Instagram becomes seamless for users with every new feature and update that is released. However, some of these features might take some time to get used to.
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.
As the name implies, this feature disappears the messages or chat conversations you see shortly after 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 keep your little secrets away from the internet’s bubble, as they’re not saved in the archives for future reference.
In this guide, we will reveal one of Instagram’s little secrets: 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 they have been read. Once you exit the chat, there will be no trace of evidence.
This privacy feature was launched on Instagram in December 2020. This addition is unique in allowing Instagram users to create chat threads that are automatically deleted once they end.
This mode is similar to Snapchat because you can find it at the top right-hand corner of the DM screen. In addition, you only need to swipe up the chat screen or turn on the vanish mode toggle button to activate the feature. It is all up to you: How do you turn off vanish mode on Instagram?
Consider this a self-erasing feature you must enable when you need it.
Note: Vanish mode can be turned off, allowing users to chat normally without losing their messages. If you want to chat privately, you can turn on vanish mode.
GIF by @charmladonna at GIPHY
The Importance of Instagram Vanish Mode
Vanish mode is a unique feature with benefits. For some, this new addition may be unnecessary because it 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 important because it prevents strangers from sending you unsolicited messages and gives you total control over your chatting experience.
Furthermore, it will cater to the platform’s privacy and safety needs. You can share confidential information without worrying that it will be leaked.
If vanish mode is enabled, you can see when someone screenshots your Instagram chat. So, if privacy is important to you, find time to explore this amazing feature.
Every user needs to understand how vanish mode works on Instagram. This is why, in this article, we show you exactly how to turn on and 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: Tap the “Message” button at the top to create a new conversation. You can also open an existing chat.
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. Swipe up to turn on vanish mode until you see the message in blue text. 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 the vanish mode on Instagram.
Step 5: 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. Tap on the notification to 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 swipes up to turn it off. You don’t have full control while chatting in 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 guiding its Instagram use.
- Users must follow each other to use 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.
Once you end the conversation, every file shared, including photos, GIFs, memes, stickers, videos, and even messages you reacted to with emojis, will be permanently deleted.
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. Others will be notified when you do that, which breaches trust and can lead to unwanted issues.
When to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram?
You can use Instagram’s vanish mode whenever you like. The feature does not have a set time frame.
Like any other feature, it will make your Instagram experience great daily.
Hence, everyone decides when they feel the Vanish Mode is necessary for their chats. However, since privacy and safety are vital issues affecting everyone online, we recommend using 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 implemented proper safety precautions 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, you may be in a region where it’s not accessible.
Don’t sweat over sending messages that can be used against you.
Instagram has covered you with its latest vanish mode feature, letting 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 the messenger features on Instagram to get started.
Instagram Vanish Mode – FAQs
You can learn more about vanish mode on Instagram through FAQs.