---
title: How to Use WhatsApp Business App and API at the Same Time
language: en
page: blog/whatsapp-business-app-and-api-same-time
url: "https://spoki.com/en/blog/whatsapp-business-app-and-api-same-time"
generatedAt: "2026-03-19T02:34:21.792Z"
category: blog
author: Spoki
publishedAt: "2026-02-13T09:29:50"
version: 1.0.0
---

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

**Author:** Spoki | **Published:** 2/13/2026

*Use the WhatsApp Business app for quick replies and the API for automation. Learn how both can work together with one number or two, and stay compliant.*

---

Many businesses want the **WhatsApp Business app** for day-to-day chats and the **WhatsApp Business API** for **automation**, **templates**, and scale—without losing one or the other. The good news: you can use both, either with a single number (via an official **API** provider that supports app + API) or with two numbers (app for one use, API for another). The key is to avoid policy violations and to keep **compliance** and **opt-in** clear for each channel.

This guide explains how the app and the API differ, when to use each, and how to run them **together** so your team keeps replying quickly while **automation** and **templates** handle volume. You will find practical setup options and links to [Spoki features](https://spoki.com/en/features), [pricing](https://spoki.com/en/pricing), and [customer support](https://spoki.com/en/customer-support).

## WhatsApp Business App vs WhatsApp Business API: What Changes?

The **WhatsApp Business app** is the mobile (or desktop) application you install on a phone. It is ideal for **small teams** and **manual** conversations: you reply in real time, use quick replies and labels, and see the chat history on the device. You **cannot** send approved **template messages** for first contact at scale, and **automation** is limited to away messages and simple shortcuts.

The **WhatsApp Business API** is a **programmatic** channel. You connect via a **BSP** or platform (e.g. Spoki): you send **templates** for the first message or after the 24-hour **session** window, and you can **automate** flows (e.g. order notifications, **chatbots**, reminders). The API is built for **volume**, **integrations** (CRM, ecommerce, helpdesk), and **compliance** (opt-in, logging, reporting). It does not replace the need for humans—it handles the repeatable part so your team can focus on complex queries.

**In short:**

- **App:** manual, real-time, one or a few people, limited automation.

- **API:** templates, automation, integrations, scale, same **compliance** rules (opt-in, 24-hour session).

Using both means: the **app** for quick, personal replies (e.g. from a dedicated support phone), and the **API** for **broadcasts**, **notifications**, and **bot** flows. For how Spoki fits in, see [solutions](https://spoki.com/en/solutions) and [use-cases](https://spoki.com/en/use-cases).

## Can You Use the Same Number for the App and the API?

**Yes, in some cases.** Meta allows a single number to be linked to the **WhatsApp Business API** and to the **WhatsApp Business app** only if your **BSP** or provider supports it and the number is **migrated** correctly. Not all providers support this; if yours does, you get one number that can receive chats in the app (for agents) and send **templates** and **automated** messages via the API. That way, the same thread can be answered by a human in the app after an **API** template has been sent.

**If the same number is not supported**, the usual approach is **two numbers**: one for the **app** (e.g. support or sales team) and one for the **API** (e.g. **marketing**, **notifications**, **ecommerce**). You tell customers which number to use for what (e.g. &#8220;For orders and updates message X; for support message Y&#8221;), or you use the API number as the main one and route **support** to the app number when needed. For setup and migration, check [landing-registration](https://spoki.com/en/landing-registration) and [contact](https://spoki.com/en/contact).

## When to Use the App and When to Use the API

Use the **WhatsApp Business app** when:

- A **small team** (or one person) replies manually and does not need **templates** or **automation** at scale.

- You want **quick**, personal replies from a real device (e.g. support phone, sales phone).

- Volume is low and you are fine with the **24-hour session** rule without **template** flows.

Use the **WhatsApp Business API** when:

- You need **template** messages for **first contact** or re-engagement (e.g. order confirmed, appointment reminder).

- You want **automation** (e.g. **chatbot**, **notifications**, **reminders**) or **integrations** with **CRM**, **ecommerce**, or helpdesk.

- Volume is high and you need **reporting**, **opt-in** management, and **compliance** in one place.

**Using both:** Keep the **app** for **support** or **sales** conversations that need a human touch; use the **API** for **notifications**, **campaigns**, and **automated** first touch. That way you stay **compliant** (templates where required) and still offer fast human replies. For [artificial-intelligence](https://spoki.com/en/artificial-intelligence) and **chatbot** options on the API side, see the Spoki page.

## Practical Setup: Two Numbers (App + API)

A common and simple setup is **two numbers**:

- **Number A (API):** Main business number used for **marketing**, **order updates**, **reminders**, and **automation**. Customers **opt in** to this number (e.g. at checkout, on the website). All **templates** and **automated** flows go from here. Connect this number to a platform like Spoki for **templates**, **webhooks**, and **integrations**.

- **Number B (App):** Used by the **support** or **sales** team on the **WhatsApp Business app**. Customers can be directed here for &#8220;talk to an agent&#8221; or for complex questions. No **template** requirement for replies within the **session**; agents reply manually.

You can mention both in your **FAQ** or on your site: e.g. &#8220;For order status and updates, message [Number A]. For support, message [Number B].&#8221; For [customer-support](https://spoki.com/en/customer-support) and [FAQ](https://spoki.com/en/faq) pages, use the links.

## Compliance and Policy When Using App and API

**Compliance** rules apply to both the app and the API:

- **Opt-in:** Only message users who have given **consent** (and keep proof). This applies to **marketing** and **notifications** on the API side; for the app, avoid cold outreach.

- **24-hour session:** After the user replies, you can send free-form messages for **24 hours**. After that, the next **outbound** message must be an approved **template** (API).

- **Identity and purpose:** Be clear about who is messaging and why. Do not use the app or API for **spam** or prohibited content.

- **Opt-out:** Offer an easy way to **unsubscribe** (e.g. &#8220;Reply STOP&#8221;) and process it promptly.

If you use **two numbers**, keep **opt-in** and **preferences** clear per number. A platform that manages the **API** side (like Spoki) can handle **opt-in**, **templates**, and **reporting** so you stay within **WhatsApp** policy. For [roi-calculator](https://spoki.com/en/roi-calculator) and [book](https://spoki.com/en/book) a demo, see the links.

## Conclusion

You can use the **WhatsApp Business app** and the **WhatsApp Business API** at the same time: the **app** for **manual**, fast replies and the **API** for **templates**, **automation**, and scale. Use one number (if your provider allows) or **two numbers** (one for API flows, one for the app) and keep **compliance** and **opt-in** clear for each. That way you get both **human** touch and **automation** without breaking **WhatsApp** rules.

Ready to combine app and API? Explore [Spoki features](https://spoki.com/en/features) for the **WhatsApp Business API**, [register](https://spoki.com/en/landing-registration), or [book a demo](https://spoki.com/en/book) to see how it works with your current setup.
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