diff --git a/conversations.php b/conversations.php
index 0f30cf3..42240c3 100644
--- a/conversations.php
+++ b/conversations.php
@@ -1899,9 +1899,8 @@
                     }
 
                     if (releaseBtn) {
-                        // show button when on_hold or advisor_requested
-                        releaseBtn.style.display = (conv.on_hold || conv.advisor_requested) ? 'inline-block' : 'none';
-                        releaseBtn.onclick = async () => {
+                        // show button only when the conversation was put ON HOLD by an operator (not when the user requested an advisor)
+                        releaseBtn.style.display = conv.on_hold ? 'inline-block' : 'none';
                             try {
                                 const resp = await fetch('api/release_hold.php', {
                                     method: 'POST',