How to Manage Meta AI on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram

If you use Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, you’ve likely noticed Meta AI popping up, answering questions, and offering information in your feeds. This AI assistant, introduced by Meta Platforms' CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is designed to help users with various tasks.

Meta AI can suggest local restaurants, provide more details about things you see on Facebook, search for flights, or create images instantly. For example, if you’re chatting with friends about a night out, you can invite Meta AI by typing @MetaAI and asking for cocktail bar recommendations.

This AI tool is integrated into chat boxes and search bars across Meta’s platforms. On Messenger, Meta AI appears at the top of your chat list, ready to answer questions or generate pictures and animations.

However, not everyone likes Meta AI. If you’d prefer not to use it, here are some tips to reduce its presence:

Can You Turn Off Meta AI?

Unfortunately, you can’t completely turn off Meta AI on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, or WhatsApp. But you can take steps to minimize its interference.

How to Mute Meta AI

On the Facebook mobile app:

1. Tap the "search" button.

2. If you see “Ask Meta AI anything,” tap the blue triangle on the right.

3. Tap the blue circle with an “i” inside it.

4. You’ll find a “mute” button that lets you silence the chatbot for 15 minutes, longer, or “Until I change it.”

You can do something similar on Instagram. However, muting Meta AI doesn’t remove it completely. Its icon might still appear instead of the search magnifying glass, and tapping it will bring you back to Meta AI.

When asked about searching without Meta AI, the chatbot responds that it’s there to help and can’t be turned off. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that you can still search normally and choose whether to interact with AI-generated results.

Using Basic Facebook

To avoid Meta AI, you can use Facebook’s basic mobile site, mbasic.facebook.com. This version is made for older phones and slower internet connections, and it doesn’t have the AI features. It looks basic and outdated but works without Meta AI.

Availability in Other Countries

Meta AI is currently available only in the United States and 13 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. If you’re outside these countries, you won’t see Meta AI yet.

By following these steps, you can reduce Meta AI’s presence on your Meta platforms and use them more comfortably.

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