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Can Meta AI be turned off on Facebook and Instagram?
Short answer
No, not completely. Meta AI stays in Facebook and Instagram search and messages, and Meta doesn't offer an off switch. You can mute the Meta AI chat so it stops notifying you, avoid using it, and, in the UK, object to Meta using your public posts and AI chats to train its AI. Business pages can still use it.
What you can do
- Mute the chat: open the Meta AI chat, tap its name, then mute it.
- Don't use it: it only sees what you share with it.
- Object to training: use Meta's privacy rights request forms for Facebook and Instagram, choosing the objection option.
- Turn off comment summaries: Facebook has a setting to stop AI comment summaries on your posts.
How to use Meta AI on Facebook and Instagram
If you want it, type in the search bar or open the Meta AI chat to ask questions, write captions or generate images. Don't share customer data. See is Meta AI safe?
For WhatsApp Business
Meta Business Agent can answer customers on WhatsApp in some countries. See does WhatsApp have AI?
Related questions
Does Meta AI read my messages?
Meta says it only reads messages you share with Meta AI. Ordinary private chats aren't sent to it.
Does Meta AI cost money?
No. Optional Meta One bundles add more. See does Meta AI cost money?
Sources
- AP News: you can't turn off Meta AI, but there are workarounds
- Meta Help Centre (UK): objections to AI at Meta
- ICO: statement on Meta's use of user data to train AI
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
More on data, privacy and gdpr
- Are AI detection tools accurate?
- Are AI tools secure for business?
- Are ChatGPT chats private? Can OpenAI read them?
- Are Microsoft Copilot chats private?
- Can AI agents be trusted?
- Can AI read my WhatsApp messages?
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