This guide describes how to connect the WhatsApp Business App with Chat App Message Service and outlines key considerations.
What is WhatsApp Business App coexistence?
WhatsApp Business App coexistence allows businesses to use their existing WhatsApp Business App and phone number to register through the official Meta embedded page. After registration, you can use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Cloud API to send bulk messages.
Connect the WhatsApp Business App for coexistence
Prerequisites
You have a registered WhatsApp Business App.
You have activated Chat App Message Service.
Procedure
Log on to Chat App Message Service.
In the left-side navigation pane, choose Instant Message > WhatsApp. On the Instant Message > WhatsApp page, click Create Channel.
In the Create Channel dialog box, set Channel Type to WhatsApp and enter a custom Channel Name.
Click OK. After the WhatsApp channel is created, click the Channel ID or Manage to open the channel page.
On the channel page, in the left-side navigation pane, choose .
In the Select Registration Type dialog box that appears, select WhatsApp Business App and click Next.
In the official Meta embedded page that appears, log on to your Facebook account.
The page redirects to the Facebook authorization page. Authorize chatapp to access your name and profile picture, and then click Continue as [Your Username] to complete the Meta account authorization.Select an existing business portfolio or create a new one. From the WhatsApp Business account drop-down list, select Connect a WhatsApp Business App and click Continue.
After you log in, the Meta embedded page prompts you to select the business portfolio to share and confirm the WhatsApp Business account settings.Enter the business phone number of the WhatsApp Business App that you want to connect, and then click Continue.
NoteIf you create a new business portfolio, you must enter your business information first.
Use the WhatsApp Business App on your phone to scan the QR code on the screen.
The page displays the QR code and indicates that connecting the account will share your business profile, contacts, and chat history from the last 6 months.After you scan the QR code, the WhatsApp Business App guides you through the connection process.
Return to the Meta embedded page, edit the WhatsApp Business account, and then click Continue. On the page that appears, confirm or edit the WhatsApp Business account name and Time zone settings.
Confirm the information to be shared with Chat App Message Service, and then click Confirm.
Wait for the connection to complete, and then click Done.
Feature comparison
Existing app features | Changes after connection | Chat App Message Service support |
Personal chat (1:1) | Supported. However, you can no longer edit or revoke messages. | Supported.
|
Contacts | No change. | Supported.
|
Group chat | No change. | Not supported.
|
Disappearing messages | This feature is disabled for all personal chats (1:1). | Not supported. |
View once messages | This feature is disabled for all personal chats (1:1). | Not supported. |
Live location messages | This feature is disabled for all personal chats (1:1). | Not supported. |
Broadcast lists | Broadcast lists are disabled. You cannot create new broadcast lists, and existing broadcast lists become read-only. | Not supported.
|
Voice and video calls | No change. | Not supported. |
Business tools (for example, catalog, orders, and status) | No change. | Not supported. |
Messaging tools (for example, greeting messages, away messages, quick replies, and labels) | No change. | Not supported.
|
Business profile (for example, business name, address, and website) | No change. | Not supported. |
Channels | No change. | Not supported. |
FAQ
How do I disconnect the WhatsApp Business App from Chat App Message Service?
To disconnect the app, first contact technical support to detach the WhatsApp Business App from the channel. Then, in the WhatsApp Business App, go to Settings > Account > Business Platform > Linked Accounts > Dissociate and follow the on-screen instructions.
How do I view synchronized history and contacts?
In the Chat App Message Service console, click Message Workbench in the left-side navigation pane. Select the number and bring it online to view the synchronized history.
You must synchronize within 24 hours of connecting the WhatsApp Business App. Otherwise, the synchronization will fail, and you must disconnect and reconnect the app.
How do I resynchronize history and contacts?
To resynchronize, you must first disconnect the WhatsApp Business App from Chat App Message Service and then connect it again.
Does WhatsApp Business App coexistence support all countries and regions?
Business numbers from the following countries are not supported: Nigeria and South Africa. This restriction is based on the phone number of the business app.
What are the requirements for WhatsApp Business App coexistence?
To use WhatsApp Business App coexistence, your WhatsApp Business App must be version 2.24.17 or later.
Can a number connected to WABA register for the WhatsApp Business App?
No. WABA numbers or personal WhatsApp numbers cannot be used to register for the WhatsApp Business App.
How are messages billed after connecting the WhatsApp Business App?
After you connect the WhatsApp Business App, you can continue to send messages from the app for free. However, messages sent using Chat App Message Service, including those sent through its API, are billed as WhatsApp business messages.
For more information about billing rules, see WhatsApp message sending fees.
How do I send messages with Chat App Message Service?
Chat App Message Service allows you to send messages from the console or using an API. The messaging rules are the same as those for a standard WhatsApp Business account. For more information, see Send WhatsApp Messages and Send Messages.
The WhatsApp Business App and Chat App Message Service share a fixed throughput of 20 messages per second.
Why can't I send free-form messages to end users?
Connecting your WhatsApp Business App activates the service session window between a business and an end user. Before the connection is complete, you can only reply to user-initiated messages with message templates. After the connection is complete, you can reply with free-form messages to user-initiated messages.
In addition, you must open the WhatsApp Business App at least once every 14 days to keep it connected.