Yes, LinkedIn messages do show when they have been read by the recipient. When you send a message on LinkedIn, it will show one check mark next to it. Once the recipient opens and views the message, a second check mark will appear indicating the message has been read.
How to Tell if a LinkedIn Message Has Been Read
There are a few ways to easily see if your LinkedIn message has been read by the recipient:
- A second gray check mark will appear next to the message once it has been opened and read.
- The message thread will be bolded in your messages inbox after being read.
- On desktop, the number of unread messages in your inbox at the top will decrease.
- On mobile, the red notification dot on the messages icon will disappear.
So if you’ve sent a message and only see one check mark next to it, that means the recipient hasn’t opened it yet. Two check marks indicate they’ve read your message.
Does the Sender Receive a Read Receipt?
Yes, as the sender of a LinkedIn message you can see when your message has been read. The second check mark that appears next to the message you sent is essentially the read receipt, confirming for you that your message has been seen.
This allows you to know if your message has caught the recipient’s attention. If you don’t see that second check mark after some time, it likely means they haven’t gotten around to reading your message yet.
Does the Recipient Know You’ve Read Their Message?
The read receipts work both ways – your recipient can also see when you’ve read their messages. If they sent the first message, your opening it will trigger the second check mark to appear for them, indicating you’ve read their message.
So reading indicator on LinkedIn messages works reciprocally. Both parties can see when their sent messages have been opened and read by the other person.
Can You Turn Off Read Receipts?
Currently there is no way to disable read receipts for LinkedIn messages. The reading indicators are by default enabled for all members.
Some other messaging platforms allow you to turn read receipts off for more privacy. However, that option does not exist on LinkedIn so read status is automatically shown.
Read Receipts on Desktop vs Mobile
The read receipts work the same way whether you are using LinkedIn on desktop or on mobile. The platforms just visually display the indicators slightly differently:
- Desktop – Shows a second gray check mark next to read messages
- Mobile app – Also shows a second check mark, but might be blue instead of gray
So on both desktop and mobile, the second check mark indicates a read message. The colors may just differ between the platforms.
Message Read Timestamps
LinkedIn does not show exact timestamps of when a message was read. It simply indicates that it has been read at some point based on the second check mark.
Some messaging apps will show details like “Read at 2:34pm”. LinkedIn does not provide this level of visibility into when the message was specifically seen.
Seeing When Your Message is Received
The first check mark indicates your message has been successfully sent and received by LinkedIn’s messaging servers. However, this does not necessarily mean it has reached the recipient yet.
The message could still be pending delivery to them. Only the second check mark confirms your message has actually reached their inbox and been opened. The first check just means it is queued up for delivery.
LinkedIn Message Limitations
There are a few limitations to keep in mind with LinkedIn messages:
- You can only message other LinkedIn members who you are connected with already, or share a paid LinkedIn subscription level with.
- Inbox size is limited to 20,000 messages.
- Sending messages requires earning credits, though most users have an abundance of credits.
So LinkedIn prioritizes messaging between existing connections for privacy reasons. Overall though, messaging works similarly to other platforms once connected.
Message Indicators for Group Conversations
The read receipts also work for group conversations with multiple participants. If you @ mention someone specifically in a group message thread, you will see read receipts next to that message showing if the person you mentioned has read it.
For other messages you send in the group, you won’t see read receipts for everyone. But you can still see generally if group messages have been read based on them being bolded or unbolded.
Read Receipts for InMail Messages
InMail is LinkedIn’s premium messaging system that lets you connect with anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected. Read receipts work the same way for InMail.
You’ll see the double check mark when your InMail message has been opened and read by the recipient. InMail essentially grants broader messaging abilities, but otherwise behaves similarly to regular LinkedIn messages.
Linking Your Profile to Messages
It’s often wise to include a link to your LinkedIn profile when messaging new connections for the first time. This allows them to easily view your profile and bio to know who you are.
This provides helpful context, rather than them just receiving a message out of the blue. People tend to more readily engage when they can quickly learn about you.
Messaging Etiquette and Best Practices
To maximize your messaging success on LinkedIn, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
- Personalize messages using the recipient’s name.
- Be clear on your purpose for messaging in the first sentence.
- Avoid overly formal or overly casual language.
- Use proper grammar, punctuation, capitalization.
- Send focused messages that show you read their profile.
Messaging randomly or generically typically leads to lower response rates and less meaningful exchanges.
Following Up on LinkedIn Messages
If you haven’t received a response after a few days, consider sending a polite follow up message. Here are some tips for following up effectively:
- Wait at least 3-5 days before following up.
- Be gracious and avoid sounding impatient.
- Briefly restate your initial message purpose.
- Consider asking if they received your original message.
- Add additional context if relevant.
Following up once is often wise if you haven’t heard back. But make sure to not pester someone who clearly isn’t interested in engaging.
Who Can See Your LinkedIn Messages?
LinkedIn messages are private conversations and are not visible to anyone except the participants in the exchange.
Even if you are connected with someone, you cannot see messages they have exchanged with other connections. Messaging threads are only visible to those involved.
Closing Thoughts
LinkedIn messaging can be a powerful way to establish new professional relationships and have meaningful exchanges. Pay attention to the reading indicators to know when your messages are being seen.
Keep an eye on those check marks turning from one to two so you can follow up or continue conversations effectively. With proper messaging etiquette, you can build fruitful connections!
