How it works alongside your WhatsApp Business app
Your number stays active on both your WhatsApp Business app and Thirdhand at the same time.
Every message mirrors both ways. If you reply from your phone, Thirdhand sees it — so it never sends a second answer on top of yours.
This is Meta's official coexistence mode, not a workaround.
What does not change
- Your WhatsApp number.
- Your chats and chat history.
- Your contacts.
- Your ability to reply yourself, anytime.
- Your customers notice nothing different.
The honest fine print
- Linked devices — WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, and WearOS — are unlinked once during setup. You can relink the ones WhatsApp supports afterward.
- Your number needs to have been active on the WhatsApp Business app for at least 7 days before you can connect it.
- Group chats are not automated. Thirdhand only handles one-to-one conversations with your customers.
Still on personal WhatsApp?
You can switch to the free WhatsApp Business app first, keeping your number and every chat.
- Back up your chatsIn WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and back up now.
- Download WhatsApp BusinessGet it free from the Play Store or App Store.
- Verify your numberOpen it and enter the same number you use today.
- Restore your historyConfirm the restore — your chats come across as they were.
- Add your business detailsName, hours, and a logo — then you're ready to connect to Thirdhand.
Free, and your number and chats stay exactly where they are.
What connecting looks like
One owner, about 10 minutes, done once.
- Start the connectionIn Thirdhand, choose "Connect your existing WhatsApp Business account".
- Confirm on your phoneWhatsApp sends a code to your Business app — tap to confirm there.
- Choose what to shareDecide whether to share your existing chat history and contacts.
- Enter the codePaste the code back into Thirdhand to finish.
- You're connectedThirdhand starts working alongside your WhatsApp Business app immediately.