What is Vanish Mode on Instagram + 3 Easy Steps to Use It

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The majority of messages you send and receive on Instagram are permanently stored in your inbox, but it doesn’t always have to be this way.

Sure, if you check your direct messages, your conversations are still visible. However, I want to let you know that you can activate vanish mode, which will cause your messages to disappear.

If you want to understand what vanish mode is on Instagram and gain an extra layer of privacy while exchanging messages, let me provide you with more information about this feature on your Instagram app.


How to Switch Vanish Mode On and Off

  • Open the chat you wish to turn vanish mode on
  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen
  • To turn vanish mode off, Swipe up from the bottom of the screen again

What Is Vanish Mode on Instagram?

What is vanish mode on Instagram

The vanish mode is an Instagram feature that causes your messages to disappear as soon as someone opens them and then closes the chat. This feature has been designed specifically for your Instagram messages.

You can create additional temporary chat threads; however, please remember that once the window is closed, you cannot restore or view the messages again.

Things You Should Know About Vanish Mode

This self-erasing feature is an excellent tool for private chats. Messages are automatically deleted after closing the Vanish mode chat window, preventing the other user from retaining the message thread.

Let me inform you that this mode on Instagram will not create a new chat window; it will simply be activated within an existing chat. If you choose to enable vanish mode, the Instagram user on the other side will be notified immediately.

Instagram’s vanish mode signifies a new level of private chatting. While you can send and receive self-destructing messages, it’s important to note that if you try to take a quick screenshot, the other Instagram user will be immediately notified.

This option is currently available for regular chats, so it is not possible to enable vanish mode in the app for group chats.

How to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram

The first step to joining temporary chat threads is to open Instagram direct messages.

Instagram DIrect Message Icon

Once you have opened your Inbox, select the chat for which you want to enable vanish mode. Then, press the bottom of your screen and shortly swipe up.

Swipe to turn on vanish mode

Once you release your hold on the screen, vanish mode will be enabled in this chat.

You turned on vanish mode

If you’re curious about how to turn off vanish mode, simply swipe and then release once you are finished chatting.

Turn off vanish mode

Will Previous Messages Be Deleted After Vanish Mode?

The Vanish mode will never delete previous texts within a conversation. While the messages created during this vanish mode will eventually be deleted permanently, you will still be able to see previous texts once you turn off this vanish mode.

No matter how many times you toggle this feature on and off, it will not affect your standard messages in the regular chat window in any way.

If you wish to delete messages sent outside of vanish mode, here’s how to do that.

Conclusion

The latest addition to Instagram’s messaging features enables users to send and receive self-destructing messages within an existing Instagram chat.

Vanish mode operates in a specific manner, enabling users to engage in a one-time conversation that will be permanently deleted once the chat is closed.

The vanish mode on your Instagram app is very user-friendly, as it is activated with a simple swipe within the existing chat.

FAQ

Does vanish mode delete messages for both users?

Yes. It doesn’t matter which side has enabled this Instagram’s vanish mode feature in your mutual chat window. Each party can see the messages for a limited amount of time.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOnce both sides have closed their chat windows within vanish mode, the chat window will go back to its normal mode.

Can you trace vanish mode messages?

The Vanish mode can’t be traced in any possible way. The Vanish mode has been created with the sole purpose of keeping the privacy of the chat’s members.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThere is no way for anyone to retrieve the message that has been sent and received within the vanish mode. They are permanently gone.

Can the other person see the vanish mode activation?

Yes, this will be visible for the two users at the same time. If you enable this specific privacy option for conversations, the other person will know, as they will also get a notification about it right away.

How long does Instagram vanish mode last?

The special feature mode will last as long as both sides involved in this upper-level privacy setting need.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThey can exchange various messages, but once both parties have exited this chat, the next time they open the conversation they will see their regular chat window with no sign of the vanish mode.

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Mell

Mell is one of the Stream Mentor's co-founders and a versatile content writer. She's helping other streamers get their visuals right, set the right panel, use the right lighting, install overlays properly and boost the stream quality to a great extent.

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