How do I stop the AI SDR replying after I've escalated a thread?
Steps to stop the AI SDR replying after I've escalated a thread.
Escalation marks a thread for human attention. In the current inbox, escalated threads show a yellow Escalated for Review banner. Click the banner's X to dismiss the escalation and take manual control of that thread.
You can also send a manual reply. A sent manual reply counts as human takeover, so the AI SDR stops auto-replying on that conversation.
What escalation actually does
- Moves the thread into Needs Attention.
- Shows the Escalated for Review banner at the top of the thread.
- Hides the normal Disable AI SDR checkbox while the thread is escalated.
How to stop the AI on that specific thread
| Approach | How |
|---|---|
| Dismiss the escalation | Open the thread → click the X on the Escalated for Review banner. The thread moves under manual control. |
| Reply manually | Open the thread → click Reply → send a human reply. The AI treats this as takeover and stops auto-replying on this thread. |
| Disable AI SDR on a non-escalated thread | If the normal checkbox is visible, check Disable AI SDR. |
| Turn off the AI SDR workspace-wide | Last resort — stops auto-replies on every thread. See How do I turn off the AI SDR auto-replies?. |
Why escalation alone doesn't always stop replies
The AI SDR can schedule follow-ups as part of handling a reply. Dismissing the escalation, checking Disable AI SDR, or sending a manual reply gives the thread a clear human-takeover state so follow-up eligibility checks stop treating it like an automated conversation.
If the AI keeps replying even after you replied manually
- Check that your manual reply actually sent. Drafts don't count as a takeover.
- Confirm the thread you replied on is the same one the AI replied on — it's easy to reply to a different thread with the same prospect.
- Confirm Disable AI SDR is checked, or that the thread is in AI SDR Disabled after dismissing the escalation.
- If the AI replies again within an hour of your manual reply, the takeover did not register. Contact support through Feedback and include the thread ID.
Treat escalation as a review queue
Escalation gets your attention. Dismissing the banner, checking Disable AI SDR, or sending a manual reply is what puts the specific conversation under human control.