Some Instagram chats are sensitive. Users who need or want more privacy, and more control over what happens to their messages, can take advantage of vanish mode.
How does vanish mode work on Instagram? Who should use this disappearing message feature, and what are its limitations?
What Is Vanish Mode on Instagram?
Vanish mode is Instagram’s disappearing message feature. It offers two benefits:
- Messages, photos, videos, and other content sent in vanish mode disappear as soon as the chat window is closed.
- Recipients of messages and other content sent in vanish mode can’t copy, forward, or save content sent in vanish mode.
Instagram’s vanish mode allows two users who follow each other to have discrete conversations.
The feature is not available for group chats. When you enter vanish mode in a one-on-one conversation with a friend, they’ll automatically be placed in vanish mode, too.
Why Use Vanish Mode?
Vanish mode is a great tool for Instagram users who need more privacy. If someone hacks your account or looks at your device, they won’t be able to see the content you sent in vanish mode.
How to Send Messages in Vanish Mode on Instagram
Entering vanish mode on Instagram is easy. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Open Your Instagram App
Tap the “chat” icon in the top right corner of your app.
Step 2: Open or Start a Chat
Find the person you’d like to talk to, or send content to, in vanish mode in your direct message history and tap an existing chat. You can also start a new chat.
Step 3: Swipe Up
Using your index finger, swipe up from the bottom of the open chat window. Scroll to the top.
If you did it right, a small blue circle will appear in the middle of your screen. Instagram will prompt you to “release to turn on vanish mode.”
Release your finger.
Step 4: Instagram Activates Vanish Mode
After releasing your finger, your chat window goes into dark mode. “Hush emojis” — emojis with holding a finger over their lips — rain down your screen.
This means that you’ve successfully turned vanish mode on. When you enter vanish mode, the person you’re chatting with is also automatically placed in vanish mode. Their screen will look the same as yours.
Step 5: Start Chatting
You can now enjoy a private chat. Vanish mode allows you to send messages, videos, photos, and recordings.
The person you’re talking to won’t be able to copy, save, or forward any of the content sent in vanish mode, and the content will disappear as soon as the chat window is closed.
How to Turn Vanish Mode Off Again
Once you’re done with your conversation and you want to turn vanish mode off, simply:
Step 1: Tap ‘Turn Off Vanish Mode’
A gray button that says “Turn Off Vanish Mode” is visible in the center of your screen, right under the name of the Instagram user you’re talking to, while you’re in vanish mode.
Tap it. You and the user you were talking to will both exit vanish mode.
Step 2: Close the Chat
The messages sent in vanish mode remain visible while the chat window is open. Close it to make the messages disappear.
That’s it!
What Should You Know Before Using Instagram’s Vanish Mode?
Vanish mode gives you more control over the direct messages you send on Instagram, but the feature doesn’t guarantee privacy. There are a few limitations to keep in mind.
Content You Send in Vanish Mode Can Be Screenshotted
Someone you’re talking to in vanish mode can’t save, forward, or copy the context you send, but they can still take a screenshot. Instagram will notify you if they do this using their smartphone.
Only People Who Follow Each Other Can Use Vanish Mode to Chat
This prevents strangers from harassing you. If you’d like to talk to someone in vanish mode, make sure you’re following each other first.
You Can Report Content Sent in Vanish Mode
Instagram allows users to report inappropriate content they received in vanish mode within 14 days, even when they close the chat window and can no longer view the content.
This implies that Instagram keeps a record of direct messages sent in vanish mode — something discerning users should be mindful of.
Vanish Mode Isn’t Available in All Regions
Instagram users in Japan and some European countries may not be able to use vanish mode.
A Final Word
Vanish mode is a disappearing message feature that eliminates private conversations from your Instagram message history as soon as you close the chat window. Vanish mode also prevents users from copying, saving, or forwarding content. This handy feature gives you more control over what happens to your most sensitive content and adds a layer of protection.