diff --git a/.github/workflows/backmerge-release.yml b/.github/workflows/backmerge-release.yml
index b8c92f0d4fc..0e530c49dfc 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/backmerge-release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/backmerge-release.yml
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ jobs:
           **Commits to merge:** ${{ steps.check.outputs.behind_count }}
           
           This PR was created automatically to keep \`main\` up-to-date with release branch changes.
-          Once approved, it will auto-merge.
+          Once approved, please merge using a **merge commit** (not squash or rebase).
           
           ---
           *This PR was generated by the [backmerge-release](${{ github.server_url }}/${{ github.repository }}/actions/workflows/backmerge-release.yml) workflow.*"
@@ -102,13 +102,6 @@ jobs:
             echo "Created PR #$PR_NUMBER"
           fi
 
-      - name: Enable auto-merge
-        if: steps.create-pr.outputs.pull_request_number
-        env:
-          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-        run: |
-          gh pr merge ${{ steps.create-pr.outputs.pull_request_number }} --auto --merge
-
       - name: Create issue for merge conflicts
         if: steps.check.outputs.changes == 'true' && steps.merge.outputs.merge_success == 'false'
         uses: actions/github-script@60a0d83039c74a4aee543508d2ffcb1c3799cdea  # v7.0.1