Question

On objective engagement and send message - is there a way to turn off the automated messaging?

In other words, I want people to just click on the ad and send a message of their choice. Right now we are getting quite a few messages but 1. By the time Business Suite notifies me they are through the automated responses and frustrated they block us. Or 2. They click in and the automated responses get ignored.

I'm in the financial category so I'm limited on what I can do as well.

Answer 1

Yes, you can turn off the automated messaging but Meta doesn’t make it super obvious. 

If you're using the "Messages" objective (with Click to Message) and it’s triggering those preset FAQs or auto-responses, that’s tied to the Instant Reply or FAQs setup inside your Facebook Page’s inbox settings not just the ad itself.

Here’s how to take back control:

Steps to Disable Automated Responses:

1. Go to your Page > Inbox.

2. Click on Automated Responses (left panel).

3. Turn off:

   • Instant reply

   • FAQs

   • Away messages (if any)

4. Double-check under Business Suite > Inbox Settings and make sure any automation toggles are off.

Pro tip: Even if your ad creative doesn’t use a template, the Page’s automation still kicks in unless turned off manually.

Since you’re in finance, Meta is extra picky about disclosures and automated chat content, so default automations may backfire or get flagged. Totally fair that people feel frustrated if they hit a bot wall instead of a human.

If you want full freedom for users to just message you directly, removing all automation and sticking to open-ended messaging is the way to go.