How to turn Vanish Mode on Instagram on – so your messages disappear after being read

INSTAGRAM has added a new Vanish Mode that lets you send self-deleting texts.

It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your messages private – though it’s not entirely secure.

Once you’re done texting the person, the texts disappear completely.

First, you’ll need to make sure your app is updated.

Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to see if you’re using the latest version of Instagram.

Then launch Instagram and tap the DM icon.

You should be presented with an icon asking you to “upgrade” – linking your Instagram and Facebook Messenger.

Don’t panic if you don’t see the pop-up: roll-outs can take a little while.

Once your Instagram is upgraded, you’ll gain access to the Vanish Mode.

Simply open a chat and then swipe up, which then activates an Incognito Mode where your chats disappear once the session is over.

You’ll also get a few other neat features with the upgrade, like reshaping posts, reacting to messages with emoji, and changing chat colours.

It’s important to remember that vanishing texts aren’t 100% secure.

The recipient could still screenshot or screen record your messages – or copy and paste them.

So remember not to send anything you wouldn’t want someone else seeing.

Facebook Messenger also has a Vanish Mode, which you can read about here.

In other news, find out how to free up loads of space on your phone in seconds.

If you’ve got more money to burn, you’ll want to read the iPhone 12 Pro review instead.

Or you could take a gander at the Apple Watch 6 review if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your wrist.

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