect your number to your Meta business account
  1. 3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to respond.io
  1. 3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to respond.io

Migrate WhatsApp API from another BSP to respond.io

  1. 1. Turn off 2-step verification in your Meta account.
  1. 2. Follow the simple steps in the respond.io platform to migrate your account
  1. 3. Verify your number and you’re ready to go - you keep your number, templates, contacts and conversation history!

Set up WhatsApp Business multiple users in 3 steps

The only thing you need is a computer or cellphone for each agent. The onboarding process is quick and simple and does not require help from a developer. Anyone could do it.

  1. 1. Sign up for a respond.io account
  • You can start with a free trial before switching to your ideal plan.

2. Connect the WhatsApp Business API or the WhatsApp Business App

  • We’ll guide you step by step either way.
  1. 3. Add users to your respond.io Workspace
  • Arrange them into different teams, manage their restrictions and start boosting agent productivity.

Frequently asked questions

WhatsApp Business with multiple users refers to collaboratively managing customer conversations as a team. While the WhatsApp Business App only allows one phone and four linked devices, connecting it to respond.io enables access to WhatsApp API and its capabilities, such as unlimited users through a shared inbox.

The best part? You don’t have to give up the App — respond.io lets you use both WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API on the same number, so your team can work together seamlessly while you scale.

Real success stories from customers

3x your business results with respond.io 🚀