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How to use WhatsApp API & Business App at the same time

Use coexistence to use both Spur (WhatsApp API Platform) and WhatsApp Business App together

Updated today

Coexistence mode allows you to use both the WhatsApp Business App on your phone/desktop and Spur's WhatsApp Cloud API with the same phone number. This means you can continue using the familiar WhatsApp Business App while simultaneously leveraging Spur's advanced automation, team collaboration, and API features.

What is Coexistence?

Coexistence is Meta's feature that enables businesses to operate both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) simultaneously with the same phone number. Your message history and contacts are synchronized across both platforms, allowing seamless communication.

Key Benefits

  • Continue using your existing setup: Keep using the WhatsApp Business App you're already familiar with

  • Access advanced features: Leverage Spur's automation, team inbox, and integrations

  • Unified chat history: Up to 6 months of chat history is automatically synced to the Business Platform

  • Seamless transition: No need to migrate your phone number or start from scratch

Requirements

Before setting up coexistence mode, ensure you meet the following requirements:

WhatsApp Business App Requirements

  • Active usage: Your phone number must have been actively using the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days

  • Updated app: Install the latest version of the WhatsApp Business App on your smartphone

  • Camera access: You'll need a smartphone with a camera to scan QR codes during setup

  • Eligible region: Your phone number must be from a supported country (not from restricted regions)

Meta Business Manager Requirements

  • Business Manager account: Access to your Facebook Business Manager

  • Business verification: Complete business information including:

    • Legal business name

    • Physical address

    • Business website

    • Business phone number

  • Account ownership: The Business Manager must be owned by the business sending messages (adding unauthorized users can result in account suspension)

Spur Account Requirements

  • Active Spur account with WhatsApp integration enabled

  • Access to Spur's WhatsApp settings

Setup Process

Step 1: Access WhatsApp Settings in Spur

  • Then click on Connect WhatsApp on the top right.

  • You'll be led to this page.

  • Click on the option labeled "Use with WhatsApp Business App."

Follow the instructions shown below.

Step 2: Connect to Facebook Business Manager

Click on continue and follow the guided steps.

The Facebook Login dialog will appear prompting you to connect to the Business Platform.

  1. Click "Connect" to proceed

  2. Log in with your Facebook credentials (the account must be linked to your Business Manager)

  3. Review the permissions Spur will receive:

    • Import contacts and chat history

    • Use the WhatsApp Business app to scan the QR code

    • Manage your business

    • Manage your WhatsApp accounts

    • Manage and access conversations in WhatsApp

    • Log events on your WhatsApp business account's behalf and send those events to Meta

Step 3: Import Contacts and Chat History

When prompted with options for importing data, you'll see:

Import contacts and chat historyUse the WhatsApp Business app to scan the QR code

Important Note: Spur does not currently support the import of contacts and chat history during the coexistence onboarding process. This feature will be available in a future update.

For now, you can proceed by:

  • Leaving both options unchecked, OR

  • Selecting "Use the WhatsApp Business app to scan the QR code"

You will see a message from Facebook Business asking you whether you want to connect to the business platform or not.

Open the DM and click on "Connect."

After that, scan the QR code with your mobile. It's the same QR code from your Facebook embedded sign up from Spur.

Your existing chats will remain accessible in your WhatsApp Business App, and new conversations will sync across both platforms going forward.

Click "Next" to continue.

Step 4: Confirm or Edit WhatsApp Business Account

  1. WhatsApp Business account name: Enter or confirm your business account name (e.g., "Spur")

  2. Time zone: Select your business time zone from the dropdown menu (e.g., "(GMT+05:30) Asia/Kolkata")

  3. Review the account details:

    • Meta account: Your connected business account (e.g., "Spurtastic Technologies Private Limited")

    • WhatsApp account: The account being connected (e.g., "Spur")

Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 5: Connect Your Account

A connection screen will appear with the message: "Connecting your account. This could take up to 45 seconds."

Once the 45 seconds are over, you will see this.

The system will:

  • Link your WhatsApp Business Account with Spur

  • Sync your contacts and chat history (if selected, from that point on.)

  • Configure the connection between platforms

Step 6: Review Spur's Access Request

Meta will display what Spur will do with your selected permissions:

  • Manage your business: Spurtastic Technologies Private Limited

  • Manage your WhatsApp accounts: 1 WhatsApp account selected

  • Manage and access conversations in WhatsApp: 1 WhatsApp account selected

  • Log events on your WhatsApp business account's behalf and send those events to Meta: 1 WhatsApp account selected

Click "Confirm" to grant these permissions.

Step 7: Verification and Completion

Once the connection is established, you'll see the Connected platform screen showing:

  • 001 Spur

    • Meta account: Spurtastic Technologies Private Limited

    • WhatsApp account: Spur

A message will prompt you to "Finish setting up in 001 Spur"

The connection process is now complete!

