If you are not logged in to Instagram automatically, be sure to log in with your username and password.

Tap your profile icon or photo at the bottom-right. [1] X Research source Tap the three-line menu at the top-right and tap Settings. If you see Update messaging, tap it. If you don’t see this option, you’ve already updated and you’re good to go. Tap ‘Update to complete the update. Your inbox icon will change from a paper airplane icon to a chat bubble with a lightning bolt inside. Tap the back button to return to Instagram, then tap the Home icon.

You can only activate vanish mode in one-on-one chats. You cannot use vanish mode with group chats of three or more people. You can only activate vanish mode with people you follow or have made recent contact with via direct message.

Messages, videos, and pictures you send via direct message will automatically disappear once they have been viewed or once the chat is closed. You can turn off vanish mode the same way you turned it on. Simply enter a chat and swipe up from the center of the screen.