LinkedIn messages allow members to communicate privately or publicly on the platform. Whether a LinkedIn message is public or private depends on the settings chosen when sending the message. There are a few factors that determine if a LinkedIn message will be viewable by others or kept private.
Default Message Settings
The default setting for LinkedIn messages is private. This means any messages sent via LinkedIn’s messaging system will only be viewable by the sender and the recipient(s) unless the settings are changed before sending.
When composing a new message in LinkedIn, the default option will be “Private message” indicating the message will only be viewable by those included in the To: field. This keeps the message contents hidden from LinkedIn connections and other members.
Changing Message Settings to Public
While private is the default, LinkedIn does give users the option to send messages publicly. Before hitting send, the messager can change the setting from “Private message” to “Public post.”
This will make the message viewable by any LinkedIn member, not just the intended recipients. Public messages will appear in the Updates section of the sender’s profile and in the feeds of connections.
Public LinkedIn messages function similarly to status updates. They can be commented on and liked by anyone who can view the message post.
Reasons to Send Public LinkedIn Messages
Here are some reasons LinkedIn members may choose to send a public message instead of a private one:
- To share news or make an announcement to connections
- To post about professional achievements you want seen publicly
- To advertise an open job position or other opportunity
- To congratulate an employee or connection on an accomplishment
Public messaging opens up communication to a wider audience which can be beneficial in certain situations. But it’s important to consider whether the message is meant for public consumption or should stay private.
LinkedIn Group Messages
In addition to direct messaging, LinkedIn also allows members to communicate within LinkedIn Groups. Group messages are viewable by all members of that particular group.
When posting in a LinkedIn Group, the message will be visible in the group’s discussions section. All group members can see, comment on, and like the post. Messages sent directly to group members will still remain private.
Group messages are a way to have public discussions with a more targeted audience instead of all LinkedIn connections. But anything posted in a group should still be treated as a public forum, unlike a private 1:1 message.
Viewing Private LinkedIn Messages
Since private messages are designed to be exclusive communications between recipients, LinkedIn takes care to ensure they stay private. Here are some ways private LinkedIn messages are kept secure:
- Private messages are only viewable in the LinkedIn messaging section to those included in the message.
- They will not appear in a member’s feed or profile for public viewing.
- Only designated recipients will receive notifications about the message.
- Private messages are not discoverable through LinkedIn’s search function.
Outside of the sender and recipients, the only way a private LinkedIn message could be viewed by someone else is if a recipient forwarded the message or posted a screenshot of it publicly. But in general, LinkedIn intends private messages to stay confidential.
LinkedIn Message Privacy Settings
In addition to choosing between private or public when sending a specific message, LinkedIn members can also set their overall messaging privacy settings. Here are the options available:
Setting | Who Can Message You |
---|---|
Open to anyone on LinkedIn | All LinkedIn members can send you private 1:1 messages |
Only people who know your email address or appear in your “Imported Contacts” list | Must be a 1st-degree connection or have your email to message you |
Only people who appear in your “Imported Contacts” list | Can only message if connected via imported contacts |
These settings control who can send private messages to you on LinkedIn in the first place. More restrictive settings like “Imported Contacts Only” help limit incoming messages to verified connections.
Customizing Message Settings
In addition to the preset options, LinkedIn members can also customize their message settings by choosing “All LinkedIn Members Plus Exceptions.” This allows you to block specific members from messaging you while still allowing messages from all other LinkedIn connections.
The message settings offer flexibility based on your preferences and communication needs. You can choose to only hear from established connections or open messaging up to build new relationships more easily.
Closing Private LinkedIn Messages
Another way to maintain privacy when messaging on LinkedIn is by closing conversations when they are finished. Closing a message thread removes it from the ongoing conversations section.
While closing a conversation does not delete the message history, it archives the thread so it’s no longer open and active. This can help keep current conversations focused.
To close a conversation, simply click the “Close conversation” link at the bottom of the message window. This small step also prevents accidentally replying to old conversations you want to keep closed.
Deleting LinkedIn Messages
If you want to permanently erase a LinkedIn message from the platform, this is also possible by deleting conversations.
To delete a LinkedIn message thread:
- Open the conversation
- Click on the More Actions icon (3 dots in top right)
- Select “Delete conversation”
- Confirm you want to delete the message thread
Once deleted, the messages will be permanently removed from your inbox and viewable message history. However, this will only delete the copy of the messages visible to you, not for other recipients.
Blocking LinkedIn Messages
Blocking is the most definite way to stop receiving unwanted messages from a particular LinkedIn member. By blocking a connection, all communication will be cut off.
To block messages from a specific person:
- Open a message from that person
- Click the More Actions icon (3 dots)
- Select “Block” to confirm blocking the user
This will prevent the blocked connection from messaging you or seeing any part of your LinkedIn profile moving forward. Use blocking for anyone sending inappropriate or harassing messages.
Reporting LinkedIn Messages
If someone is sending concerning messages that require intervention beyond blocking, you can report them directly to LinkedIn.
To report a LinkedIn message or member, click the More Actions icon within the conversation and choose “Report.” You’ll be prompted to select why you’re reporting including options like:
- This message contains abusive or harassing content
- This message contains false or misleading information
- This person is impersonating someone
- Other issues
You can provide additional details to explain the report before submitting. Reporting objectionable LinkedIn messages helps keep the community safe and respectful.
Limits of Private LinkedIn Messaging
While LinkedIn does allow sending private 1:1 and group messages, it’s important to remember even private communications through LinkedIn are not 100% confidential.
Some limitations of private messaging include:
- LinkedIn admins can view reported message contents
- Law enforcement could subpoena private messages if necessary
- Recipients can screenshot or forward private messages
- LinkedIn’s privacy policy allows analyzing message data
- Private messages could unintentionally be made public due to a bug or hack
So while unlikely, there are scenarios where private LinkedIn messages could become viewable by third parties. Sensitive information is still safer shared through more secure communication channels.
LinkedIn Message Data Collection
LinkedIn’s privacy policy does state that data from private messages may be collected and analyzed. This includes:
- Message content
- Size and frequency of messages
- Message subject line and preview text
- Time and date of messages
- Message sender and recipients
Data collection is done to improve LinkedIn’s services and personalize the user experience. While contents of private messages should not be shown publicly without consent, metadata like frequency or volume of messaging could be used by LinkedIn internally.
Using Caution When Messaging Sensitive Information
Because of LinkedIn’s right to collect and analyze message data, it’s best to avoid sending highly confidential information like:
- Health/medical information
- Financial account details
- Government identification numbers
- Legal documents or privileged information
- Other sensitive personal details
While in most cases this information will remain protected, LinkedIn messages do not provide the same assurances as encrypted messaging apps designed specifically for secure sensitive communication.
Conclusion
LinkedIn messages are considered private by default but can be sent publicly depending on the settings used when composing the message.
Private LinkedIn messages should only be viewable by the sender and recipients. They will not appear publicly on profiles or in search results.
Public LinkedIn messages can be seen by any members connected to the sender and function similarly to status updates.
While private LinkedIn messages are designed to be exclusive between parties, there are limitations to their privacy and confidentiality compared to more secure communication methods.
Overall, LinkedIn messaging allows flexible communication at your desired privacy level. But caution should be taken when sending highly personal or confidential details via LinkedIn messages.