Important Notes and Limitations

Chat History Sync

  • Historical chat import: Not currently supported by Spur (coming in a future update)

  • New chats: All new conversations after setup will sync between WhatsApp Business App and Spur

  • Access to old chats: Your existing chat history remains accessible in your WhatsApp Business App

  • Group chats are not synced to the Business Platform

  • When historical import becomes available, up to 6 months of chat history will be supported

Companion Device Support

  • Future 1-1 chats will be managed using a secure service from Meta

  • This change will be noted in your chats

  • You can keep using your WhatsApp Business app alongside the Business Platform

  • Existing linked companion devices (WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop) may be unlinked during setup

  • Re-link supported companions after onboarding

Business Name and Profile

  • You cannot change the business name after completing coexistence onboarding

  • Verify and update your business name in both the WhatsApp Business App and Meta Business Manager before starting the setup

  • Profile updates should be made through Meta Business Manager after setup

Account Management

  • You can only be connected to one Business Platform account at a time

  • If you disconnect from Spur, you'll lose access to its features (your WhatsApp Business App will not be affected)

  • Remember to open your app at least once every 14 days to keep your connection active

Messaging Limits

  • Meta will display your messaging limits after setup

  • Initial limit is typically 250 business-initiated conversations per day (free tier)

  • Limits can be increased through business verification and maintaining good quality ratings

  • User-initiated conversations remain unlimited

Disconnecting Coexistence Mode

If you need to disconnect from the Business Platform:

  1. Open the WhatsApp Business App on your phone

  2. Go to Settings > Account > Business Platform

  3. Click the "Disconnect" button

⚠️ Important: Do not uninstall the WhatsApp Business App, as this may disconnect your account entirely and cause issues with re-onboarding.

If the disconnect option is unavailable, contact Spur Support or Meta support for assistance.

Troubleshooting

Error: "Your phone number isn't eligible to connect to the WhatsApp Business Platform"

Possible causes:

  • Phone number hasn't been active for at least 7 days

  • Number is from a restricted region

  • Number doesn't meet Meta's eligibility criteria

Resolution:

  • Ensure your number has been actively using WhatsApp Business App for 7+ days

  • Verify your region is supported

  • Contact Spur Support for further assistance

Connection Timeout or Failed

Possible causes:

  • Poor internet connection

  • Server-side delays

  • Meta Business Manager configuration issues

Resolution:

  • Check your internet connection

  • Wait a few minutes and try again

  • Verify your Meta Business Manager account is properly configured

  • Contact Spur Support if the issue persists

Chat History Not Syncing

Current Status:

  • Spur does not currently support importing historical chat data during coexistence onboarding

  • This feature is planned for a future release

What this means:

  • Your old chats remain accessible only in the WhatsApp Business App

  • All new conversations after connecting will be available in both platforms

  • You can reference past conversations in the WhatsApp Business App as needed

Resolution:

  • Continue using WhatsApp Business App for accessing historical conversations

  • New messages will automatically sync to Spur once setup is complete

  • Stay tuned for updates when historical import becomes available

Business Verification Issues

Possible causes:

  • Incomplete business information in Meta Business Manager

  • Documentation not meeting Meta's requirements

  • Account ownership concerns

Resolution:

  • Complete all required fields in Meta Business Manager

  • Ensure business information matches official documents

  • Add accurate legal name, address, website, and phone number

  • Contact Meta Support for verification-specific issues

Best Practices

Before Onboarding

  • ✅ Use your number actively for at least 7 days

  • ✅ Update to the latest WhatsApp Business App version

  • ✅ Verify your business information in Meta Business Manager

  • ✅ Ensure your business name is correct (it cannot be changed later)

  • ✅ Backup any critical data manually

  • ✅ Review and understand the permissions being granted

After Onboarding

  • ✅ Test messaging functionality on both platforms

  • ✅ Re-link any companion devices (WhatsApp Web, Desktop)

  • ✅ Train your team on using both platforms

  • ✅ Monitor message quality and response times

  • ✅ Open your WhatsApp Business App at least once every 14 days

  • ✅ Regularly check your messaging limits and quality rating

For Solution Providers

  • Work with official WhatsApp Solution Providers for guided onboarding

  • Verify eligibility before starting the process

  • Maintain clear communication with clients about limitations

  • Provide ongoing support for feature updates (coexistence is evolving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this with a personal WhatsApp account? A: No, coexistence mode only works with the WhatsApp Business App, not the regular WhatsApp personal app.

Q: Will my old chat history be imported to Spur? A: Not at this time. Spur does not currently support importing historical chat data during coexistence setup. Your existing conversations remain accessible in your WhatsApp Business App, and all new messages after setup will sync to both platforms. Historical import will be available in a future update.

Q: Will my customers notice any difference? A: No, your customers will continue to see the same business profile and can message you as usual.

Q: Can I use multiple Business Platform accounts? A: No, you can only be connected to one Business Platform account at a time.

Q: What happens to my message templates? A: Your existing message templates remain in your WhatsApp Business Account and can be accessed through Meta Business Manager.

Q: Is there a cost for using coexistence mode? A: The connection itself is free, but standard WhatsApp Business Platform pricing applies for business-initiated conversations beyond the free tier.

Q: Can I migrate back to just using the Business App? A: Yes, you can disconnect from the Business Platform at any time through your WhatsApp Business App settings.

Q: How long does the setup process take? A: The complete setup typically takes 5-15 minutes, though chat history sync may take longer depending on your data volume.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues during the coexistence onboarding process or have questions not covered in this guide:

  • Contact Spur Support through your account

  • Visit Meta's Business Help Center for platform-specific issues

  • Check for updates as coexistence features are continuously evolving


Last updated: November 2025 Note: Some features and interfaces may appear differently as Meta continues to update the coexistence feature.

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