If you’re trying to delete a message you’ve sent or received on LinkedIn but can’t seem to find the option, there are a few things to check. LinkedIn does not allow users to delete messages after they have been sent, so if you regret sending a message, you won’t be able to remove it completely. However, you can remove the message from your inbox so you no longer see it.
Why can’t you delete LinkedIn messages?
LinkedIn intentionally does not allow users to delete messages after sending them. This is likely because LinkedIn wants to maintain the integrity and accuracy of conversations on their platform. Allowing users to delete messages could make conversations confusing or misleading. LinkedIn’s policy is that once a message is sent, it cannot be deleted.
How to remove a message from your LinkedIn inbox
While you can’t delete LinkedIn messages you’ve sent or received, you can remove them from your inbox so you no longer see them:
- Go to your LinkedIn inbox and locate the message thread you want to remove.
- Click on the three dots next to the message thread.
- Select “Remove from inbox” from the dropdown menu.
This will remove the entire message thread from your inbox. You won’t see that conversation anymore when you go to your messages. However, the messages will still be visible to the other person or people involved in the conversation.
How to recall a message on LinkedIn
If you’ve sent a message on LinkedIn that you regret, you do have a short window of time to recall the message before the recipient sees it:
- Go to your Sent box in LinkedIn messages.
- Locate the message you want to recall.
- Click on the three dots next to the message.
- Select “Recall this message.”
You can only recall messages for up to 10 minutes after sending them. If it’s been longer than that, the Recall option will no longer be available.
Why can’t you edit LinkedIn messages?
Like deleting, LinkedIn also does not allow editing sent messages. Once you send a message, that message text is permanent and can’t be altered. This is likely because editing could allow users to substantially change the meaning of a conversation after the fact, which could be misleading.
What to do if you sent an embarrassing or mistaken message
If you realize you made a mistake in a LinkedIn message, here are some options:
- Send a follow-up message clarifying or apologizing for the mistake.
- Remove the message thread from your inbox so you no longer see it.
- If necessary, block the recipient from sending you further messages.
While you can’t undo sending an awkward message, you can take steps to move past it.
How to delete a LinkedIn conversation on mobile
If you’re accessing LinkedIn on mobile, here’s how to remove a conversation from your inbox:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap on Messaging.
- Locate the conversation you want to remove.
- Swipe left on the conversation.
- Tap “Remove from inbox.”
This will remove the conversation from your message inbox in the mobile app. As on desktop, you can’t actually delete the messages themselves.
Does removing a message delete it for the recipient?
No, removing a message thread from your LinkedIn inbox only deletes it from your view. The recipient can still see the full conversation in their inbox unless they also remove it.
Can LinkedIn admins or employees delete messages?
Possibly, but regular users cannot request or force deletion of messages by LinkedIn. LinkedIn’s policy states no user can delete messages after sending. However, LinkedIn employees conceivably have administrative permissions to remove content when absolutely necessary.
What happens when you delete a LinkedIn connection?
If you delete a connection from your LinkedIn network, your past message conversations with that person will remain visible, but you will no longer be able to exchange new messages with them.
Can you delete a LinkedIn message as the recipient?
No, recipients of LinkedIn messages also cannot delete or edit messages in any way. Your only options are to report inappropriate messages or to remove the conversation from your inbox so you no longer see it.
What’s the best way to handle an embarrassing message?
We all make mistakes! Here are some tips for dealing with an awkward message you’ve sent on LinkedIn:
- Don’t panic. Give yourself time to calm down and determine the best response.
- Be sincere. Offer a genuine apology or explanation if appropriate.
- Follow up privately. Continue the conversation offline if needed.
- Reflect on it. Think about how you can prevent similar mistakes going forward.
- Move forward. Don’t dwell on it indefinitely.
With maturity and care, an embarrassing message doesn’t have to be the end of a professional relationship.
Key takeaways on deleting LinkedIn messages
- LinkedIn does not allow any user to delete messages after sending them.
- You can recall a message within 10 minutes of sending.
- Remove conversations from your inbox to stop seeing them.
- Editing or deleting messages as the recipient isn’t possible either.
- Follow up with the recipient if you need to address a mistake.