Since Instagram was launched in 2010, it’s constantly been changing and rolling out new updates and features. In one of these updates, a feature called Vanish Mode was added to Instagram. Instagram’s Vanish Mode allows you to send messages that disappear after they have been viewed, leaving no trace of the sent messages.
In this article, I’ll show you how to use this feature and answer any questions you might have about the Instagram algorithm related to this cool option. So, if you are eager to use Instagram Vanish Mode, let’s dive deeper and see how Instagram’s disappearing messages feature works.
What Is Instagram Vanish Mode?
Vanish Mode was first launched on Facebook in 2020 and then added to Instagram. This feature allows users to send each other temporary messages that disappear after a while. When you turn on Vanish Mode, you can send these messages to someone you have an active chat with (you both need to follow each other); the messages last until the other person reads them.
Content sent in Vanish Mode disappears when someone leaves the chat or turns Vanish Mode off. Now that you know what Vanish Mode is, let’s see how to use this feature.
How Does Vanish Mode Work?
You may ask yourself now, ‘What is the point of Vanish Mode feature in the first place?’Actually, IG Vanish Mode gives you the chance to be more spontaneous and even silly with your friends without the chats staying in your history!
This is perfect if you are worried about someone else spying on your Instagram direct messages and reading your private chats; it gives you the safety and privacy you need. [In the next parts, I’ll show you how to turn on Vanish Mode on Instagram.]
However, remember that this feature only applies to Android and iPhone users, and Windows browsers do not support this feature. Plus:
- You can’t use this feature in a group chat, in a chat with Messenger, or in a Facebook account. (You can only use it in a chat with another Instagram account.)
- Vanish Mode doesn’t allow you to save, copy, or forward such disappearing messages.
- Be careful and only use Instagram’s Vanish Mode feature with people you trust. Even though if they take a screenshot you’ll get notified, they might use a camera or other devices to take photos of messages before they disappear.
How to Turn on Vanish Mode on Instagram?
Now that you know what Vanish Mode is, you can decide whether to use it or not. If you want to try Instagram’s disappearing messages feature, just follow the steps below:
- First, open Instagram on your phone and go directly to your DM Inbox. Find the contact with whom you want to start the chat in IG Vanish Mode.
- If you haven’t started a chat with this contact, you must first send them a message.
- Then, swipe up on the screen, and you will see that the screen color turns to black, indicating Vanish Mode
How to Turn off Vanish Mode on Instagram?
If you are already using Instagram’s disappearing messages feature and wondering how to turn off Vanish Mode, here is what you need to do; it’s as easy as turning it on:
- First, go to the direct messages with the person you were talking to in Vanish Mode.
- Afterward, swipe up on the page, and then take your finger off the screen. The screen will turn white, indicating that you are back to normal DMs.
Can Someone See If You Turn on Instagram Vanish Mode?
The answer is NO! The other side of the chat won’t know if you turn on the Vanish Mode until they check their inbox. At that point, their inbox will turn black, indicating that Vanish Mode is on. When they return to the chat, they will notice that, except for the unseen messages, all the seen messages will have disappeared. This is another sign that shows you have turned on Vanish Mode.
Note: If you take screenshots/screen recordings while yourVanish Mode is on, the other person will be notified immediately.
Does Instagram Vanish Mode Delete Messages on Both Sides?
The whole point of using Vanish Mode is deleting messages for both sides. So Yes! When you turn on this feature and the other person enters the chat, all the DMs from both sides will disappear after you close the conversation and reopen it.
Unsending Instagram Messages Vs. Instagram Vanish Mode
The ‘Unsend’ feature on Instagram deletes a particular message in a chat with a person or in a group. You can consider the Vanish Mode feature on Instagram as a large-scale unsend feature. Interestingly, even in Vanish Mode, you can still unsend messages you send by mistake.
Suggested Post: How to Read Instagram Messages Without Being Seen?
Conclusion
In 2020, when the Vanish Mode feature on Instagram came out, there were different opinions. Some people believed there were benefits to this feature, such as helping conservative individuals be more expressive online and overthink less. Others, however, questioned its motives.
In short, to turn on Vanish Mode, simply swipe up in a chat. To turn it off, swipe up again. With these simple steps, you can easily control your chat’s privacy whenever you need it.
FAQs
Now, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions regarding our topic.
1. Is Vanish Mode Available for Everyone?
Instagram Vanish Mode is not available for everyone using the Instagram app; plus, this feature is not available on the Instagram desktop yet.
2. Does Vanish Mode Delete Messages on Both Sides?
Yes! When you turn on the Vanish Mode Instagram feature, all the DMs from both sides will disappear after you close the conversation and reopen it.
3. Can You Recover Messages Sent or Received in Vanish Mode?
No, that’s the point of Vanish Mode—to delete all messages sent or received after it is disabled. Once the conversation ends and Vanish Mode is turned off, the messages are permanently erased and cannot be recovered.
