WhatsApp Business API vs Coexistence
The difference between WhatsApp Business API and Coexistence is how the phone number is used. In an API-only setup, the number runs through Flovoo and can’t be used on the WhatsApp Business app. Coexistence lets you use the app and Flovoo together on the same number, with contacts and the last 6 months of conversations synced.
6 min readBy the Flovoo team
Businesses today rely on WhatsApp as a main channel for talking to customers, and usually choose between two options: WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Coexistence.
The key difference is how the phone number is used, and whether you can keep using the WhatsApp Business app after connecting.
What Is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API suits businesses that want to scale customer communication and rely on automation.
In this setup, the phone number runs entirely through Flovoo and can’t be used on the WhatsApp Business app.
Key Features
- Manage the number entirely from Flovoo, without needing the app on your phone.
- Teamwork, with several team members replying from the same number.
- Automation, such as AI agents and workflows.
- Send message templates and campaigns.
What Is WhatsApp Coexistence?
WhatsApp Coexistence lets you use the WhatsApp Business app and the API together on the same number at the same time.
What Does This Mean?
- You keep using the app on your phone as usual.
- You manage conversations and run automation from Flovoo at the same time.
- You don’t need to delete the account or change the number.
Feature Comparison
The following table shows the difference between the two setups in the main features:
| Feature | Coexistence (App + API) | WhatsApp Business API Only |
|---|---|---|
| Number usage | You use the same number on your phone and in the system (Flovoo) | Your number works only inside the system (not on the app) |
| Mobile app usage | You can still open and use WhatsApp Business on your phone | You cannot use the WhatsApp app with this number |
| Manual replies | You can reply manually from your phone like normal | You can only reply from the system (no phone replies) |
| Automation | The system can send automated messages, while you still reply manually from the app | All messages (manual + automated) are handled through the system |
| Voice & video calls | You can call customers from the app only (not from Flovoo) | Calls are not available at all |
| Group chats | You can use group chats on the app | Group chats are not available |
| Broadcast lists | You can see old broadcast lists, but cannot create new ones | Broadcasts are sent as campaigns/templates from the system |
| Status updates | You can post and view status from the app | Status is not available |
| Message editing & deleting | You cannot edit or delete messages after sending | You cannot edit or delete messages |
| Data sync | Your contacts and recent chats (up to 6 months) can sync between app and system | Data exists only in the system (no sync from the app) |
| Linked devices | You can use linked devices (like WhatsApp Web), but some may not fully sync | You don’t use linked devices — everything is inside the system |
What Happens to Your Data?
With WhatsApp Business API Only
- You can’t use the WhatsApp Business app with the same number.
- Your chat history isn’t moved from the app to Flovoo.
- If you delete the account from the app during setup, the conversations on it may be deleted.
- All your new data is in Flovoo only after connecting.
With Coexistence
- The WhatsApp Business app keeps working normally.
- Contacts and the last 6 months of conversations can be synced to Flovoo.
- Old conversations stay available on the app, with no effect on how you use it today.
To learn how to import your conversations, see WhatsApp History Sync.
When to Use Each Option?
Use WhatsApp Business API If:
- You need full automation and central management.
- Your team works entirely from Flovoo.
- You don’t need to use the app on your phone.
Use Coexistence If:
- You already use the WhatsApp Business app.
- You want to move to the API gradually, without changing how you work today.
- You need to combine manual replies from the app with automation from Flovoo.
After choosing the right setup, follow the connection steps in Connect the WhatsApp Business App (Coexistence), the setup we recommend, or Connect a New Number to WhatsApp Business API.
Can I use the WhatsApp Business app after connecting my number to the API only?
Are my old conversations moved to Flovoo?
Do I need to delete my WhatsApp Business account to use Coexistence?
Can I make WhatsApp calls from Flovoo?
Which option is better if I already use the app?
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