- Meta has introduced AI features on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger. This has changed the search bar on Facebook and Instagram, and a chatbot has been added to Messenger and WhatsApp.
- Unfortunately, there’s no way to disable Meta AI through the app settings on any of the apps.
- There are a few workarounds to getting rid of Meta AI—you can block the Meta AI profile or downgrade an app to an older version.
There’s No Way to Directly Turn Off Meta AI on Apps
Yes, you read it right. Meta has been posing as this public-friendly firm with its open-source AI models. However, not allowing people to turn off features they don’t want seems contradictory. My search for a setting to disable Meta AI went in vain, but here are a few workarounds I can suggest.
Method 1: Block Meta AI Profile on Instagram and Facebook
This method has worked for several users, as they’ve claimed on forums like Reddit . Search and open the Meta AI account on Instagram and Facebook, and proceed to block it. The search bar will return to its normal behavior. But you need not worry – even with Meta AI, the search bar will still function as it did previously.
However, Meta AI exists as a chatbot in WhatsApp and Messenger – there’s no way to block and get rid of it.
On Facebook: Use the search bar to search for Meta AI . Open the account, tap on the three dots , and use the block button.
On Instagram: Use the search bar to search for Meta AI . Open the account, tap on three dots , and use the Block button.
Unfortunately, for some users, Meta has patched an update for this workaround and it may not work. You can try the below method instead.
Method 2: Downgrade the App Version
Installing a version of the app before Meta AI was released can help you fix the problem. You can uninstall Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Messenger and download an older version of the app from a third-party source.
Note: This method only works for Android devices. You can’t install apps from external sources on your iPhone.
Step 1: Uninstall Facebook or Instagram. Go to Facebook , Instagram , WhatsApp , or Messenger app on APKMirror and download an older version of the app.
(Beware – uninstalling WhatsApp will delete your chats. Only do so if you have a backup in place).
Step 2: Meta AI was launched on April 18, and you can download an APK file dated before it. Do not download the file labeled ‘alpha’ or ‘beta’. Download an APK file from the list and tap on Download APK .
Step 3: Open the downloaded file, tap on Settings > turn on the toggle for allow from this source . Open the app and sign into it; you should find a search bar without the Meta AI.
Bonus Tip: Disable Automatic App Updates
Not all users have received the update that adds Meta AI. If you’re one among those and like to keep it that way, you wouldn’t want to update the app or let your device automatically do it. Therefore, you can disable automatic updates on your iPhone or Android devices.
On your Android device, open the app on the Play Store. Tap on the three dots icon and uncheck the box for Enable Auto Updates .
On your iPhone, go to Settings > App Store and disable the toggle for App Downloads , App Updates , and Automatic Downloads on cellular data. You can’t disable auto-updates for individual apps on iOS.
