This update ties directly back to Meta’s 2020 rollout of Vanish Mode, a feature that allowed users to send messages that disappeared once the chat was closed. It was designed to mimic real-life, off-the-record conversations — spontaneous, temporary, and low-pressure.
A quick upward swipe activated Vanish Mode. Another swipe turned it off. Easy, intuitive, private.
The goal was simple: give people a safe space where words didn’t live forever.
Vanish Mode Is Gone — Here’s What Replaced It
Meta has now officially retired Vanish Mode.
In its place? Disappearing Messages, a more structured version of the same idea.
The feature works with the same core purpose but comes with clearer controls, better transparency, and most importantly, the new screenshot alert system.
Not every user has access to it yet — Meta is rolling it out gradually. But those who do can find it by opening a chat, tapping the person’s name, and scrolling to Privacy & Support.
Inside that menu sits the option to turn disappearing messages on.
And right there with it: an unmistakable warning about screenshot alerts.
Zuckerberg Demonstrates the Feature Himself
To show the system in action, Zuckerberg shared a playful message exchange with his wife, Priscilla Chan. He made a humorous comment about a supercomputer, she took a screenshot, and — instantly — Messenger flagged it.
The alert appeared right in the conversation for both of them to see.
Meta couldn’t have provided a clearer demonstration:
Private messages may be temporary, but attempts to preserve them won’t stay secret anymore.
What This Means for Messenger Users
With disappearing messages, screenshot alerts, and revamped privacy tools, Meta is leaning hard into a future where:
- Conversations feel safer
- Users have more control
- Privacy no longer requires guesswork
- Hidden screenshots become a thing of the past
The message is simple: Your temporary messages are your own — and Meta wants to keep them that way.