WhatsApp Coexistence

Overview

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.

What You Can Do

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Setup Guide

1. On respond.io, go to Settings > Channels > Add Channel. Then, Select WhatsApp.

   

2. Choose Connect WhatsApp Business App

   

3. Click Connect With Facebook and log in with your Facebook account and follow the embedded sign-up flow

   

4. 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

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

Known Limitations (Phase 1)

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Can I keep using the WhatsApp Business App?

Yes. You can continue using the app while gaining access to API-based tools on respond.io.

Will I be charged if I send messages via my WhatsApp Business App after connecting to respond.io?

No, it will still be free even after connecting your WhatsApp Business App to respond.io.

Will my team lose access to chat history?

No. Chat history remains available in the WhatsApp Business App. Respond.io will not display past conversations during Phase 1.

What happens when someone sends a message from the Business App?

Respond.io will display it as an echo message. It won’t open a service window or trigger automation.

Do messages from the Business App count toward messaging limits?

No. Messages sent from the app are free. Only messages sent via the Cloud API will be counted and billed.

Which countries are currently unsupported?

Australia, India, Japan, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, European Union, European Economic Area