How to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram (and Why You Should)

Vanish Mode on Instagram adds a new level of privacy to chats. Here's how to use the feature...

You know how they say 'the internet never forgets'? Now it can! Not having to worry about your messages being read by others snooping on your device is a freeing experience.

With Instagram’s Vanish Mode, you can have private chats that disappear after they're read. In this article, we will show you how you can use Vanish Mode on Instagram like a pro.

What Is Vanish Mode?

Vanish Mode launched on Facebook Messenger in 2020, but it has been added to Instagram's messaging features as well. Facebook announced that the feature would allow users to create and join temporary chat threads that are automatically erased when the chat ends. It is very similar to Snapchat's self-erasing feature, but it will only work when you turn it on manually.

Vanish Mode only works for chats with two people. It doesn’t work in group chats.

Eager to get in on this? Let's check out how the disappearing message feature works!

How to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram

To activate Vanish Mode, follow these steps:

1. Open your Instagram app and click on the chat icon.
2. Select an existing message or create a new message thread then scroll to the bottom of your chat.
3. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and release your finger to activate Vanish Mode.
4. Once it is activated, your screen turns dark and some 'Shush' emojis fall from the top of your screen to signal that you are in Vanish Mode. Your chat buddy also gets notified with a message on the screen that they are chatting in vanish mode. Go ahead and send your Instagram direct messages as normal.

Related:New to Instagram? Common Terms You Should Know

To close the Vanish Mode feature, open your chat thread and tap Turn Off Vanish Mode at the top of your screen. It immediately exits the Vanish Mode for you and your chat buddy.

Once you close your chat window, all seen messages will disappear.

Note: If the feature does not appear to work in your app, make sure it's up-to-date. If you have the latest version on Instagram and still cannot access Vanish Mode, it may not be available in your region.

Important Things to Know About Vanish Mode

Before you start using Instagram's Vanish Mode, here are a few important things to note.

This feature will only work with people who follow each other on Instagram. This is a safety precaution by the company so you don’t have to deal with unsolicited messages from strangers on Instagram.

You can also choose to opt-in to this feature with someone or decline the request. You’ve got total control of your chat experience.

Related: Can You Read Instagram DMs Without Being "Seen"

If your chat buddy takes a screenshot of your messages in Vanish Mode, you get notified immediately and vice versa.

Make sure you turn on Vanish Mode before sharing a message, or else your chats will remain permanent unless you choose to unsend them.

If you send messages by mistake without turning on the Vanish Mode feature, your messages will show up like every other message. Vanish Mode will not automatically hide messages you send by mistake.

Related: How to Unsend DMs on Instagram

Why You Should Use Vanish Mode

Vanish Mode is perfect for you if you're worried about snoopers looking through your chats. If safety and privacy are important to you (as we're sure they are), then you should take advantage of Vanish Mode's offerings.

You can also use Vanish Mode if you want to have a private chat with another Instagram user. For example, if you're planning a surprise party for a friend or a loved one, you can share the details with other parties with Vanish Mode, so that there are no chances of leaking information.

Break Out Of Your Messaging Shell

If you're conservative online for fear of oversharing, or you're simply an overthinker, then this feature was made with you in mind. All seen pictures, text, memes, stickers, or GIFs shared in Vanish Mode are gone forever as soon as you end the chat. As always, you can block anyone and also report a conversation if you do not feel safe.

Feel free to break out of your e-shell and express yourself with this feature.

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