Facebook Messenger: Disappearing Conversations? It’s ok with instant mode

How does instant mode work in Messenger? How to use it? We tell you everything.

At the end of 2020, Facebook introduced a new feature reserved for the Messenger and Instagram platforms, Ephemeral Mode. This occupies one of the flagship features of Snapchat, which allows you to send messages, the peculiarity of which is that they are automatically deleted after viewing.

How to enable ephemeral mode in Messenger

These ephemeral messages have recently been made available on the Messenger messaging service (and will generally appear on Instagram soon). If you’re wondering how to activate them so you can use them yourself, follow the guide.

First, know that there are two ways to enable ephemeral messages in Messenger. The first one is very fast, through a gesture. Just swipe up from the bottom of the conversation. You will see the message “Hold to activate fleeting mode”along with a round gauge. After a second, it will fill up, and the interface will take you to a dialogue with this mode activated.

The second method is more classic, but requires more action, as it goes through the menu. To do this, first tap the i icon in the upper right corner of the conversation to access the settings. Then click on the Ephemeral Mode tab and then activate it with a single tap. Then press the back arrows to return to the conversation. It now has ephemeral mode enabled.

What is the difference from “normal”mode?

Ephemeral Mode is an additional option that you can use to make your conversations more secure. When you send a message in a conversation with ephemeral mode enabled, this one receives it in a dedicated conversation window. Once the message has been viewed, it will automatically disappear as soon as you leave the window and return to the discussion.

How to disable ephemeral mode

Deactivating ephemeral mode is very simple. At the top of the interface, when the mode is activated, there is a button “Disable fleeting mode”. Click on it to return to normal conversation.

A few clarifications: the instant mode feature is not available in group conversations. Nobody knows if it ever will. In addition, when a screenshot is taken, you will be notified in writing. And to be able to use this mode, obviously, it is necessary that two participants have a fairly recent version of Messenger.