Many WhatsApp users in Europe (and increasingly worldwide) are noticing a new feature they didn’t ask for—the persistent blue Meta AI circle that sits at the bottom of the chat interface. While Meta promotes this as a helpful AI assistant powered by Llama 3.2, some users find it intrusive, unnecessary, or simply disruptive to their app’s clean design.
The bad news? There’s no official toggle to disable it in settings.
The good news? You can remove it—here’s how.
Why Is the Meta AI Circle So Controversial?
- No opt-in/opt-out choice: The feature was added automatically without user consent.
- Permanent placement: Unlike other buttons, it can’t be moved or minimized.
- Privacy concerns: Some users worry about AI scanning their chats (though Meta claims conversations aren’t used for training unless explicitly shared).
The Only Working Method to Remove Meta AI (For Now)
Currently, the only confirmed way to disable the blue Meta AI circle is by contacting WhatsApp Support directly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Settings
Tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
Scroll down and select “Help”.
Choose “Help Center”.
Step 2: Contact WhatsApp Support
Scroll to the very bottom of the Help Center.
Tap “Contact Support”.
Step 3: Submit a Removal Request
Write a clear request, such as:
“Please disable the Meta AI assistant circle from my WhatsApp. I do not wish to use this feature.”
(Using English may speed up the process.)
Send the request via email.
Expected Response Time:
- Some users report removal within a few hours.
- Others wait 1-2 days for support to process the request.
Clearing or Exporting Meta AI Chat (If You Don’t Want Full Removal)
If you don’t mind the AI but want to clean up its presence:
- Tap the Meta AI circle.
- Click its profile picture (top-right).
Choose:
- Export Chat (to save conversations)
- Empty Chat (to delete all AI interactions)
- Favourite (to pin it for quick access)
Will Meta AI Come Back After Removal?
- Possibly. Meta is aggressively pushing AI integration, so future updates might re-enable it.
- If it reappears, you’ll need to repeat the removal process.
Why Isn’t There a Simple Toggle to Disable It?
Meta is testing AI adoption by making the assistant hard to ignore. The company wants users to engage with Meta AI, so they’ve avoided adding an easy “off” switch.
Pro Tip: If WhatsApp support doesn’t respond, try:
Updating WhatsApp (sometimes newer versions allow hiding it).
Using a third-party mod (like WhatsApp Aero) – though this carries security risks.
Final Verdict: Can You Permanently Remove Meta AI?
- Yes, but only via WhatsApp Support (for now).
- No guarantee it won’t return in future updates.
- Workarounds exist (clearing chats, using mods).
If you prefer a clean, ad-free WhatsApp, your suitable bet is to submit a removal request now before Meta makes it even harder to disable.