If you use Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp, you may have encountered a feature called Vanish Mode or Disappearing Messages. As the names suggest, this is a privacy feature that makes messages disappear automatically, regardless of whether they consist of text, a photo or video, or a link.
Needless to say, there are multiple benefits to using Vanish Mode, but it’s important to be aware of some of the downsides, too. In this guide, we’ll explain Vanish Mode in detail, explain how to use it, and discuss its respective pros and cons. We’ll also cover some of the most commonly asked questions about Vanish Mode or Disappearing Messages.
What is Vanish Mode?
Vanish Mode, or disappearing messages, is a feature in some of the most popular messaging apps. These include Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as Signal, Snapchat, and Telegram. However, there are some small differences in how the feature is implemented across the various platforms.
In Vanish Mode, messages disappear once both users see them or after a set amount of time. This mode is advantageous for privacy reasons because it makes it less likely that sensitive information will be stored or otherwise misused. Further, some platforms, such as Instagram and Snapchat, notify you if someone takes a screenshot of a Vanish Mode message.
Why should I use Vanish Mode?
The main reason to use Vanish Mode is to protect your privacy. Once a disappearing message has been seen or time has expired, it automatically disappears. This reduces the risk of the things you’ve said or shared, whether a photo or video, from being misused down the line.
It may be that you don’t entirely trust the person you’re messaging or are worried about potential data breaches and third parties, such as cybercriminals, somehow gaining access to chats. Whatever the case, Vanish Mode improves your privacy. The fact that you can sometimes receive notifications if screenshots are taken further adds further protection. Of course, a person could still photograph the screen on a second device, so it’s not foolproof.
Another reason to use Vanish Mode is that it can help keep your chats clutter-free. Provided you don’t need to refer to information in chats later, disappearing messages keep your chats tidy. In some cases, messages (particularly images and videos) can take up storage space, which can slow down your device. Vanish Mode can improve device performance and save space.
How do I use Vanish Mode?
Vanish Mode is largely the same across the various messaging apps. In all cases, messages automatically disappear. However, there can still be some small differences in how they work. For example, a message may only disappear after being viewed or after a specific amount of time. Setup can also vary between apps.
Below, we’ll explain how Vanish Mode works on Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Signal, Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions on how to get this privacy feature set up on each.
How to use Vanish Mode on Facebook Messenger
Facebook’s disappearing messages feature isn’t available on desktop but can be found on mobile on Android and iOS. It lets you set a timer for messages to disappear once viewed.
Here’s how to set Facebook’s disappearing messages:
- Open Facebook Messenger.
- Select the chat for which you want to enable disappearing messages.
- Tap the person’s name at the top of the chat.
- Select Disappearing messages.
- Choose the time limit for messages to disappear after they’ve been seen.
How to use Vanish Mode on Instagram
With Instagram’s Vanish Mode, messages disappear once they’ve been seen and the chat has been closed. It is available on Android and iPhone.
It’s also important to know that, due to local laws, Instagram’s Vanish Mode isn’t available everywhere. Indeed, you may come across this message: “Vanish mode isn’t currently available in your area.” The best VPNs can help you get around these restrictions.
Here’s how to set Instagram’s Vanish Mode:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the arrow in the top right corner of your screen.
- Go to a conversation and touch and hold before swiping up.
If the above doesn’t work, try this:
- Select the Instagram chat for which you want to activate Vanish Mode.
- Tap on the profile name at the top of the chat.
- Select Privacy & safety.
- Toggle on Vanish Mode.
How to use Vanish Mode on Signal
Messages on Signal can be set to disappear after a set amount of time. When you send a disappearing message, the timer starts after you’ve sent it. For a received disappearing message, the timer starts after you’ve read it.
Disappearing messages can be activated on desktop or mobile. You can set it as the default for all chats or enable it for a specific chat.
Here’s how to set Signal’s Vanish Mode:
- Open your Signal app
- Go to Settings> Privacy > Disappearing Messages.
- Select a time or set a custom time (up to four weeks).
- Tap Save (Android) or Set (iOS).
How to use Vanish Mode on Snapchat
Snapchat was one of the first apps introducing disappearing messages as a key feature. Snaps (photos and videos) and chats disappear after being viewed by all recipients. This is the default in all one-on-one conversations and group chats so you don’t need to activate it in settings.
It’s also possible for you to set an infinite timer, loop, and bounce Snaps to delete after 24 hours in one-to-one conversations. Here’s how to do this:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Press and hold on a friend’s name.
- Select Chat and Notification Settings.
- Choose for them to be deleted 24 Hours After Viewing or 7 Days After Viewing.
- Toggle Keep Snaps in Chat on or off.
How to use Vanish Mode on Telegram
Telegram has a self-destructing (disappearing) message option available for all messages in Secret Chats. Once a message has been seen, the countdown begins until it disappears from both devices.
Here’s how to set Telegram’s Vanish Mode:
- Open a conversation in Telegram.
- Tap on the person’s name.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select Start Secret Chat and hit Start.
- Click on the three dots in chat.
- Set the self-destruct timer and set your preferred time.
How to use Vanish Mode on WhatsApp
WhatsApp messages can be set to disappear after a selected duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days). This can be done on mobile and desktop.
Here’s how to set WhatsApp’s Vanish Mode:
- Open WhatsApp and select a chat.
- Click on the contact’s name at the top of the chat.
- Select Disappearing messages.
- Choose your preferred time limit for messages to disappear.
Vanish Mode: FAQs
Can the other person see I’m using Vanish Mode?
Yes, when you or the other person in your one-to-one chat activates Vanish Mode or Disappearing Messages, both people will be notified. Depending on the messaging app you’re using, this may be in the form of an app notification or simply a message within the chat itself. This ensures both users are aware that messages will disappear once viewed and after the chat has been closed (or that they will simply disappear after a set amount of time).
Will I be notified if someone screenshots my Vanish Mode chat?
Both Facebook Messenger and Instagram notify you if someone takes a photo of your disappearing chat. Note that is only for disappearing chats, not regular chats. Although this is a useful, privacy-enhancing feature, it’s still important to be aware that there are other ways in which someone could save a conversation without triggering a notification (such as using a second device to take a photo). WhatsApp and Signal don’t notify you of screenshots.
Are there any downsides to using Vanish Mode?
Although Vanish Mode provides privacy, there are some downsides to using it. Namely, messages can still be saved through screenshots or photos from another device. Some people may look to take advantage of Vanish Mode by sending inappropriate content. The disappearing nature of messages in Vanish Mode can then make it harder to hold that person accountable. Of course, you may also find that you lose access to information that you wanted to keep.
