Troubleshooting WhatsApp Coexistence Signup : Common Issues & How to Resolve Them ✅
Summary
The WhatsApp Coexistence feature allows businesses to use both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Business API with the same phone number 📱—making it easier to scale communication across teams and channels.
While this is a powerful addition for growing businesses 🚀, it’s still a relatively new feature from Meta. As a result, some users may experience issues during the embedded signup or setup process ⚠️.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common issues, what typically causes them, and how to resolve them based on best practices and current guidance from Meta and other trusted sources ✅.
Instructions
If you're running into problems while setting up WhatsApp Coexistence using the embedded signup, you're not alone 🤝. This section covers the most common issues businesses face, why they happen, and how to fix them—step by step 🛠️.
Common Issues During WhatsApp Coexistence Signup (And How to Fix Them)
1. Phone number is not eligible ❌
What’s the issue?
You may see an error saying:
"Your phone number isn't eligible to connect to the WhatsApp Business Platform. More activity on the WhatsApp Business App is needed to help determine eligibility."
Why it happens?
Meta requires that the number has been active on the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days. If the number is new or hasn’t seen enough activity, it won’t qualify yet.
How to fix it:
- Use the number actively: Engage in real conversations with customers through the WhatsApp Business App for at least 7 days (ideally 30–60 days). 💬
- Avoid re-registering: Don’t delete and re-register the number—it resets activity history. ❌
- Check for old WABA account: If this number was previously linked to a WhatsApp Business API (WABA) account, delete the old setup first, then re-register and use it actively for 1–2 months before trying Coexistence again. 🔄
2. Country or region not supported 🌍
What’s the issue?
Your number can’t be used for Coexistence because the country code is from a region Meta currently doesn’t support.
Why it happens?
Meta has temporarily restricted Coexistence in certain countries due to compliance or service limitations (e.g., Nigeria, South Africa).
How to fix it:
- Use a supported country code: Choose a number from supported regions like India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, the U.S., Hong Kong, or Singapore. ✅
- Monitor for updates: Meta may expand support over time.
- Explore alternatives: If your region isn’t supported yet, use the WhatsApp Business App alone or another communication channel temporarily.
3. Number was previously used with WhatsApp Business API 🔁
What’s the issue?
You may see an error:
"This number is registered to an existing WhatsApp account. To use this number, disconnect it from the existing account."
Why it happens?
The number was previously connected to a WABA account and must go through a cooldown period before reuse.
How to fix it:
- Delete the WABA account: Remove the previous API configuration.
- Re-register in the WhatsApp Business App: Keep the number active for 1–2 months to rebuild credibility.
- Avoid re-integrating too soon: Don’t try to use the API immediately—Meta may flag it as ineligible.
4. Chat sync failures or delays ⏳
What’s the issue?
Chat history and contact data might take a long time to sync (up to 6 hours), or fail altogether.
Why it happens?
- Large chat history 📂
- Unstable internet connection 🌐
- WhatsApp Business App closed or inactive during sync ❌
How to fix it:
- Keep the app open 📱
- Use a reliable internet connection ⚡
- Be patient ⏱️
- Restart the process if needed: Rescan the QR code and retry. Make sure your app is updated to version 2.24.17 or later. 🔄
5. QR code doesn’t appear or won’t scan 📷
What’s the issue?
The QR code for embedded signup either doesn’t appear or fails to scan.
Why it happens?
- Outdated app version
- Incorrect signup steps
- Device camera issues
- Temporary server issues
How to fix it:
- Update your app ⬆️ : Ensure the WhatsApp Business App is updated to version 2.24.17 or newer.
- Follow the correct flow: Settings > WhatsApp > Sign Up with Facebook in the app to generate the QR code.
- Use a working camera: Make sure your phone camera is clean and functioning properly. Try scanning in good lighting conditions
- Retry : If issues persist, try again after some time.
6. Facebook Page linking issues 🔗
What’s the issue?
You may not be able to link your WhatsApp Business account to a Facebook Page, required during Coexistence setup.
Why it happens?
- No Facebook Page or Meta Business Manager account
- Not logged in as admin
- Regional/account-level restrictions
How to fix it:
- Create a Facebook Page 🏢 : If you don’t already have one, go to Settings > Business Tools > Facebook & Instagram in the WhatsApp Business App and create it from there.
- Verify admin access ✔️ : Make sure you're logged in with an account that has admin privileges for both the Facebook Page and the Business Manager
- Check Meta Business Account setup : During Embedded Signup, connect to or create a Meta Business Account. Make sure the account has complete business info like name, address, and website.
7. Inability to disable Coexistence ❌
What’s the issue?
No built-in option exists in the WhatsApp API platform to turn off Coexistence directly.
Why it happens?
The feature isn’t available in the API interface.
How to fix it:
- Disconnect from the app: Settings > Account > Business Platform > Disconnect
- Don’t uninstall the app 🚫
8. Unsupported companion devices 📵
What’s the issue?
Messages from some devices (like WhatsApp for Windows or WearOS) don’t sync with the Cloud API.
Why it happens?
Only selected companion apps (WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp for Mac) are supported.
How to fix it:
- Use supported devices 💻 : After onboarding, re-link your devices using WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp for Mac.
- Watch for placeholders ⚠️ : If messages are sent from unsupported devices, placeholders may appear prompting users to switch.
- Check for updates 🔔 : Meta may expand support for more devices soon. Follow updates from Meta or ChatDaddy.
9. Business name can’t be changed post-onboarding 🏷️
What’s the issue?
You can’t change your business name after enabling Coexistence.
Why it happens?
Meta locks the business name for consistency across both platforms.
How to fix it:
- Update before onboarding ✍️
- Need changes after onboarding? Contact Meta support or ChatDaddy—updates may not always be approved.
10. Invalid Access Code Issue
What’s the issue?
You may encounter an “Invalid Access Code” error even when you are entering the correct passcode.
Why it happens?
This typically happens due to a temporary verification or syncing delay on Meta’s side.
How to fix it:
Please wait and retry after 1–3 working days.
In most cases, the system refreshes automatically and the issue is resolved without needing further action.
Quick checklist for a smooth setup ✅
- Update your app to version 2.24.17+
- Use official providers like ChatDaddy for guidance 🛡️
- Check number eligibility: 7+ days active and supported country
- Back up important data 💾
Conclusion
WhatsApp Coexistence offers a powerful way to manage both the Business App and WhatsApp Business API with the same number 📱. While setup can have a few hurdles, most issues are easy to resolve with the right steps. Stay patient, follow guidance, and reach out to ChatDaddy support if needed—you’ll be up and running in no time 🎉.