How to Turn Off Meta AI (As Much As Possible)

If it feels like Meta AI is popping up everywhere, you’re not just imagining it. The AI assistant — marked by a swirling blue, turquoise and purple icon — is now a permanent fixture in the sidebar on Facebook, the search bar on Instagram and Messenger and the bottom-right corner on WhatsApp. 

But not everybody wants this thing around all the time. Whether you’re worried about protecting your personal data or simply tired of dealing with chatbots, here’s a quick guide on how to limit Meta AI’s presence across your social media.

What Is Meta AI?

Meta AI is an artificial intelligence-powered digital assistant created by tech giant Meta. Enabled by the Llama 4 language model, the conversational AI tool can answer questions, translate text, brainstorm ideas and much more, supporting both text and voice inputs. 

Meta AI is tightly integrated into all of Meta’s core platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. It is also available as a standalone app. 

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How to Turn Off Meta AI 

While you cannot completely shut off Meta AI, there are a few measures you can take to limit its presence on Meta’s platforms.

1. Instagram

Although Meta AI can’t be disabled on Instagram, you can mute or delete its chat function. Here’s how: 

1. Log in to the Instagram mobile app and click on the paper airplane icon at the bottom-center of the screen. 
2. In the search bar at the top, click on the blue, turquoise and purple circle. This brings up the Meta AI chat. 
3. Click on the information icon in the top-right corner.
4. Click on the bell icon at the top. 

Turn on the toggle for “Mute messages” and select “Until I change it.”  

2. Facebook

Meta AI itself can’t be removed from your Facebook account, but you can disable specific features. Here’s how to turn off AI summaries for posts: 

1. Log in to your website account and click on your profile picture in the top-right corner. 
2. Click on “Settings & privacy,” then choose “Settings.” 
3. Using the left sidebar, scroll down to the “Audience and visibility” section and click on “Posts.” 
4. Turn the toggle off for “Allow comment summaries on your posts.” 

3. Messenger

Another way to reduce your interactions with Meta AI on Facebook is through the Messenger app. Here’s how to mute it:  

1. On your mobile app’s homepage, click on the Messenger icon in the top-right corner. 
2. Click on the blue, turquoise and purple circle in the top-right, next to the search bar. 
3. Click on the information icon in the top-right corner. 
4. Click on the bell icon and choose “Until I change it” to mute your chat with Meta AI. 

Or you can delete it following these steps:

1. On the mobile app, press and hold on the Meta AI chat and drag it to the left until you see the “More” icon appear and click on it. 
2. Select “Delete” to remove the chat. 
3. If you’re on your web account, hover your cursor over the Meta AI chat and click on the three dots. 
4. Select “Delete chat.” 

4. WhatsApp

Meta AI also can’t be removed from WhatsApp. The only option is to mute the Meta AI chat: 

1. Log in to the WhatsApp app and click on the “Chats” icon at the bottom. 
2. Click on the blue, turquoise and purple circle in the bottom-right corner. 
3. Click on the “Meta AI” text at the top of the screen. 
4. Scroll down and select “Mute.” Choose “Always” to keep it muted.

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How to Stop Meta From Using Your Data to Train AI 

If you’re concerned about Meta using your data to train its AI models, you can submit a request asking them to stop. Users in the European Union and the United Kingdom have even stronger legal rights on this issue, and can file a more robust objection under their regional privacy laws.  

Of course, the catch is that Meta can deny a request for different reasons, depending on the user’s country. In the meantime, the simplest way to reduce your exposure is to disable or mute Meta AI’s features wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions