Meta has recently introduced a game-changing update: You can now use the WhatsApp Business app and the Cloud API with the same number at the same time — for supported countries and users.
This means businesses can:
Keep using the WhatsApp Business app for 1:1 chats
Use the Cloud API (with tools like Bulkwise) for automation, scheduling, and bulk messaging
Enjoy partial chat mirroring between app and API
But… it comes with some important requirements and limitations. In this blog, we break it all down.
✅ Requirements to Use WhatsApp Business App with Cloud API
To be eligible for this hybrid setup, you must meet the following:
WhatsApp Business App version 2.24.17 or higher must be installed on the customer’s device.
The business phone number must be from a supported country (see below).
You (the automation provider) must be a verified Solution Partner or Tech Provider.
You must know how to integrate with WhatsApp Cloud API and use Embedded Signup with session logging.
Your webhook system must be able to receive and process Cloud API webhooks.
🌍 Unsupported Countries
Businesses cannot use this feature if their WhatsApp number has a country code from the following:
❌ Individual countries not supported:
Australia
Japan
Nigeria
Philippines
Russia
South Korea
South Africa
Turkey
❌ Regions not supported:
European Union (EU)
European Economic Area (EEA)
United Kingdom (UK)
If your business number is from India, USA, UAE, etc., you’re likely eligible.
🔄 What Changes After Onboarding to Cloud API?
| WhatsApp Business App Feature | After Onboarding | Supported in Cloud API? |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 Chats | Still usable (mirrored to API) | ✅ Yes |
| Message Edit/Revoke | Disabled | ❌ No |
| Group Chats | App-only | ❌ Not supported |
| Broadcast Lists | Disabled (read-only) | ❌ Not supported |
| Voice/Video Calls | Still usable | ❌ Not supported |
| Disappearing Messages | Turned off | ❌ Not supported |
| View Once Messages | Disabled | ❌ Not supported |
| Live Location | Disabled | ❌ Not supported |
| Catalog, Orders, Status | Still visible | ❌ Not in API |
| Labels, Greeting Msg, Quick Replies | Still in app | ❌ Not in API |
| Business Profile | Still visible | ❌ Not editable via API |
Important: Only 1:1 chats and contacts are supported and synced. Advanced features (calls, groups, status, catalogs) remain app-only and disconnected from API.
🔗 Linked Devices – What to Know
Once onboarded to Cloud API:
All previously linked devices are unlinked automatically.
You can re-link supported companion devices (except WhatsApp for Windows or WearOS).
Unsupported devices will not trigger webhooks, which means chat mirroring breaks for them.
Users on unsupported devices will see messages with placeholder text.
🤖 What This Means for Bulkwise Users
If your business number meets the criteria, you can now:
Continue chatting manually from the WhatsApp Business app
Simultaneously use Bulkwise + Cloud API for:
🎯 Campaigns
🎂 Birthday/renewal messages
📦 Order and support automations
🧾 Scheduled reminders
Maintain up to 6 months of chat history, synced between API and app
This is perfect for small to medium businesses who want to balance personal connection + automation without switching tools.
🚀 Get Started with Bulkwise
Want to enable this hybrid setup?
We help you:
Set up and verify your WhatsApp Cloud API
Onboard your existing WhatsApp Business number
Enable Bulkwise for automated campaigns
Ensure your webhook system is ready
📲 Ready to keep your WhatsApp app and unlock automation?
Contact the Bulkwise team and we’ll help you get started in 48 hours.
