Cloud API or Coexistence: which one to choose
The deciding question is: is that number on a phone with WhatsApp Business today? If yes, connect it through coexistence: the number stays in the app and your system runs it through the API. If not — a new line, a virtual number, a contact center — connect it to the Cloud API: the number becomes API-only.
What this page says about Meta and third parties was checked against their official documentation on 2026-09-28 (sources at the bottom).
The difference
| Cloud API | Coexistence | |
|---|---|---|
| The number on the phone | Stops working in the app | Keeps working in the WhatsApp Business app |
| How it is verified on connection | Code by SMS or call | Scanning a QR from the app |
| What is typed on the phone | Does not apply | Reaches your system (message.echo) |
| History | Starts empty | Up to 6 months, if the business shares it in the first 24 h |
| Sending pace | Meta's Cloud API limit | Meta caps it at 20 messages per second |
| App features | Does not apply | Broadcast lists and view-once are disabled |
Meta's data, checked against its official documentation on 2026-09-28.
In WAIA Connect
Onboarding offers coexistence by default, because it is the most common case: the number already exists and someone answers it from the phone. The Cloud API is still available: pick it at onboarding when the number is on no phone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move from coexistence to Cloud API later?
Yes, by connecting the number again in that mode. A Cloud API number stops working in the app.
Does it cost differently?
Not in WAIA Connect: the plan is per connected number. Meta charges API messages the same; messages sent from the app are free.
Sources
Checked on 2026-09-28.
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