---
title: How to Use WhatsApp Business App and API at the Same Time
language: en
page: blog/how-to-use-whatsapp-business-app-and-api-same-time
url: "https://spoki.com/en/blog/how-to-use-whatsapp-business-app-and-api-same-time"
generatedAt: "2026-03-19T04:01:32.474Z"
category: blog
author: Spoki
publishedAt: "2026-02-23T14:46:52"
version: 1.0.0
---

# How to Use WhatsApp Business App and API at the Same Time

**Author:** Spoki | **Published:** 2/23/2026

*Use WhatsApp Business App for personal touch and the WhatsApp Business API for automation together. Practical guide to running both with Spoki.*

---

Many businesses want the **WhatsApp Business App** for day-to-day chats and the **WhatsApp Business API** for **automation**, **templates**, and scale—and wonder if they can use both at the same time. The short answer is yes: you can run the **WhatsApp Business App** and the **WhatsApp Business API** in parallel, as long as you respect WhatsApp’s rules (one number per product: a number can be on the App or on the API, not both). In practice, that often means using one number for the **App** (e.g. owner or sales) and another for the **API** (e.g. support, notifications, **automation**), or choosing one as your main channel. This guide explains how the **WhatsApp Business App** and **API** differ, how to use them together, and how a platform like Spoki fits in when you want **API** power without losing the option to keep the **App** for personal conversations.

**WhatsApp Business App** is the free mobile app for small businesses: one device, manual replies, catalog, quick replies. The **WhatsApp Business API** is for companies that need **automation**, **templates**, integrations (CRM, ecommerce, **webhooks**), and higher volume. Spoki provides [features](https://spoki.com/en/features) and [solutions](https://spoki.com/en/solutions) that work with the **WhatsApp Business API** so you can automate flows while still using the **App** on another number if you wish. For [use cases](https://spoki.com/en/use-cases) and [customer support](https://spoki.com/en/customer-support), see the links.

## WhatsApp Business App vs API: What Changes

Understanding the difference helps you decide how to use both:

- **WhatsApp Business App:** One phone number, one device (or a few with multi-device). You reply manually; there are no **templates** for outbound marketing or **automation** in the same way as the **API**. Ideal for sole traders, small teams, and personal **customer** conversations. You get catalog, quick replies, away messages, and labels.

- **WhatsApp Business API:** Same **WhatsApp** experience for the **customer**, but you connect via a **BSP** (Business Solution Provider) or directly. You get **templates** (for proactive messages within WhatsApp’s rules), **automation**, **webhooks**, and integrations with your tools. Ideal for support at scale, **notifications**, **chatbots**, and **messaging** campaigns. One number can be on the **API** or on the **App**, not both at once.

So “using both at the same time” usually means: one number on the **App** (e.g. a personal/sales line) and another number on the **API** (e.g. main business line for **automation** and **support**). That way you keep the **App** for hands-on conversations and the **API** for **templates**, **automation**, and volume. For how Spoki supports the **API** side, see [features](https://spoki.com/en/features) and [pricing](https://spoki.com/en/pricing).

## When It Makes Sense to Use App and API Together

Using the **WhatsApp Business App** and **API** in parallel is useful when:

- **You want a clear split:** The **App** number is used by a person or small team for high-touch **customer** chats (e.g. sales, key accounts). The **API** number handles **notifications**, **templates**, **automation**, and **support** at scale. **Customers** get fast, automated answers on one number and a personal touch on the other when needed.

- **You are scaling up:** You started with the **App** and now need **templates**, **automation**, or **integrations**. Instead of dropping the **App** entirely, you add an **API** number (or move one number to the **API**) and keep another number on the **App** for direct conversations.

- **You need both automation and human touch:** The **API** (e.g. via Spoki) handles **chatbots**, **template** messages, and **webhooks** to your CRM or ecommerce. The **App** stays for cases where a human should reply personally. You direct **customers** to the right number in your **messaging** or on your site (e.g. “For instant answers use X; for a personal chat use Y”).

Defining clear roles for each number avoids confusion and keeps **compliance** (e.g. **template** use only where allowed on the **API**). For [solutions](https://spoki.com/en/solutions) and [landing registration](https://spoki.com/en/landing-registration), see the links.

