LinkedIn allows users to send direct messages to connect and communicate with other members. However, sometimes you may receive a message that you wish you hadn’t read – either because it contains sensitive information not meant for you, or because you want to avoid an awkward interaction. Unfortunately LinkedIn does not have an “unread” feature to revert already read messages back to an unread state. But there are a few workarounds that can help you essentially “unread” a message on LinkedIn.
Understanding Message Status on LinkedIn
When you receive a new message on LinkedIn, it will show up as unread or bold in your messages inbox. Once you open the message, LinkedIn automatically marks it as read. Read messages appear normal (not bold).
LinkedIn currently does not provide any options to mark an already read message as unread again. The platform assumes that once you read a message, you no longer need a visual unread indicator. However, for the reasons mentioned, users sometimes want to “unread” a message.
Why You Can’t Unread Messages on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s product designers likely decided against including an unread feature due to some technical and experience limitations:
- Tracking message status adds complexity to the messaging architecture. Marking a read message as unread means resetting flags in the database.
- It could enable message spoofing or tampering by tricking users about when messages were really received.
- The ability to re-mark messages may lead to messy inbox management behavior.
- Product designers may have deemed it an edge case not worth spending resources on.
While LinkedIn’s reasoning is understandable, the inability to unread messages can still cause problems for users.
Workarounds to Essentially “Unread” Messages
Without an official unread feature, you’ll need to get creative to make previously read LinkedIn messages appear unread again. Here are some workarounds:
Archive the Message
Archiving a message removes it from your main messages inbox without deleting it. The message thread will still be accessible in your Archived list, but you’ll no longer see it marked as read.
To archive a message on LinkedIn:
- Open the message thread you want to archive.
- Click the More Actions button (3 dots icon) at the top.
- Choose Archive from the dropdown menu.
This essentially “unreads” the message by taking it out of sight. However, it’s still archived if you need to access it later.
Delete the Message
If you really want to wipe your hands of a message thread, deleting it entirely removes it from your LinkedIn inbox. However, keep in mind:
- Other participants will still have access to the message thread.
- You lose access to the message content.
- Deleting may be perceived as rude by the sender.
To delete a LinkedIn message:
- Open the message thread.
- Click the More Actions button (3 dots icon).
- Choose Delete conversation.
- Confirm deletion in the pop-up.
Use this option cautiously, only if you’re sure you no longer need the message.
Mute Notifications from Sender
If the unwanted message is from another LinkedIn member, you can mute notifications from them so you avoid seeing further messages.
To mute a LinkedIn sender:
- Open a message from the sender you want to mute.
- Hover over their name and click Mute Steve Smith.
- Choose how long to mute – either 24 hours, 1 week, or forever.
Muting stops notifications from that member specifically while still allowing messages from other connections.
Report Message to LinkedIn
If the message contains harassment, spam, impersonation, or other serious violations – reporting it prompts LinkedIn to investigate. The platform may remove the message or take further action if it violates community guidelines.
To report a LinkedIn message:
- Open the concerning message thread.
- Click the More Actions button (3 dots icon).
- Choose Report.
- Select the reason for reporting from the available options.
- Give additional details to help LinkedIn assess the report.
Reporting inappropriate messages can help address the issue at its source – the sender’s account. Use good judgment when reporting messages.
Turn Off Message Read Receipts
Disabling read receipts prevents senders from seeing when you’ve read their messages. They’ll be left guessing if you chose to ignore them or simply haven’t seen it yet.
To disable read receipts on LinkedIn:
- Go to your Settings & Privacy page.
- Go to Communications > Message settings.
- Toggle off Show read receipts.
This gives you more control over when to respond vs leaving senders on read.
Preventing Unwanted Messages
In addition to unreading messages, you can take proactive steps to avoid receiving unwelcome LinkedIn messages in the first place:
- Adjust your message settings to only receive messages from people in your network.
- Be cautious when sharing your contact info publicly on your profile.
- Think carefully before responding to suspicious messages that may open the door to more.
- Politely ask senders not to contact you again if you receive an inappropriate message.
- Block users who continue to send you unwanted messages.
While LinkedIn may not allow unreading messages, using preventive measures can reduce the need to do so.
Provide Feedback to LinkedIn
If the inability to unread messages is negatively impacting your LinkedIn experience, let the company know directly:
- Send product feedback through LinkedIn Help suggesting an unread feature.
- Post on LinkedIn’s UserVoice page requesting they add the ability to mark messages as unread.
- Tweet at @LinkedInHelp explaining the benefits of allowing users to unread messages.
The more LinkedIn hears this feedback from users, the more likely they may be to add it. Though an unread option seems unlikely soon, keep giving them constructive suggestions.
Managing Unwanted Messages
While not ideal, using workarounds like archiving, muting, and reporting can help you virtually “unread” unwanted messages on LinkedIn. And proactively reducing unwanted messages helps diminish need for an unread feature. If the lack of an unread option negatively impacts your experience, make sure to keep providing feedback to LinkedIn via official channels.
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