The green dot next to a LinkedIn member’s profile picture indicates that the member is currently active on the platform. When a member is actively using LinkedIn, whether that’s messaging, searching, posting, or browsing content, a green dot will display next to their profile photo across the site. This provides a quick visual cue to other members that the individual is currently online and active. The green dot essentially signifies real-time presence and availability on LinkedIn.
What Does the Green Dot Mean?
Specifically, the green dot on LinkedIn means:
- The member has the LinkedIn mobile app open and is actively using it
- The member has a LinkedIn tab or window open on their desktop/laptop and is actively using it
- The member has interacted with LinkedIn on either mobile or desktop within the last 5 minutes
Essentially, it means the member has been active or viewing something on LinkedIn within the last few minutes. It indicates they are presently online and engaged with the platform in some capacity.
When Does the Green Dot Appear?
Some key things to know about when the LinkedIn green dot indicator appears:
- The green dot shows up after a member has been active on LinkedIn within the last 5 minutes
- It remains visible for up to 5 minutes after the member’s last activity
- The green dot appears next to a member’s profile photo anywhere their image shows up across LinkedIn
- It is visible when viewing someone’s profile, search results, “People Also Viewed” suggestions, groups, posts, and other places
- Members can only view green dots next to connections and 1st-degree network members
So in summary, you will see the green dot after a connection has been active within the last 5 minutes, and it sticks around for up to 5 minutes after they were last seen. This gives a near real-time indication of who is currently online.
Where Does the Green Dot Appear?
As mentioned above, the green dot can appear in a few different places next to a member’s profile picture on LinkedIn:
- Next to their profile name when viewing their profile
- Next to their name in People Search results
- Beside their photo in group discussions and comments
- Next to their name when viewing shared content or articles
- Beside their profile photo in the “People Also Viewed” module
- Next to their name in messaging and chat windows
Essentially wherever a member’s profile picture shows up across LinkedIn, a green dot will display next to it when they are active. This provides a convenient indicator no matter where you come across a connection while browsing LinkedIn.
Who Can See the Green Dot?
The visibility of the green dot indicator is limited on LinkedIn:
- You can only see green dots next to 1st-degree connections in your network
- You will not see status indicators for 2nd or 3rd-degree connections
- Likewise, members who are not in your direct network will not see your green dot when you are active
- Premium Account members can change their visibility settings for the green dot
So by default, the active status indicator is only visible amongst directly connected members on LinkedIn. Premium subscribers have the option to change green dot visibility settings. But for most members, it is only viewable for 1st-degree connections.
Does Green Dot Show Exactly When Someone Was Last Active?
The green dot provides an approximation of when someone was last active, but does not pinpoint the exact minute they were last seen. Some key things to note:
- The green dot appears within a couple minutes of recent activity on LinkedIn
- It stays visible for up to 5 minutes after last activity
- There is no precise timestamp showing their specific last action
- The green dot indicates activity somewhere within a 5+ minute window
So while it gives you a good sense of who has been active recently, the green dot does not indicate the exact moment a member was last seen online. It stays visible within a rolling 5+ minute window after their last action.
Does the Green Dot Mean They Can Respond Right Away?
Seeing the green dot next to a connection’s name does not necessarily mean they can respond immediately if you message them. Some caveats:
- They may briefly have stepped away from their computer or put their phone down
- They could have LinkedIn open but be busy with another task
- The platform may still show them as active for a short time after they stepped away
- Their attention may be elsewhere even though LinkedIn shows them as online
While the green dot implies they were recently using LinkedIn, it does not guarantee their responsiveness or availability to message in real time. Use it as an indication they may respond quicker, but not necessarily instantly.
How to Turn Off the Green Dot for Your Profile
For members who want to control the visibility of their active status, there are settings to turn this off:
- Go to your LinkedIn Account Settings
- Select “Preferences” from the menu
- Scroll down to “Profile Viewing Options”
- Uncheck the box for “Show the green Active Status dot”
- Save Changes
This will remove the active status indicator from your profile so others will not see when you are online. By default, the green dot is enabled for all members.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn green dot provides a simple visual cue to indicate when a member has been active recently. It appears next to their profile photo across LinkedIn within minutes of their last action, and remains for up to 5 minutes before disappearing. While it does not show precise timestamps, it gives a sense of who is currently online. This can be useful when messaging connections or viewing profiles to see who is actively using LinkedIn. But the green dot does not necessarily mean they are available to message instantly. It shows recent activity, but requires interpretation to understand if they can respond immediately. Overall, the green dot aims to add visibility into the real-time presence of connections on LinkedIn.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What does the green dot mean? | It means the member has been active on LinkedIn in the last 5 minutes. |
When does the green dot appear? | Within a couple minutes of the member’s last activity on LinkedIn. |
Where does the green dot show up? | Next to the member’s profile picture anywhere on LinkedIn. |
Who can see your green dot? | Only your 1st degree connections by default. |
Does the green dot indicate exact activity time? | No, it shows activity within the last 5+ minutes. |
Can you respond to them instantly if you see a green dot? | Not necessarily, they may briefly step away or be busy. |
How do you turn off the green dot? | In account settings under “Profile Viewing Options”. |