To turn off the vanish mode on Instagram, choose the specific chat, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, then release.
Vanish mode still not turning off? Read further to know the reasons.
Besides, we’ve prepared a special guide for parents on how to see vanish mode messages from your children’s Instagram.
Why is it important?
Vanish mode allows messages to disappear; thus, it increases the potential for untraceable cyberbullying and sextortion. In our HeyLocate investigation, we highlighted the dangers of online sextortion, which can even lead to teenage suicide.
According to NBC News on Instagram, 90% of financial sextortion victims are boys aged 14–17 years. The Canadian Center for Child Protection records seven sextortion incidents per day, with 74% happening on Instagram.
To this end, it’s essential to know how to turn off vanish mode on Instagram, especially if you’re a parent of a teenager. Moreover, in this guide, we’ll show you how you can see Instagram DMs even in vanish mode using a family tracker.

What is Vanish Mode on Instagram
Instagram’s vanish mode is a feature that lets Instagram users send messages, photos, and videos that disappear. When you send content with the vanish mode on, the messages vanish when you leave the chat or turn off vanish mode.
Besides messages disappearing, vanish mode also blocks taking screenshots of the content shared in the mode. This is similar to “View Once” messages, where messages self-destruct as soon as the person views the content.
Messages disappearing and preventing screenshots in vanish mode is considered an extra layer of protection when people share sensitive information. However, it can prevent a child from securing evidence of cyberbullying or sextortion.
To know if an Instagram chat is in vanish mode, you will see a dotted line over the text message bar on an Instagram chat. It will also have a notification saying “Swipe up to turn off vanish mode.”

How to Remove Vanish Mode on Instagram Messages
To remove vanish mode on Instagram on Android or iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Open the Instagram app and tap the messages icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap on the specific chat from the chat screen. You will see any new unopened messages in the chat.
- Swipe up from the bottom to turn off the vanish mode. Once it’s off, the dotted lines will disappear and the messages remain visible. You will also get a notification telling you to swipe up to turn on vanish mode.

Why is Vanish Mode Not Turning Off?
There are a few reasons why you may not exit vanish mode.
- Accumulated Instagram cache.
Accumulated app cache can prevent vanish mode from turning off. Try clearing the app cache if you’re experiencing trouble with vanish mode. - Instagram is outdated.
Update Instagram to the latest version to solve the vanish mode not working problem. You can also uninstall and reinstall the app to see if it will resolve the issue. - Your phone doesn’t have an Internet connection.
Ensure that you have an internet connection before turning off vanish mode. - You’ve not refreshed your phone.
Restart your phone to refresh its apps. Rebooting can help Instagram to connect properly and thereby vanish mode feature will work as intended.
How to See Vanish Mode Messages on Instagram with Family Tracker
Parents can still see vanish mode messages on Instagram with a proper family tracker for Instagram parental controls. In fact, only few phone trackers can do this, and mSpy is one of them.
How is it possible? mSpy gathers a good deal of information by capturing screenshots, so you can see the chat history, including direct messages, private chats, and media shared on the app. You will also get a permanent record of all their interactions on the app.
Still, the method is not 100%. Since vanish mode messages disappear after they are viewed, mSpy must take a screenshot precisely while the message is visible. If the screenshot occurs after the message disappears, it won’t be captured.

mSpy takes screenshots at intervals; thus, the chances are 50:50, but it’s better than nothing.
To use mSpy for Instagram monitoring, install it on the target device, and it will work in stealth mode.
- Open the online control panel to view the messages sent on Instagram.
- Under Social Networks, tap Instagram. mSpy displays all DMs in the form of screenshots. You will see who sent the messages and when they sent them. Thus, you will know if someone is harassing your teen or if they are in danger of sextortion.
mSpy is a comprehensive parental control tool that will give you inside information about your child’s digital activities without them knowing. The app monitors calls, text messages, locations, and internet history for your peace of mind.

Conclusion
Turning off vanish mode on Instagram is a straightforward process. A simple swipe up and you will disable vanish mode.
Speaking of kids IG chatting, parents might want to consider setting up Instagram parental controls. However, if you can’t get into your child’s Instagram account, a family tracker can help you see what’s being shared before it disappears.
Hence, you can protect your child from the potential dangers presented by disappearing messages that could be proof of harassment, cyberbullying, and even sextortion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can accidentally turn on vanish mode when you swipe up, like you would when scrolling.
An accidental swipe might be the reason you’re on vanish mode. Be mindful of swiping up when you’re on a chat.
Swipe up from the bottom of the chat to turn off vanish mode on iPhone.
You cannot retrieve messages sent when the vanish mode is on. Messages on vanish mode are deleted permanently when the recipient views the message, and they exit the chat.
Comments