Vanish mode

A messaging setting where messages disappear after being viewed.

Vanish mode is a setting in some apps, including Instagram, where messages disappear once they have been seen. Similar features exist elsewhere as disappearing messages.

Once a message is gone from the device, no screenshot taken later can recover it. If a conversation is heading somewhere that matters, capture as it happens rather than afterwards.

Last updated 2026-09-01

In practice: How to print Instagram DMs for court

Open the exhibit builder · Start with one screenshot