### One number or two?

You can start with a single number on the **App** and later move it to the **API** (or the reverse), but that number cannot be on both at the same time. If you **migrate** a number from **App** to **API**, announce the change to **customers** and use the new **API** flows (e.g. **templates**, **automation**) from day one. Many businesses prefer keeping two numbers from the start: one for the **App** (personal, sales) and one for the **API** (support, **notifications**, **automation**). That way there is no **migration** and both channels run in parallel. The [ROI calculator](https://spoki.com/en/roi-calculator) can help you estimate the impact of adding the **API** alongside your existing **App** usage.

## How to Set Up App and API Side by Side

Practical steps to run both:

- **Choose which number stays on the App and which goes to the API:** Typically, one number stays on the **WhatsApp Business App** (e.g. the owner’s or sales line). Another number is registered for the **WhatsApp Business API** (via a **BSP** like Spoki). You can [register](https://spoki.com/en/landing-registration) and then connect your **API** number in the Spoki dashboard; the **App** number stays on the phone as usual.

- **Connect the API number to a platform:** Use a provider that supports the **WhatsApp Business API**, **templates**, **webhooks**, and **automation**. Spoki offers [features](https://spoki.com/en/features) for **templates**, **automation**, and **integrations** so you can send **compliant** messages and build flows. The **App** stays separate on your phone.

- **Define what each number is for:** Tell **customers** which number to use for what (e.g. “Message us here for order updates” = **API** number; “Chat with our team” = **App** number). Use your website, **messaging**, and signatures to keep it clear. This reduces wrong-number traffic and sets the right expectations.

- **Use templates and automation only on the API side:** **Template** messages and proactive **automation** belong on the **API**. On the **App**, continue to reply manually. That way you stay within WhatsApp’s rules and avoid mixing **template** use with the **App** (which is not designed for **template**-based outbound in the same way).

For support with setup, see [customer support](https://spoki.com/en/customer-support) and [FAQ](https://spoki.com/en/faq). You can also [book a demo](https://spoki.com/en/book) to see how the **API** and **App** can work together in your workflow.

## Best Practices When Using App and API Together

To get the most from both:

- **Keep roles clear:** Use the **API** number for **notifications**, **templates**, **automation**, and **support** flows. Use the **App** number for ad-hoc, personal **customer** conversations. Avoid using the **App** number for bulk or **template**-style outbound; that’s what the **API** is for.

- **Don’t mix numbers in one thread:** A **customer** should have one conversation per number. If you ever move a number from **App** to **API** (or the other way), plan the transition (e.g. announce the change, use the new number for new flows) so **customers** aren’t confused.

- **Integrate the API with your tools:** Use **webhooks** and **integrations** (e.g. CRM, ecommerce, helpdesk) on the **API** side so that **automation** and **support** are consistent. The **App** can stay lightweight for quick, human replies. Spoki’s [features](https://spoki.com/en/features) support **integrations** and **automation** so the **API** number becomes your scalable **messaging** hub.

- **Train your team:** Make sure everyone knows which number is on the **App** and which is on the **API**, what each is used for, and that **templates** and proactive **automation** are only used on the **API** side. That keeps **compliance** and avoids duplicate or conflicting messages.

For more on **compliant** **messaging** and **use cases**, see [use cases](https://spoki.com/en/use-cases) and [solutions](https://spoki.com/en/solutions).

## Conclusion

You can use the **WhatsApp Business App** and the **WhatsApp Business API** at the same time by using two numbers: one on the **App** for personal, manual **customer** conversations, and one on the **API** for **templates**, **automation**, **notifications**, and **support** at scale. That way you get the **App**’s simplicity and human touch where it matters, and the **API**’s power for **automation** and **integrations**. A platform like Spoki supports the **API** side with [features](https://spoki.com/en/features), **templates**, **webhooks**, and **automation**, so you can run both **App** and **API** in parallel without losing flexibility. Define clear roles for each number, use **templates** and **automation** only on the **API**, and direct **customers** to the right channel—then you get the best of both.

Ready to add the **WhatsApp Business API** alongside your **App**? Explore [Spoki solutions](https://spoki.com/en/solutions) and [features](https://spoki.com/en/features), [register](https://spoki.com/en/landing-registration), or [book a demo](https://spoki.com/en/book) to see how the **API** and **App** can work together for your business.
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