Sending private messages on the LinkedIn mobile app allows you to have one-on-one conversations with your connections. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to send private messages on the LinkedIn mobile app:
1. Open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device
First, make sure you have the latest version of the LinkedIn app installed on your mobile device, either iOS or Android. Open the LinkedIn app by tapping on the app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Go to your connections
Once the app opens, tap on the “My Network” tab at the bottom. This will take you to your connections page. Here you will see a list of your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn.
3. Select a connection to message
Scroll through your list of connections and tap on the profile picture of the person you want to send a private message to. This will open up their profile page.
4. Tap the “Message” icon
On their profile page, tap on the speech bubble icon that says “Message” next to the “Connect” button. This will open up a new private messaging window with that connection.
5. Type your message
In the messaging window, type out your message to your connection. You can keep it casual and friendly or professional based on your relationship with them.
6. Hit send
Once you’ve typed out your message, tap on the paper airplane icon in the bottom right to send it. This will deliver the private message directly to that connection.
7. Wait for a response
Your connection will get a notification that they have received a private message from you. Wait for them to open it and respond back to keep the conversation going.
8. Continue the conversation
If they respond back, you can continue having a back-and-forth direct message conversation with that LinkedIn connection. Keep the conversation productive and purposeful.
9. Access all your conversations
To view all your ongoing private conversations, tap on the speech bubble icon on the top navigation bar from your LinkedIn home feed. This will show you a list of all your message threads.
10. Know the limits
You can only message your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn. You won’t be able to message people who are not connected to you. Also, you can only send a certain number of messages per month to maintain quality conversations.
11. Use desktop if needed
While the mobile app is great for quick messages on the go, you can also send private messages on the LinkedIn website if you ever need to type out a longer, more detailed message.
12. Adjust your settings
Go to your account settings to control your messaging preferences. You can turn off message notifications, restrict messages to only your connections, block specific members, and more.
Sending private messages is a great way to establish deeper connections with your network on LinkedIn. With the mobile app, you can easily have productive conversations that help you advance your career and business goals.
Benefits of private messaging on LinkedIn
Here are some key benefits of using private messages on the LinkedIn mobile app:
- Have one-on-one conversations with connections
- Make personalized requests and inquiries
- Share updates, news or content privately
- Follow up after connecting with someone new
- Send confidential information securely
- Build closer relationships with your network
- Communicate without broadcasting publicly
- Continue conversations from in-person meetings
- Direct message people you don’t know to introduce yourself
Messaging tips and etiquette
To make the most of LinkedIn messaging, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
- Personalize each message with the recipient’s name
- Use a clear, descriptive subject line
- Introduce yourself in initial messages
- Be professional and polite in your communication
- Respond in a timely manner when you receive a message
- Add a signature with your name, title and company
- Avoid spamming or mass messaging
- Don’t overshare personal details early on
- Respect if someone doesn’t respond or wants to disengage
Common uses for private messaging
LinkedIn members use private messages for things like:
- Following up after meeting someone at an event
- Asking for career advice from a connection
- Requesting an informational interview
- Sending someone a new contact or lead
- Sharing an interesting article privately
- Connecting about job opportunities
- Introducing two connections who should know each other
- Catching up personally with close connections
Who can send private messages?
On LinkedIn, private messaging is available to members on these account types:
- Standard free accounts
- Premium Business accounts
- Premium Career accounts
- Recruiter Lite, Recruiter, and Recruiter Corporate accounts
- Sales Navigator Professional, Team, and Enterprise accounts
You can only message people who are direct connections in your 1st-degree network. Messaging is not available to members with entry-level Basic accounts.
Where do sent messages go?
Private messages on LinkedIn go directly into the recipient’s personal inbox, which they can access in the LinkedIn messaging section. They will also get notifications on mobile and desktop when you send them a new message.
Can you send messages to groups?
While you cannot privately message a whole LinkedIn group, you can post public messages, comments, and content to group feeds that all members will see. For one-on-one group communication, you need to individually message members.
Is there a size limit for messages?
LinkedIn does not enforce hard character limits on private messages. However, it’s best to keep messages concise and scan-able, ideally around 1-5 paragraphs at most. For very long content, summarize key points and link to external documents.
Can I message myself?
No, LinkedIn does not allow members to send private messages to themselves. If you need to retain notes or reminders, you can use LinkedIn’s saving and bookmarking features to hold onto content.
What are the limits on who I can message?
You can only privately message people who are direct 1st-degree connections in your network. You cannot message 2nd or 3rd-degree connections, group members, or people outside your network. Premium Recruiter accounts have slightly more flexibility.
Can I message someone I don’t know?
Generally, it’s better etiquette on LinkedIn to only message people you already know and have an established relationship with. But you can send an introductory message to connect with someone new, as long as you are professional and avoid spamming.
Can I message someone who messaged me first?
Yes, if someone sends you an initial message, you can reply back to continue the conversation even if you were not connected previously. Replying keeps the messaging thread going.
What are some alternatives to messaging?
If you need to reach someone you’re not connected to, instead of messaging you can:
- Send them an invite to connect
- Interact with their posts and content
- Ask a mutual connection for an introduction
- Connect via LinkedIn InMail if you have the feature
- Find and contact them through other channels
In summary, LinkedIn private messaging allows for direct, one-on-one communication between connections. With the mobile app, you can easily nurture your network by messaging contacts right from your phone.