How to Turn Off Comments on Facebook Posts: A Step-by-Step Guide
With millions of active users on Facebook, commenting has become an integral part of online discussions and debates. However, there are instances when you may want to discontinue comments on a Facebook post due to various reasons such as harassment, off-topic discussions, or promoting negativity. In this article, we’ll explain how to turn off comments on Facebook posts, along with some guidelines on why you might want to consider it.
Why Turn Off Comments on a Facebook Post?
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s examine some reasons why you might want to restrict comments on a Facebook post:
• Off-topic discussions: You posted a simple update or event reminder, and the comments have spiralled into off-topic discussions.
• Negative feedback: The post was intended for entertainment, and you’ve received overwhelming negative feedback that’s tarnishing the original intent.
• Troll attacks: You’ve invited the wrong crowd, and comment section has become a hotbed of harassment and bullying.
• Control the narrative: As the poster, you want to ensure your original message remains the focal point without derailing the conversation.
• Commercial purposes: For some posts, comments can be counterproductive or create unwanted exposure; for instance, if you’re advertising a private event or sale.
Turning Off Comments on Facebook Posts: The How-to Guide
There are three primary methods to disable comments on Facebook posts:
Option 1: Disabling Comments After Posting
If you haven’t enabled comments on a specific post yet, you can simply avoid comment toggling while creating and sharing your post. To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Click what’s on your mind? at the top of your news feed to create a new post.
- Start typing your post, add your photos, videos, or hashtags (if desired).
- At the top-right corner of your post composition, toggle off On/off commenting ( see illustration ).
- Finish drafting and hit Post. By doing so, comments are now disabled for your newly published post.
Illustration:
(on the top-right corner)
Before toggle off On/Off Commenting
After toggle off On/Off Commenting
Option 2: Disabling Comments Via Edit Post
If comments have already been enabled, you can edit your post and restrict comments later:
- Open your Facebook profile or switch to your business or profile you own.
- In the search bar, type the keyword/s and find the post in your timeline.
- Click on See all and then the ellipsis (⋮).
- Select Edit beside Add a comment to initiate post editing.
- After your post has loaded, turn off comment toggle at the top right (similar to the initial toggle approach).
- Hit Done Editing to save changes, discontinue comments, and notify only subscribers (if Tag a friend or comment setting is enabled).
Option 3: Permanently Deleting Post (with Caution!)
Remember that this option erases all post history, including any embedded posts, likes, comments, or share metrics. Proceed with care if this is your preferred route. Before doing so, back up important information:
- Repeat step 1-4 under Option 2 (Edit Post) in Section 2.4 to make any necessary edits.
- Before finishing editing, click on the downward-facing arrow (⇲) beside the comment field and select Delete Post. Confirm you intend to remove the post. Ensure there are no other instances connected posts, which can resurrect lost content.
Bonus: Revoking Comment Ability Temporarily
Facebook Comments Disabled (per Setting > Settings & Account Timeline & Tagging > People).
If you need temporary silence and still want the feature turned off, restrict commenter rights to revoke and reintroduce comments ad hoc. Incorporating the feature: Go Settings > Settings & Account Timeline & Tagging > People. Check-box or toggle the option ‘Let [Your Name] review what friends post before they can create stories and share.’
Before reenabling comments:
– Monitor and curate conversation effectively to prevent unorganized back-and-forth responses.