When you are composing a message to someone on LinkedIn, pressing the Enter or Return key while in the message composition box will send the message, even if you are not done typing. This can lead to accidentally sending unfinished messages before you intended to.
Many LinkedIn users have experienced this issue and accidentally sent messages before they were ready. It’s an easy mistake to make if you are used to pressing Enter/Return to start a new line in the composition box. On most messaging platforms and email services, pressing Enter/Return simply starts a new line – but on LinkedIn it immediately sends the message.
Why does pressing Enter send the message on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn designed their messaging system this way intentionally, to enable quick replies. The idea is that pressing Enter sends your reply, so you can respond faster without additional clicks. However, this behavior isn’t made very clear to users and catches many off guard.
Some key reasons why pressing Enter sends messages on LinkedIn:
- It allows quick replies without extra steps to send the message.
- Mobile users can send messages faster with just the Enter key.
- It mirrors the behavior of messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage.
- LinkedIn wants to facilitate quick professional conversations.
While this behavior enables quick sending of messages, it also frequently leads to accidental sends before the message is complete. Many users are used to pressing Enter to go to a new line when typing long messages and don’t expect it to suddenly send the message.
How to avoid accidentally sending messages
Here are some tips to avoid accidentally sending unfinished messages on LinkedIn when pressing Enter/Return:
- Proofread your message before sending. Double check it says everything you want.
- Use the shift or control/command key when pressing enter to go to a new line without sending.
- Compose longer messages in a text editor first, then copy/paste the full message into LinkedIn.
- Tap and hold the enter key on mobile to insert a new line instead of sending.
- Enable preview mode in your LinkedIn settings to confirm before sending messages.
Being aware that pressing Enter/Return sends the message is the first key step. Then utilizing one of the above strategies can help prevent accidental sends.
What to do if you accidentally send an incomplete message
Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter occasions where you prematurely send an unfinished message. Here is what to do next if that happens:
- If caught immediately, delete the message before the recipient sees it.
- Follow up with another message explaining you hit send too soon.
- Apologize for the mistake and ask them to disregard the previous message.
- Quickly complete your intended message and resend the full version.
As long as you follow up promptly, an accidental send is usually not a major issue. A quick apology and resending the full message clears up any confusion.
Does LinkedIn offer any settings to change this behavior?
Currently, LinkedIn does not offer settings to disable using Enter/Return to send messages. This behavior is built into their messaging system and cannot be changed.
The only setting available is to enable “Preview” mode which shows a confirmation before sending the message. However, you still have to hit Enter/Return first, then confirm – so it does not fully prevent accidental sends.
Some users have requested more settings to disable using Enter as a send shortcut. But so far, LinkedIn has not provided any additional options. The company seems intent on keeping Enter/Return as the primary way to send messages for speed.
Should you rely on LinkedIn message status indicators?
LinkedIn displays visual indicators that show when a message is pending, sent, delivered, and read. However, these status indicators are not always accurate:
- The “Pending” indicator often disappears immediately after sending.
- “Delivered” status may show even before the recipient has the message.
- Messages can be read without the “Read” indicator appearing.
Due to inconsistent behavior, message status indicators on LinkedIn should not be relied upon. The best approach is to verify important messages are received through a reply or other confirmation from the recipient directly.
In summary
Pressing the Enter or Return key while composing a message on LinkedIn will send the message immediately. This behavior enables quick replies, but frequently leads to accidental sends.
Being aware of this issue and utilizing strategies like proofreading and using Enter for new lines can help prevent premature message sending. If an accidental send occurs, follow up with the recipient quickly to resolve any confusion.
While inconvenient, there are currently no settings to change this Enter/Return shortcut behavior on LinkedIn. The best approach is adapting your messaging practices to avoid accidental sends.