LinkedIn shows a “last active” timestamp for other users you are connected with to indicate the recency of their activity on the platform. This can provide context on how engaged a connection is with LinkedIn, but there are some important caveats to understand.
The “last active” indicator is not an exact science. LinkedIn does not reveal precisely the last time someone loaded their LinkedIn profile or actively used the platform. Instead, it shows the last time they took an action that LinkedIn has deemed to be a signal of active engagement.
What activities trigger the “last active” status?
LinkedIn does not provide an exhaustive list of what specific user actions update the “last active” timestamp. However, based on observation and unofficial guidance, the following are examples of activities that can trigger it:
- Logging into LinkedIn on the website or mobile app
- Viewing other profiles or content on LinkedIn
- Updating your own profile (experience, education, etc.)
- Posting an article, image, or other update
- Commenting on other posts and content
- Reacting to or liking posts with emojis
- Joining a new group
- Searching for jobs and people on LinkedIn
- Sending or replying to messages
Essentially, most forms of active engagement and participation on the platform can reset the “last active” status. But there are also many passive actions that do not seem to change it, like simply receiving notifications or emails from LinkedIn.
How accurate is the “last active” timestamp?
The accuracy of the timestamp showing when someone was “last active” can vary. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- It may not show the exact last time someone took an action on LinkedIn. The displayed time can be rounded or delayed.
- Some user actions may not trigger an update. So the timestamp could be older than their actual last login or profile view.
- LinkedIn seems to only update it if meaningful activity occurred recently. After periods of inactivity, it shows a generic message like “Active 1+ week ago.”
- Premium account holders can choose to turn off the last active status visibility, so you won’t see a timestamp for them.
- The activity represented is only on LinkedIn. Outside communications like LinkedIn emails and notifications do not seem to update it.
In summary, consider the last active status as a general gauge of activity in the past few days or weeks rather than an exact measure. It provides helpful context, but various factors can affect its accuracy.
What does the last active status indicate?
Assuming the timestamp displayed is reasonably current, here is what it may signify about a connection’s LinkedIn activity and engagement:
- Within the last day – The connection is an active daily LinkedIn user who frequently engages with content and people.
- Within the last week – The connection signs in and participates on LinkedIn multiple times a week on average.
- Active 1+ week ago – The connection is not an especially frequent or recent LinkedIn user. They may only log in sporadically.
- Active 1+ month ago – The connection has likely not signed in or used LinkedIn for a month or more. They are disengaged from the platform.
Of course, these indicators are not definitive. But when weighing whether and how to interact with a connection, their recency of LinkedIn activity can provide helpful social cues on their level of engagement.
When and how to use the last active status
Here are some recommended ways to interpret and act on the last active timestamp when managing your LinkedIn connections and network:
- As an icebreaker when messaging – Reference it to show you noticed they were recently active and more likely to respond. “I see you were active on LinkedIn earlier today…”
- For timing communications – If someone was active “Within the last day,” they will probably notice a message soon. Otherwise, allow more time for a response.
- To prioritize following up – Consider reaching out first to connections who were recently active vs. long inactive ones.
- As a cleaning prompt – Use periods of inactivity like “1+ week ago” as cues to tidy up your connections list and remove dormant contacts.
- With caution – Keep in mind activity is not exact, so avoid making bold assumptions about why someone has not been active recently.
The last active status is best used as supplemental context for your connections, not deterministic proof of their real-time activity. Let it guide your interactions and relationship management, but don’t overly rely on it.
Why you may not see a last active status
There are a few reasons why the last active timestamp may not display for some of your LinkedIn connections:
- They have a Premium account – Paid subscribers can select an option to turn off visibility of their last active status.
- It has been over a month since meaningful activity – LinkedIn will eventually hide the timestamp after prolonged inactivity.
- The connection has their activity visibility limited – Users can adjust their settings to limit the display of activity details like this.
- New connections – It may take some time and activity for a timestamp to start displaying for new connections.
So if you don’t see the last active detail for someone, it does not necessarily mean they are inactive. They may have intentionally hidden the status or recently joined your network.
Pro tips for using last active status
Here are some pro tips for making the most of the last active timestamp when connecting with people on LinkedIn:
- Check it before reaching out to see if someone tends to check LinkedIn regularly and respond faster.
- Sort connections by last active status to easily see your most and least engaged contacts.
- If you notice someone active recently, congratulate them on a work anniversary or new role update.
- Use it to identify inactive alumni of your company to potentially reconnect with.
- Consider archiving dormant connections if they have shown no activity for months to declutter your network.
While not a perfect measure, the last active status gives useful insight into your connections’ engagement. Use it to enhance your relationship management, but don’t depend on it exclusively.
Frequently asked questions
Does last active status indicate if someone read your message?
No, the last active timestamp does not indicate if someone specifically read your messages or content on LinkedIn. It is updated based on account activity, not any notifications.
How often does the last active status update?
It does not update instantly, but typically within a few hours after meaningful activity like profile views and engagement. Minor actions may not trigger an update for up to 24 hours.
Can I hide my own last active status?
Yes, LinkedIn Premium subscribers can select an option to turn off visibility of their last active timestamp to connections. Free members currently cannot hide it.
Does it change if I access LinkedIn on my phone or computer?
Typically, yes – the last active status reflects your usage across platforms. Accessing LinkedIn on mobile or web can reset the timestamp if substantial activity occurs.
What does “Active today” mean exactly?
“Active today” generally indicates the connection had meaningful engagement with LinkedIn sometime within the past 24 hours. It does not necessarily mean within the hour.
Conclusion
The last active status on LinkedIn provides a helpful if imperfect indicator of how recently a connection has been engaging with the platform. While not exact, it can aid in prioritizing your relationship management and understanding the activity levels of your network. Just remember to use it as an enhancement and not base decisions solely on it.
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