WhatsApp Coexistence is a Meta feature that allows a business to use the same phone number simultaneously in two channels: the WhatsApp Business App (mobile or desktop) and the WhatsApp Business API (WABA) via 2Chat. Messages sent from either channel are synchronized, so your team can work in 2Chat while the business app remains active on the same number.
How it works
Coexistence is activated through Meta's Embedded Signup flow. During the connection process, Meta connects your number to the WhatsApp Cloud API while keeping the WhatsApp Business App active on your phone. Your message history is preserved, and you can continue using the app and 2Chat at the same time. The channel will appear as Connected in 2Chat immediately, without requiring manual verification.
How to connect your number
Go to Channels in the main menu, open the WhatsApp tab, and click the New WhatsApp Business Connection button.
When the wizard asks "How do you use WhatsApp for your business today?", choose "I use WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business on my phone".
A comparison of the connection options appears, with Coexistence marked as Recommended. Click Choose under Coexistence.
The final screen lists the requirements (you must be an administrator of your Meta Business account, and the WhatsApp Business App must be installed and active on your phone). The panel "What happens when I continue?" summarizes the process. Click Continue to Meta.
In the Meta window, log in with your Meta Business account and choose Connect a WhatsApp Business App. You will scan a QR code from the WhatsApp Business app on your phone to link the number.
Complete the flow. Your channel will appear as Active in 2Chat automatically — no manual verification is needed.
Connect from a computer. This connection can't be completed from a phone: you have to leave the browser to scan the code with the WhatsApp Business app, and the connection is lost on the way back. Open 2Chat on a computer and do it there, with your phone next to you.
What to keep in mind
You must open the WhatsApp Business App on your phone at least once every 13 days to keep the coexistence connection active. If you don't, Meta will disconnect the number from the API. Opening the app again will restore it.
Message template limits
Without Meta Business verification: up to 250 templates and 250 messages/day
With Meta Business verification: up to 6,000 templates
How to identify a coexistence channel
Coexistence channels are labeled in the 2Chat channel list. If your channel was connected while the WhatsApp Business App was still active on the same number, it is operating in coexistence mode.
Limitations
WhatsApp calls are not supported on coexistence channels. In coexistence mode, your number is connected to the Cloud API while the WhatsApp Business App remains active — this is a shared connection. Calls require your number to be exclusively on the Cloud API. To enable calling, you would need to remove the number from the WhatsApp Business App and reconnect it in 2Chat as a standard (non-coexistence) channel. This is a separate, manual process.
If your Meta business is not verified yet, the setup may show: "Your number is connected and can send messages now. Until Meta verifies your business, new conversations you start are capped at 250 per 24 hours — replies to customers who write to you are unlimited." This is not an error and nothing is blocked — complete business verification in Meta Business Manager to lift the cap.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to support.