How to Turn On Vanish Mode on Instagram

6 min read
5 December 2025

Key takeaways

  1. Vanish Mode is a feature for private communication. It allows you to send vanishing messages that are automatically deleted after being read, making this function convenient for confidential conversations.
  2. The feature has its restrictions. For instance, unlike Snapchat, Vanish Mode has to be activated manually, and it’s important to remember that the other user can take a screenshot, which you will be notified of.
  3. You can solve any occurring problems with Vanish Mode on your own. If the feature is not working properly, try updating the application, restarting your device, or clearing the cache.


Vanish Mode on Instagram: what is it and how to use it

Instagram continues to surprise its users with new features, and one of the latest of them is Vanish Mode. This mode has drawn the attention of those who value confidentiality and the private nature of conversation.

Vanish Mode is available not only on Instagram but also on other popular messengers like Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Signal. Its main point is that sent messages will automatically disappear after being read, leaving a minimum digital footprint.

Nonetheless, unlike Snapchat, where disappearing messages are one of the key features of the application, Instagram’s Vanish mode has to be activated manually. This makes it a more flexible tool: you can use your regular chat for everyday communication and switch to Vanish Mode whenever you want to discuss something more private.

To turn the mode on, just swipe up in any Instagram Direct chat. Once the mode is activated, the chat background changes, indicating that all sent messages will be automatically deleted after being read. At the same time, if the other person takes a screenshot, you will get a notification about it.

Vanish Mode is not only a trend but a response to the growing demand for privacy in the digital world. It is perfect for those who want to share moments without saving them in the chat history. However, it is important to remember that, even with this mode on, it pays to be careful: taking screenshots and notifications of them remind us that absolute privacy does not exist on the Internet.

This feature has already become popular among users who value fast and safe communication. If you have not yet tried Vanish Mode, it is time to switch it on and see how convenient it is for your personal or work-related conversations.

How to activate Vanish Mode on Instagram

To start using Vanish Mode, make sure you have installed the latest version of Instagram.

Open your Direct and choose a chat with the person want to chat with. Then simply swipe up on the screen, the chat background will change, and the mode will be on.

Now, all sent messages will automatically disappear after being read. To switch off Vanish Mode, swipe up one more time.

How to disable Vanish Mode on Instagram

Android

If you want to deactivate Vanish Mode on your Android device, it will take only a few seconds.

First, open a chat with Vanish Mode on. Then swipe upwards on the screen — the same thing you did to turn the mode on. The chat background will go back to its default appearance, meaning that Vanish Mode is off. Now all sent messages will be saved in the chat, like in the standard mode.

It is worth noting that Vanish Mode is temporary, and it switches off automatically when you leave the chat or close the application. If you want to continue a conversation with vanishing messages, the mode has to be activated once again.

This feature is useful in situations when privacy is essential, but do not forget that the person you are chatting with can take a screenshot, and you will be notified about it. Deactivating Vanish Mode allows you to go back to your usual format of communication without any restrictions.

iPhone

To disable Vanish Mode on your iOS device, follow a few easy steps. Open the chat with the mode on and swipe up on the screen — the same way you turned it on. The chat background will change to the default one, confirming that the mode has been deactivated. Now all sent messages will be saved in the chat, like in the standard mode.

Vanish Mode will automatically turn off when you leave the chat or close the application. If you want to send vanishing messages again, you will need to switch the mode on once more.

This feature is great for temporary communication, but remember: the other user can take a screenshot, and you will receive a notification about it. Disabling Vanish Mode allows you to go back to the usual chat format, which is convenient for everyday communication.

Cannot turn off Vanish Mode in Instagram?

If you are having trouble with deactivating Vanish Mode, try the following steps:

  1. Make sure you have the latest Instagram update.
  2. Restart the application.
  3. While in chat, swipe upwards once again — after that, the mode should be disabled.

If the problem remains, delete and reinstall the application.

Update your Instagram

If Vanish Mode does not work properly, there is a chance you have an outdated version of Instagram. Open App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), find the Instagram application, and click on the Update button. This will eliminate any errors and provide access to new features, including Vanish Mode.

Restart your device

If Vanish Mode does not turn off, try restarting your device. It will update the system and fix temporary application malfunctions. After the restart, open Instagram and check whether the problem has been solved.

Clear application cache

If there are any problems still present with Vanish Mode, clearing the cache may help you resolve them. Open Settings on your device, select the App section, find Instagram, and click on Clear Cache. This will delete temporary data and may help to fix any errors.

Conclusion

Instagram Vanish Mode is a useful tool for those who value privacy and the temporary nature of communication. It allows you to send messages that will automatically disappear after being read, which makes it perfect for discussing personal or private topics. Still, in order to profit from this feature in the most effective way, it is important to remember a few key moments.

Firstly, Vanish Mode has to be activated manually by swiping upwards in the chat. This allows you to have control over when and to whom you will send vanishing messages. Secondly, keep in mind that the other person can take a screenshot, and you will get a notification about it. It reminds us that absolute privacy does not exist in the digital world.

If you encounter any problem while using Vanish Mode, try updating the application, restarting your device, or clearing the application cache. These simple steps often help to solve errors and restore the mode’s proper functionality.

It is also important to take into account that Vanish Mode switches off automatically every time you leave the chat or close the application. This means that to continue your conversation with disappearing messages, the mode has to be activated once again.

Vanish Mode is a great way to make your communication safer and more private. It is suitable both for personal conversations and work correspondence, where it is critical not to leave any unnecessary traces. Nevertheless, you should always remember the mode’s possible restrictions and use it wisely.

If you have not yet tried Vanish Mode, it is about time to turn it on and see whether it will come in handy for your needs.

FAQs

Yes, Vanish Mode is available for both iOS and Android devices. You have to install the latest version of Instagram to use it. The feature works the same on both operating systems, allowing you to send vanishing messages in private chats.

If someone has sent you a message in Vanish Mode, the chat background will change to a darker one, and there will be a notification about the mode’s activation at the top of the screen. Messages will automatically disappear after being read unless the other person takes a screenshot.

The main difference is the temporary nature of messages in Vanish Mode. They will be automatically deleted after being read, while standard messages are kept in the chat. Moreover, the chat background will change in Vanish Mode, and the person who sent a message will get a notification when the other is trying to take a screenshot.

Yes, Instagram will notify you about Vanish Mode being on. When the other person activates the mode, a notification appears in the chat to inform you about it. The chat background also changes, which serves as a visual indicator for both chat parties.

Yes, it is possible to take screenshots in Vanish Mode, but the person who sent a message will be notified about it. It is made to improve confidentiality and to warn users that their messages may be saved without their consent.