> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://watermelon.ai/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Switching from WhatsApp API to Coexistence > Learn how an existing WhatsApp API number can switch to Coexistence, what to expect during the transition, and what happens to your conversations in Watermelon. Is your WhatsApp number already connected to **Watermelon via the WhatsApp Business API**, but you also want to use it in the **WhatsApp Business app on your phone**? WhatsApp Coexistence can make this possible, but switching an existing API-only number is not straightforward. > [!WARNING] > > **We recommend keeping your existing API connection if it works well.** Meta does not support a direct switch from an API-only number to Coexistence. The alternative requires disconnecting your number, which can temporarily interrupt WhatsApp messaging in Watermelon. > > **Contact Watermelon Support before making any changes.** ## What is WhatsApp Coexistence? Coexistence allows an eligible business to use **the same number** in the WhatsApp Business app and through the WhatsApp Business API, such as with Watermelon. > [!NOTE] > > Coexistence is designed for businesses **already using the WhatsApp Business app** who then connect their number to the API. It does not work in reverse: an existing API-only number cannot simply be added to the Business app. ## How to switch from WhatsApp API to Coexistence If you still want to proceed, the following is the general process. **This is a workaround, not an officially supported Meta migration.** **1. Disconnect your number from the WhatsApp API** **Speak with Watermelon Support first** so we can review your connection, conversation history, and possible downtime. The existing API registration would then need to be removed through the relevant Meta/360dialog setup. After disconnection, you cannot send or receive WhatsApp messages through the existing Watermelon connection. Your existing Watermelon conversations remain available under **Contacts**, but they will **not** automatically transfer to the WhatsApp Business app. **2. Register the number in the WhatsApp Business app** Install the latest **WhatsApp Business app**, register your number, and start using it for real customer conversations. Once registered, you can communicate through the mobile app while Watermelon remains disconnected. **3. Wait until Meta considers the number eligible** Meta considers factors such as **account age and messaging quality**. Genuine, ongoing two-way conversations are important; a few test messages may not be enough. There is **no guaranteed waiting period**. Eligibility may take several weeks. Some businesses qualify after roughly two weeks, while others report waiting one to two months or longer. If Meta asks for more activity, keep using the app and try again later. **4. Reconnect the number to Watermelon via Coexistence** Once the number is eligible, contact Watermelon Support to confirm the available connection process. In the 360dialog/Meta setup, indicate that the number already uses the Business app (the **"Yes, Business App"** option), follow the instructions on your phone, and complete the connection. Check that the Watermelon channel is active before relying on it. ## What happens to my conversation history? **Your existing conversations in Watermelon are not deleted when you disconnect your WhatsApp API number.** You can still find them under **Contacts** in Watermelon, even while the WhatsApp channel is disconnected. They remain available unless you delete the conversations or their associated contacts, subject to any applicable data-retention settings. However, keep in mind that: * **Existing API conversations** do not appear in the WhatsApp Business app when you register the number there. * **Business app conversations** may be offered for synchronization to the API during a supported Coexistence setup, depending on Meta's available history-sharing options. This does not move your previous API-only conversations into the app. > [!NOTE] > > **We recommend exporting your Watermelon conversations before switching.** This is an additional backup precaution, not a requirement to keep your conversations in Watermelon. Store the export securely and follow your organization's data-protection policies. ## Already using the WhatsApp Business app? If your number is **already active in the Business app** and is **not connected to Watermelon via the API**, Coexistence is the supported route, provided Meta considers the number eligible. Contact Watermelon Support to confirm the available onboarding options. During the supported connection flow, choose the option indicating that you already use the Business app and complete the verification in WhatsApp. > [!NOTE] > > New or rarely used WhatsApp Business app accounts might not qualify immediately. Meta decides when a number is eligible. ## Important things to know * **Keep the app active:** Open the WhatsApp Business app at least **once every 13 days**. Do not uninstall it while using Coexistence. * **Device restrictions:** Some linked devices may be unlinked during setup, and certain app features may not be supported. * **Message synchronization:** Coexistence supports syncing messages between the app and API. What appears in Watermelon depends on the active integration and supported sync functionality. * **Costs:** Messages sent directly from the Business app remain free of WhatsApp messaging charges. API messages may incur Meta/WhatsApp charges. ## Need help? **Do not disconnect an existing Watermelon WhatsApp number on your own.** Contact **Watermelon Support**, and we will help you review the options and risks. This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.