Vanish mode feature is a practical feature that lets Social media users send their messages in a self-erasing method. It saves storage space, ensures more private discussions, and promotes cleaner chats. Vanish mode on Instagram is not very different from Facebook or other platforms.
Vanish mode is among the features that many Instagram DM apps want to duplicate. However, the in-app version can be safer for daily usage.
So, what is vanish mode on Instagram, and how does it work, though? Such questions will be the focus of our article today!
If you’re also wondering what the IG vanish mode can do for you, stay tuned. We’re about to cover every aspect!
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ToggleWhat Is Vanish Mode on Instagram
Instagram’s built-in disappearing messaging feature for brief and private conversations is called Vanish Mode. It’s easy to use, secure against screenshots, and ideal if you don’t want your discussion to be recorded. However, keep in mind that someone could record it using an external camera, and Instagram can’t prevent that from happening.
As you turn it on, you will enter the dark mode, and you can now send Instagram disappearing messages. The recipient will also be informed that you have started the vanish mode on Instagram. Now, you can send your DMs as you usually would; you can even react to Instagram messages!

Pros & Cons of Vanish Mode on Instagram
Every new Instagram update gets us new features that are bound to improve our social media experience. Some even allow us to go beyond the Instagram DM limits and reach a complete set of features.
In the case of Instagram’s vanish mode, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but let’s see both sides of the coin. Shall we?!
Pros:
- Visual indicator: The screen darkens and shows visual effects (like shush emojis), making it clear you’re in Vanish Mode.
- Screenshot alert: You’re notified if someone takes a screenshot while in Vanish Mode.
- Easy to use: Activate it with a simple swipe up in the chat. No complex settings.
- No Chat History: You won’t need to worry about deleting Instagram messages from both sides.
Cons:
- Can be abused: Because nothing is saved, it can be misused for inappropriate or harmful content.
- Mobile-only: Not available on Instagram’s desktop version. Only works via the app.
- May cause trust issues: Some users might view it as secretive or suspicious behavior.
Only works in one-on-one chats: You can’t use Vanish Mode in group chats or with people who haven’t accepted your message request.
How to Turn on Vanish Mode on Instagram
Now that you know what happens when you use this feature, it’s time to test it. To learn how to turn on the vanish mode on Instagram, you only need to follow the steps below:
- Log in to your Instagram account and open your DM inbox from the top right corner.
- Then, choose the recipient you want to start messaging in vanish mode.
- Now, swipe up on the chat to activate the Instagram vanish mode!
And here’s another method:
- Open your chat,
- Next, tap on the name of the user at the top of the screen,
- Now, switch on the toggle for ‘Vanish mode.’
That’s all; you have successfully activated this mode! But can someone see when you turn on the vanish mode? Well, yes! As mentioned earlier, your Instagram will go into dark mode as soon as you use this option. And the recipient of these Instagram disappearing messages will also be informed that you’re chatting in vanish mode!
How to Turn Off Vanish Mode on Instagram
There are times when you need vanish mode just for a limited time, and there is no need to keep it on for longer than that.
You don’t need to worry, because you can access your DM on Instagram and that specific chat in a normal way, just by turning vanish mode off.
Now follow the instructions below to turn off vanish mode:
- First, open the chat for which you had activated this option,
- Then, swipe up to turn off the vanish mode,

- Or, tap on the name of the user at the top of the screen,
- Now, turn off the toggle for ‘Vanish mode.’
Congratulations; now you know how to get out of the vanish mode on Instagram. So, whether you activate it or someone else does, you can now quickly get out!
FAQ
So far in this blog, we’ve answered your questions like ‘What is vanish mode on Instagram?’ and how you can turn it on and off. Now, it’s time we got to the frequently asked questions.
1- How to Turn Off Vanish Mode on Messenger Permanently?!
Whether you want to apply the vanish mode on Instagram or Facebook, you can activate or deactivate it by swiping up on a user’s chat. Yet, there’s no way to deactivate this gesture and permanently turn off the vanish mode.
2- How to Unread Messages on Instagram Disappearing Mode?
Unreading messages is normally easy. You only need to open your Instagram message inbox, tap and hold a conversation, and choose ‘Unread,’ which won’t turn off the read receipt on Instagram messages but allows you to distinguish the messages you haven’t had the time to answer!
Yet, in the vanish mode, you won’t get to unread messages because as soon as you access them once and leave the chat, the DMs will disappear!
3- Why Can’t I Access Disappearing Mode on Instagram?
Such problems mostly happen because you haven’t updated your Instagram yet. Follow the instructions in the article to ensure your application and messenger are up-to-date. If it doesn’t work, you can check our article on why Instagram DM stopped working and how to fix it!
4- How to Unsend Disappearing Messages on Instagram?
If you’d like to delete your Instagram direct messages from both sides, you only need to tap and hold the message. Alongside the emoji reactions that appear, there’s an ‘Unsend’ button below. Once you tap on it, it’s over!

5. How to Activate Vanish Mode on Instagram PC?
Although you can conveniently DM on Instagram with a PC, the vanish mode is unfortunately unavailable for Instagram web or desktop. So, there’s no way we can understand how to turn on the vanish mode on Instagram web. With further updates, we might be able to see the arrival of this option on the web as well!
6. Does Vanish Mode Delete Messages on Both Sides?
Yes. One of the positive aspects of this feature is that you don’t need to worry about deleting your messages from both sides. Vanish mode will do this for you.
7. Is It Safe to Chat in Vanish Mode?
Yes. It’s much safer than regular chat since messages disappear and screenshots trigger alerts. But it’s not foolproof—someone can still record with another device. Use it only with people you trust, and never share sensitive info.
8. When Do Messages Disappear in Instagram Vanish Mode?
Messages in Instagram Vanish Mode disappear after:
- They’ve been seen, and
- You close the chat.
So, if either person leaves the chat, everything sent in Vanish Mode disappears for both.
Last Words
Each Instagram update presents us with more options and features and opens lots of possibilities for us Instagrammers! One of these features is the vanish mode on Instagram, which lets you send disappearing messages.
Here, we explained this feature, its benefits, and how to turn it on and off. Now, you can share a disappearing meme, message, or video with your friends!