Yes, it is possible to take screenshots of LinkedIn messages and conversations. LinkedIn does not prevent or restrict users from capturing screenshots on their devices. However, there are some important factors to consider before taking and sharing screenshots of LinkedIn messages.
How to take a screenshot on desktop
On a Windows PC, the easiest way to take a screenshot is to press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. This will copy the entire screen to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editing program like Paint to crop and save the screenshot.
On Mac computers, press Command + Shift + 3 to take a screenshot of the entire screen. To capture just a portion of the screen, press Command + Shift + 4 and drag to select the area you want to capture.
How to take a screenshot on mobile
On an iPhone, simultaneously press the side/power button and the Home button to take a screenshot. On newer iPhones without a Home button, press the side button and Volume Up button at the same time.
On Android phones, press the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. On some Samsung devices, swipe your palm across the screen to capture a screenshot.
The screenshot will be automatically saved to your camera roll/gallery. You can then share or send the image as you would any other photo.
Is it legal to screenshot LinkedIn messages?
In most cases, it is legal to take screenshots of your own LinkedIn conversations for personal archiving or records. However, sharing screenshots without permission can violate privacy laws in some jurisdictions.
It is best to obtain consent before taking screenshots of private one-on-one LinkedIn messages. For group conversations, notify the other participants that you intend to take screenshots for your records.
Is it against LinkedIn’s policies?
LinkedIn’s User Agreement prohibits sharing other users’ personal information without consent. This means you should not share screenshots of private LinkedIn messages without the other party’s permission.
However, LinkedIn’s policies do not specifically prohibit taking screenshots or explicitly require consent for screenshotting conversations you are part of. As long as you do not share the screenshots in violation of privacy, it is unlikely to raise issues.
Ethical considerations for screenshotting LinkedIn messages
Even if it is technically legal and permissible by LinkedIn to take screenshots, there are some ethical implications to consider:
- Obtain explicit consent if you intend to share the screenshots outside of the original conversation.
- Notify the other participant(s) before screenshotting private one-on-one messages.
- For group conversations, inform the group if you intend to take screenshots.
- Only take screenshots needed for legitimate purposes like records and do not abuse or over-capture screenshots.
- Respect off-the-record conversations and refrain from screenshotting if requested.
- Delete screenshots when they are no longer required.
Purposes people commonly screenshot LinkedIn messages
Here are some common scenarios where people screenshot LinkedIn messages and conversations:
- Job interviews/recruitment: Taking screenshots of scheduling and coordination messages with recruiters and hiring managers for record keeping.
- Work collaborations: Capturing important points, action items, and details from messaging with colleagues and clients.
- Networking: Keeping a record of networking conversations and connections made via LinkedIn messaging.
- Customer service: Saving conversations with LinkedIn customer support for reference in case of future issues.
- Reporting issues: Sharing screenshots with LinkedIn as part of reporting harassment, spam, fake accounts etc.
- Funny/memorable conversations: Casually screenshotting a hilarious or thoughtful exchange you want to store for personal memories.
How to screenshot on LinkedIn mobile app
The process to screenshot LinkedIn conversations on iOS and Android apps is the same as screenshotting on other apps:
- iOS: Press and hold the Power/Side button and Volume Up button together to capture screenshot.
- Android: Long press the Power button and Volume Down button at the same time to screenshot.
You can screenshot LinkedIn app messages from the chat screens as well as profile screens. The screenshot will directly save to your camera roll.
How to screenshot on LinkedIn desktop site
To take a screenshot of LinkedIn messaging or conversations on the desktop website:
- Open the LinkedIn messages page and navigate to the conversation you want to capture.
- Press the Print Screen (or PrtScn) key to screenshot the entire page.
- Open an image editing program and paste the screenshot.
- Crop the image to only include the conversation portions needed.
- Save the cropped screenshots accordingly.
Alternatively use Command + Shift + 4 on Mac or the Snipping Tool on Windows to take custom screenshots of specific portions.
Tips for screenshotting LinkedIn messages
- Crop screenshots to only show relevant portions and remove extraneous UI elements.
- Blur/cover profile pictures or names if sharing publicly.
- Seek permission before screenshotting private conversations.
- Clarify context and intent if posting publicly.
- Avoid excessive screenshots and delete when no longer necessary.
- Use captions, highlights etc. if needed but do not otherwise edit or alter original screenshots.
Pros of taking screenshots of LinkedIn messages
- Preserves important conversations and details for future reference.
- Provides records and accountability for business or job search activities.
- Can be used to report issues to LinkedIn if needed.
- Helps with coordination and reminders for follow-ups.
- Can showcase funny, inspiring or memorable conversations.
- Allows capturing data or information to share with others if permitted.
Cons of taking screenshots of LinkedIn messages
- Potential privacy violation if consent not obtained.
- Can be used to take conversations out of context.
- Excessive screenshots may indicate distrust or malicious intent.
- Screenshots of private messages can cause embarrassment or harm if leaked.
- May be against company policies regarding confidential data.
- Recipients may be more cautious knowing messages can be screenshotted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is screenshotting LinkedIn messages illegal?
In most cases, there is no law explicitly making it illegal to screenshot LinkedIn messages you are a part of. It becomes an issue if the screenshots involve sharing private information without consent or violating privacy expectations.
Can LinkedIn detect if you screenshot messages?
No, LinkedIn currently does not have any technology to detect if you take a screenshot of messages on their platform. They only know if you share the screenshots in violation of their policies.
Is taking screenshots of LinkedIn messages unethical?
It depends on the context. Generally, screenshotting without permission conversations that have an expectation of privacy can be considered unethical. However, in many cases, limited screenshots for personal records of public conversations is perfectly ethical.
Can your LinkedIn connections see if you screenshotted conversations with them?
No, there is currently no way for your LinkedIn connections to know if you have taken screenshots of your conversations with them on the platform.
Could you get banned from LinkedIn for taking screenshots?
You are unlikely to get banned solely for taking screenshots of your own LinkedIn conversations. However, sharing screenshots that reveal private information or harass other members could get you banned for violating LinkedIn’s policies.
Is screenshotting needed for LinkedIn customer support issues?
Screenshots can be helpful to share with LinkedIn customer support when reporting bugs, issues, or requesting assistance. However, it is not always mandatory – you can also describe the issues in writing.
Conclusion
Screenshotting LinkedIn messages can be useful for preserving important conversations and details from the platform. However, it is best to exercise caution and respect other users’ privacy when taking and especially when sharing screenshots from LinkedIn.
Obtain any necessary permissions, remove identifying details if sharing publicly, and avoid taking excessive screenshots to ethically capture screenshots of LinkedIn messaging. Consider whether you really require permanent records of more casual conversations.