How to Change Chatbot Instructions in BOKBOK (Desktop & Mobile)

What Are "Instructions for this Chatbot"?

Inside the BOKBOK chat screen, there is a box called Instructions for this Chatbot. This is where you tell your chatbot how you want it to behave—for example:

• "Answer in simple language that a beginner can understand."
• "Always be polite and friendly."
• "If you don't know the answer, say you're not sure instead of guessing."

These instructions sit "behind the scenes" and guide every reply the chatbot gives. Changing them is one of the easiest ways to change the style and quality of your chatbot's responses.

Step 1: Open the Chat Screen for Your Chatbot

First, sign in to BOKBOK and go to your dashboard. From your list of chatbots, click on the chatbot you want to adjust.

At the top, you'll see tabs like Chat, Activity, Analytics, and others. Make sure you're on the Chat tab—this is where you test conversations and see messages.

Step 2: Change Instructions on Desktop (Left Sidebar)

On a desktop or laptop, the instructions are always visible on the left side of the chat screen. You don't have to click anything to see them. The left panel is there by default and lets you fine-tune how your chatbot behaves.

In that left panel, look for a small heading called Instructions for this Chatbot and a text box under it. This is where you can type or edit your instructions.

1. Click inside the Instructions for this Chatbot box.
2. Write in plain language how you want the chatbot to speak, what it should avoid, and what it should focus on.
3. When you're happy with your changes, click the Apply button below to save and use these new instructions.

After you press Apply, BOKBOK saves these instructions for that chatbot and will use them for the next replies.

Step 3: Change Instructions on Mobile (Settings)

On mobile, the screen is smaller, so the instruction box is not shown all the time like on desktop. Instead, it is inside a slide-out panel that you open when you need it.

1. Open the chatbot's Chat tab on your phone.
2. At the top-right of the chat screen, tap the small button that says Settings (with a settings icon).
3. A side panel (drawer) will slide in from the left. Scroll until you see the instructions text area.
4. Edit the instructions just like on desktop, then tap the Apply button in the panel.

When you tap Apply, your new instructions are saved for that chatbot and will be used for future replies, no matter whether you're chatting from desktop or mobile.

Step 4: How Changing Instructions Impacts the Chatbot's Replies

Every time your chatbot answers, it quietly looks at your instructions first. That means:

• If you ask it to be friendly and relaxed, the tone of the replies will change.
• If you ask it to be short and direct, it will try to avoid long paragraphs.
• If you say "don't answer legal or medical questions", you'll see it start refusing those topics.

The more clear and specific your instructions are, the more your chatbot's answers will start to feel like they're coming from your own business voice instead of a generic assistant.

You don't need any technical words here—just write as if you're telling a new staff member how to talk to your customers.

Examples of Helpful Instructions You Can Use

Here are a few ideas you can copy or adapt into your own instruction box:

• "Always be friendly, positive, and encouraging. Avoid sounding robotic or cold."
• "Explain answers in simple steps. If something is complicated, break it into bullet points."
• "If the user asks about something we don't support, politely say we can't help with that and suggest what they can do instead."
• "Focus on helping small business owners and solo entrepreneurs. Use real-life examples when possible."

You can change these any time. After you update the instructions, send a few test questions in the Chat tab and see how the replies feel different.