Vanish Mode on Instagram: What is & How To Use
Don’t you wish there was a way for Instagram messages to be automatically erased?
Perhaps you need more privacy or simply want to spice up the chat a little bit!
The Instagram Vanish mode is a relatively new feature that does exactly that!
In Vanish mode, messages disappear after being seen.
If you want to start using the feature, here’s all you need to know:
- What is Vanish mode on Instagram?
- How does Vanish mode work?
- How do you use and end Vanish mode?
What is Vanish Mode on Instagram?
In Vanish mode, when a receiver sees the message and leaves the chat, the message will disappear from both sides.
It’s called Vanish mode since messages “vanish” after a single view: almost like self-destructing messages.
It is a way for Instagram direct messages to be more private without the need to go to another app like Telegram or Snapchat.
Facebook, Instagram’s parent company designed vanish mode for one-on-one chats only.
Meaning that vanish mode doesn’t work on group chats.
Note: Instagram was not the first app to have a feature like Vanish mode. Snapchat lets you delete chat messages with more ease.
How To Use Vanish Mode on Instagram?
You can enter the mode directly from your Instagram DMs.
You can use vanish mode on any chat on the app.
How to Turn On Vanish Mode on Instagram?
To enter Vanish mode make sure you have the latest version of Instagram.
- Step 1: Open the Instagram app.
- Step 2: Click on the chat icon on the right top corner of the screen.
- Step 3: Click on any existing chat.
- Step 4: Swipe from the bottom of your screen to the top to enable vanish mode.
- Step 5: If you see a thousand “Shhh” emojis flying, you’ll have entered vanish mode.
How to Turn Off Vanish Mode on Instagram?
To end vanish mode simply swipe up again from the chat screen.
Once you exit Vanish mode you’ll be taken to your regular chat window and the messages will no longer disappear after being seen.
If I Turn On Vanish Mode, Can The Other Person Turn It Off?
Yes. Both sides, at any given time, can enter and leave vanish mode.
However, Instagram won’t notify the other user if you turn off vanish mode.
When a Vanish mode chat ends, the screen will return to normal.
So it’s up to Instagram users to double-check in which mode they send messages.
You can do so by taking a simple look at the top of your screen.
There, you’ll see the mode you are in.
Does Vanish Mode Delete Messages on Both Sides?
While using the feature, the app will delete messages for both sides.
If you opt-in to use the feature, you are accepting that every message on the message thread will be deleted.
Instagram usually allows users to delete Instagram messages from their side only. And the app lacks a feature to mass delete chats.
So the feature is extremely welcomed.
Pro Tip: If you want to delete an Instagram message, you’ll need to “Unsend” it.
What Happens If I Take A Screenshot On Instagram’s Vanish Mode?
The other person will be notified immediately.
People use vanish mode to share private messages through chat. Taking screenshots on vanish mode defeats the purpose of the feature.
In all honesty, we wished the app had taken the same precautions when someone screenshots your Instagram stories.
Instagram Vanish Mode FAQ
Can you Unsent in Vanish Mode on Instagram?
Yes. The messages you send in Vanish Mode can be unsend and assuming the other party did not see them, they won’t be able to recover them.
It is another layer of protection to your privacy.
What Is The Point Of Vanish Mode?
Instagram’s vanish mode was designed as a feature to give its users more control over their experience.
Facebook, the app parent company, first introduced the feature to FB messenger.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.