Instagram becomes seamless for users with every new feature and update that gets released. But some of these features might take getting used to over a period of time.
If you enjoy chatting on Instagram, you must have noticed a new feature in the Direct Messages (DMs) section. It’s known as the “Instagram vanish mode.” And perhaps, you have been wondering what this new feature is all about.
Just as the name implies, this feature vanishes the seen messages or chat conversation shortly as you close the chat with the person.
This sounds technologically correct when you consider Instagram privacy and enjoy using the vanish mode on Instagram. With this, you can have your little secrets kept away from the internet’s bubble, as they’re not saved in the archives for future reference.
In this guide, we will let you in on one of Instagram’s little secrets—that is, the “vanish mode.”
It will hardly take a few seconds, kindly follow us on Instagram @techprevue.
What Does Vanish Mode Mean on Instagram?
Vanish mode on Instagram is a privacy feature designed to make your private chats disappear moments after it has been read. This will leave no trace of evidence once you exit the chat.
This privacy feature was launched on Instagram in December 2020. This addition is so unique that it allows Instagram users to create chat threads that get automatically deleted once it ends.
This mode is similar to that of Snapchat in the sense that you can find it at the top right-hand corner on the DM screen. In addition, you only need to swipe up the chat screen or turn on the vanish mode toggle button to get the feature activated. It is all up to you, how do you turn off vanish mode on Instagram.
Consider this a self-erasing feature, but one that you will have to enable when you need it.
Note: Vanish mode can be turned off, making it possible for users to chat normally without losing their messages. In the case where you want to chat privately, you can then turn on vanish mode.
GIF by @charmladonna at GIPHY
The Importance of Instagram Vanish Mode
Vanish mode is a unique feature that has its benefits. For some, this new addition may be unnecessary that will allow their partners to cheat online. For others, it is an opportunity to safeguard important information about themselves.
However, Instagram’s vanish mode is so important because it will prevent strangers from sending you unsolicited messages and give you total control over your chatting experience.
Furthermore, it will cater to your privacy and safety needs on the platform. You are free to share confidential information without worrying that it’ll get leaked.
In fact, you can see when someone screenshots your Instagram chat if vanish mode is enabled. So, if privacy is important to you, find time to explore this amazing feature.
Every user needs to understand how does vanish mode work on Instagram. This is why, in this article, we show you exactly how to turn on and turn off vanish mode on your Instagram account.
How to Turn On Vanish Mode on Instagram?
You should follow the steps below to learn how to activate vanish mode;
Step 1: Locate and click the Chat Icon at the top right-hand corner of the app.
Step 2: Create a new conversation by tapping the “Message” button at the top. You can also open an existing chat if you want.
Step 3: Click the “Info” icon at the top right-hand corner.
Step 4: Tap the toggle button to turn on vanish mode.
Alternatively,
Swipe up from the bottom of the chat screen. Until you see the message in blue text, Swipe up to turn on vanish mode. It will also enable the vanish mode.
If you’re using Instagram in the light mode setting, the message thread will change to dark mode once you turn on vanish mode on Instagram.
Step 5: You can now start chatting with your buddy in vanish mode without hindrance.
Special Note:
You’ll receive a notification if someone sends you a message in vanish mode. It is your choice to tap on the notification to enter into a chat with the person.
A dotted circle appears next to the user’s name when you have an unread chat in vanish mode.
Thus, your buddy knows you have turned on vanish mode and he/she swipe up to turn off vanish mode. You solely don’t have full control while chatting in a vanish mode.
How to Turn Off Vanish Mode on Instagram?
You should follow the steps below to learn how to deactivate vanish mode;
Step 1: Open a chat where vanish mode is enabled.
Step 2: Hit the Info Button at the top right-hand corner.
Step 3: Tap the toggle button to turn off vanish mode.
Alternatively,
Swipe up the vanish mode conversation from the bottom of the screen until you see the message “Release to turn off vanish mode” in blue color.
Release your fingers on the chat screen to disable vanish mode.
Step 4: Wait to see the chat thread colors change to normal.
At this point, your old messages will reappear if there are any.
Step 5: Close the chat window and watch all seen messages disappear.
Note: You can block users or report a conversation if you don’t feel safe.
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The Rules of Vanish Mode on Instagram
As with every new feature, vanish mode has rules that guide its use on Instagram.
- Users must be following each other to use the private chats.
- No one can copy, forward, or save chats in vanish mode.
- Always turn on the feature to make messages vanish.
- You can choose not to enter vanish mode with a follower.
- Either party can decide to end the conversation at any time.
- Direct messages from followers will not be hidden if you don’t turn them on.
- The use of this privacy feature is optional.
- Users you’ve not connected with can’t send you messages in vanish mode.
Every file shared, including photos, GIFs, memes, stickers, videos, and even messages you reacted to with emojis, will be permanently deleted once you end the conversation.
Screenshot and trust:
The beauty of vanish mode lies in the secrecy settings, but you have to be wary of users screenshotting or screen recording your conversations. So, don’t be caught off-guard.
Warning: Avoid screenshotting or screen recording conversations in vanish mode, as others will get notified when you do that. It breaches trust, and that can lead to unwanted issues.
When to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram?
You can use vanish mode on Instagram whenever you feel like it. The feature does not have a set time frame.
It’s like any other feature that will make your Instagram experience great daily.
Hence, every individual gets to decide when they feel vanish mode is necessary for their chats. However, since privacy and safety are vital issues that affect everyone on the internet, we recommend you do confidential chats only.
For instance;
- You can use it to discuss matters of urgency in the DMs.
- It could be needed when planning a surprise party for a loved one.
- A friend can send you private photos of them via this feature.
- You can send details of a medical or financial report using the feature.
- And many more.
Conclusion
The whole idea of vanish mode is to allow users to take control of their private conversations and chatting experiences without worrying about online intruders.
Vanish mode on Instagram can be likened to Incognito Mode on web browsers. It’s a feature that doesn’t keep the history of chats nor back them up after a conversation has ended.
With this feature, Instagram has ensured proper safety precautions are put in place to protect its users. So, even if you have many Instagram followers, feel free to share your deepest secrets in your DMs without the fear of getting exposed.
It’s worth noting that this feature is only available in selected regions. So, if you can’t access this option, it may be that you’re currently in a region where it’s not accessible.
Don’t sweat over sending messages that can be used against you.
Instagram got you covered with its latest vanish mode feature that lets you send messages that disappear automatically.
Kudos to Instagram for designing a feature with privacy and safety in mind.
Finally, don’t forget to update to messenger features on Instagram to get started.
Instagram Vanish Mode – FAQs
You can learn more about vanish mode on Instagram through FAQs.
Does vanish mode notify the other person?
Yes, only you and your chat partner will know about the ongoing conversation in vanish mode. But, the third person will not be notified about this secret chat.
Can my chat buddy disable vanish mode during conversation?
Yes, your chat partner can swipe up to turn off vanish mode.
Can vanish mode automatically hide messages I send by mistake?
No. Vanish mode can not automatically hide messages you send by mistake if it’s OFF.
Can vanish mode be activated in group chats?
No. The feature is exclusive to one-on-one conversations in the DMs.
Does vanish mode notify the other person when you screenshot?
Yes. You will get notified if the other person screenshots your chats.
Can I recover disappeared messages in vanish mode?
No. You can never recover messages that have disappeared, except you have a screenshot.
Does vanish mode delete old messages?
No, you can read them after turning off the vanish mode on Instagram.