Connect Your WhatsApp Device
What Is a Device?
A "device" in ReplyLa is your WhatsApp Business connection. Think of it like plugging your WhatsApp number into ReplyLa so the AI can read and reply to messages on your behalf. You need at least one connected device before your chatbot can work.
Before You Start
- You have a ReplyLa account (completed Step 1).
- You have a WhatsApp Business number ready to use.
Choose Your Connection Type
This is the most important decision before connecting. ReplyLa supports two connection types -- Business API and Meta Coexistence. Read the comparison carefully before you choose.
| Business API | Meta Coexistence |
|---|---|---|
Best for | New dedicated business numbers | Existing WhatsApp Business numbers |
Official status | ✅ Official Meta/WhatsApp API | ✅ Official Meta feature (Linked Devices) |
Use WhatsApp app on phone | ❌ No -- fully managed by ReplyLa | ⚠️ View only -- cannot reply |
Reply from WhatsApp app | ❌ Not applicable | ❌ Must NOT reply from the app |
All replies via | ReplyLa Inbox | ReplyLa Inbox (mandatory) |
Risk of ban | None | ⚠️ Risk if you reply from WhatsApp app |
Message templates required | Yes (for outbound/broadcast) | Yes (for outbound/broadcast) |
Reliability | High | Moderate |
Recommended | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, if you need to keep your number |
Business API (Recommended)
Business API connects your number to WhatsApp's official API, provided and approved by Meta (the company behind WhatsApp). This is the most stable, professional, and compliant way to use ReplyLa.
How it works: Your number is registered on Meta's official platform. All incoming and outgoing messages are routed through ReplyLa. You manage everything from the ReplyLa Inbox -- there is no separate WhatsApp app.
Best for: New business numbers, or businesses that want a clean, professional, fully-automated setup.
Meta Coexistence
Meta Coexistence is an official Meta feature (also known as Linked Devices) that lets you connect your existing WhatsApp Business number to ReplyLa while keeping it active on your phone.
How it works: Meta officially supports running WhatsApp on multiple linked devices simultaneously. ReplyLa connects as one of those linked devices. Your number stays active and you can still open WhatsApp Business on your phone -- but there are strict rules you must follow to avoid issues.
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How To Connect Your Device
- Click Device Manager on the left sidebar.
- Click the Create Device button.
- Fill in the details:
- Device Name -- Give it a recognisable name (e.g., "My Shop WhatsApp" or "Business Line 1").
- Connection Type -- Choose Business API or Meta Coexistence based on the comparison above.
- Click Create Device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions:
- Business API: You'll go through Meta's Embedded Signup. Log in with your Facebook Business account and verify your business phone number.
- Meta Coexistence: You'll scan a QR code using your WhatsApp Business app to link the number.
- Once connected, your device status will change to Connected (green).
Device Status
Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
Connected (green) | Everything is working. Your chatbot can send and receive messages. |
Pending (yellow) | The connection is being set up. Wait a few moments. |
Disconnected (red) | Something went wrong. Try reconnecting or check your WhatsApp account. |
Common Questions
Which option should I choose if I'm just starting out?
Choose Business API. It gives you the most reliable and straightforward experience with zero ban risk. If possible, use a dedicated phone number for your business. If you already have an established WhatsApp Business number with existing customers, Meta Coexistence is a perfectly valid option -- just make sure your whole team understands the rules around replying.
Can I still open WhatsApp on my phone if I use Meta Coexistence?
You can open it and view conversations, but you must not reply from the WhatsApp app. All replies must come from the ReplyLa Inbox. Replying from the app will cause messages to be missed and risks your number being banned.
What happens if I accidentally reply from WhatsApp app while on Coexistence?
That reply will be sent to the customer but ReplyLa will not see it. The AI will not have context of that message, which may cause confusion in future replies. The more this happens, the higher the risk of WhatsApp flagging your account.
What happens if my device gets disconnected?
Your chatbot will stop replying until you reconnect. Go to Device Manager and check the status. You may need to re-verify or re-scan your number.
Can I switch from Coexistence to Business API later?
Yes. You can create a new device using Business API. However, the number would need to go through the official Meta registration process and your existing chat history from the Coexistence setup would not carry over.
Updated on: 21/04/2026
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