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How can you guide somebody to only pick an option from the list?

  • November 28, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 17 views
CBA
  • CBA
  • Channel Explorer

Example attached.

I want people to pick an option from the list so the automation doesnt die.

I can do this successfully by looping them back to the question using data collection or conditions with tags when they give an invalid response using the “next step” feature. However the “next step” runs in the background even after i get a valid response and will still loop them back to the question.

How can i disable the next step if i get my response? 

Best answer by Fabio Gaulke

thank you so much, does your method only work for instagram?  i cant see any multiple choice option on Whatsapps data collection.

 

Uh.. sorry, I was on the go and didn’t noticed that your automation was for WhatsApp. The solution I’ve sent only works for Instagram and Messenger.

 

WhatsApp has more limitations… but there’s a workaround for that (already using your flow logic):

  • Connect a Smart Delay block as next step. This will wait the time you define to check conditions.
  • Now set a Condition step checking if the contact has any of the tags you set if he selects any list option.
    IMPORTANT: Change the matching to any of the following conditions, otherwise you’ll get an infinite loop 😅
  • Connect the “no matches” node back to the list block

This will already work as a follow up message (you can even create a separated flow with other messages and lists just for that).

 

If you only wish to loop one or a limited number of times, you can create an extra Custom Number User Field that ads up in every loop and an extra condition that checks if the sum is less than the number of loops you choose.

 

Again… Hope that helps! 😅🙌

    4 replies

    Fabio Gaulke
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    • Fabio Gaulke
    • Manychat Community Moderator
    • November 28, 2025

    Hi, ​@CBA!

     

    For this scenario I always use this method:

    • Set a Data Collection block with Reply Type = Multiple Choice.
    • Keep “Also allow free text input” DISABLED
    • Insert your options as Quick Replies.
    • Select a Custom Field to Save the responses
    • Set a message that appears if the contact sends some free text.
    • Delete the text from the Skip button - This will disable the option.
    • Define how many times it will loop if the answer is some free text.
    • EXTRA: You can define some follow up using the “If contact has not responded” next step.

     

    • Now, as next step, set a Condition Block and create one condition for Every option you have defined in your Data Collection Quick Replies.
    • And for every condition, you set EXACTLY the same text you defined for each Quick Reply.
      (This will work as a switch between all the options, and you will be able to connect the corresponding messages in your flow)

     

    Hope this helps!

    @fabio.gaulke | @monada.ag
    CBA
    • CBA
    • Author
    • Channel Explorer
    • November 28, 2025

    thank you so much, does your method only work for instagram?  i cant see any multiple choice option on Whatsapps data collection.

    Fabio Gaulke
    Forum|alt.badge.img+3
    • Fabio Gaulke
    • Manychat Community Moderator
    • Answer
    • November 29, 2025

    thank you so much, does your method only work for instagram?  i cant see any multiple choice option on Whatsapps data collection.

     

    Uh.. sorry, I was on the go and didn’t noticed that your automation was for WhatsApp. The solution I’ve sent only works for Instagram and Messenger.

     

    WhatsApp has more limitations… but there’s a workaround for that (already using your flow logic):

    • Connect a Smart Delay block as next step. This will wait the time you define to check conditions.
    • Now set a Condition step checking if the contact has any of the tags you set if he selects any list option.
      IMPORTANT: Change the matching to any of the following conditions, otherwise you’ll get an infinite loop 😅
    • Connect the “no matches” node back to the list block

    This will already work as a follow up message (you can even create a separated flow with other messages and lists just for that).

     

    If you only wish to loop one or a limited number of times, you can create an extra Custom Number User Field that ads up in every loop and an extra condition that checks if the sum is less than the number of loops you choose.

     

    Again… Hope that helps! 😅🙌

    @fabio.gaulke | @monada.ag
    CBA
    • CBA
    • Author
    • Channel Explorer
    • November 29, 2025

    It did, thank you!

    Fabio Gaulke
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