Official WhatsApp API, Coexistence or a number by QR: which to choose
A WhatsApp number connects to a CRM in three ways. They differ in whether the app stays on the phone, how you message a client first and what is available in the CRM.
| WhatsApp Web by QR | Official WhatsApp | Coexistence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it connects | A WhatsApp linked device by QR code | A number in the company's WhatsApp account at Meta (WABA) | The number from the WhatsApp Business app joins Meta's official interface |
| App on the phone | Works as before | No longer works on this number | Works: reply both from the phone and from the CRM |
| First message from the CRM | Plain text; saved replies without Meta review | A Meta-approved template; also needed after the 24-hour window | A Meta-approved template; also needed after the 24-hour window |
| Groups | By line plan | By plan and after a number check; OBA status needed | In the app only |
| Calls in the CRM | By line plan | Meta approval is checked separately | As a separate option |
| Meta fees | None | For delivered templates and outgoing calls | For delivered templates |
Meta conditions for Coexistence: you need an up-to-date WhatsApp Business app, and it has to be in use. If the app is not opened for about two weeks, Meta disconnects the number from the CRM. The last six months of chat history can be moved to the CRM if you allow it when connecting.
With Coexistence, disappearing messages, view once, live location and broadcast lists stop working in the app. Delivery and read statuses of messages sent from the app are not passed to the CRM.
- Fast, with your current number, and the app stays — WhatsApp Web by QR.
- An official Meta channel, templates and a number for the CRM only — official WhatsApp.
- An official channel while managers keep replying from the phone — Coexistence.
Will my number work with Coexistence?
Meta checks this when connecting. We check the number in advance for free and tell you which ways are open to it.
Connect WhatsApp Web by QR code
Connect official WhatsApp on a new number