LinkedIn allows you to delete messages you’ve sent to your connections. However, you can only delete messages you’ve sent within the last 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the delete option is no longer available. Here’s how to delete a message on LinkedIn’s desktop and mobile app versions:
Deleting Sent Messages on LinkedIn Desktop
To delete a message you’ve sent to someone in the last 10 minutes on the LinkedIn website:
- Go to the LinkedIn messaging window where you sent the message.
- Hover over the message you want to delete and click the “More” icon (three dots).
- Select “Delete” from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm you want to delete the message by clicking “Delete” in the pop-up window.
The message will be removed from the conversation window. However, the recipient will still get a notification that you sent a message, but the message content will not be visible to them.
Deleting Sent Messages on the LinkedIn Mobile App
If you need to delete a message via the LinkedIn mobile app, here are the steps:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap on “Messaging” on the bottom toolbar.
- Find the messaging thread where you posted the message.
- Tap and hold the sent message you want to delete.
- Tap “Delete message” from the menu that pops up.
- Confirm you want to delete the message by tapping “Delete.”
Just like on desktop, the message will be removed but the recipient will still get a notification you sent something. The 10 minute time limit also applies here.
Why You Can Only Delete for 10 Minutes
LinkedIn only allows deleting sent messages for a short window of time. This is likely because they don’t want the messaging feature to be abused.
For example, someone could send an inappropriate message and then delete it right away before the recipient sees it. By having a time limit, it reduces the chances of that type of behavior.
The 10 minute window gives you a chance to quickly remove something you regret sending. But the short time frame still allows the recipient to see your message in most cases.
What Happens When You Delete a LinkedIn Message
When you delete a message on LinkedIn, here’s exactly what happens:
- The message is removed from the conversation thread for both you and the recipient.
- The recipient will still get a notification that you sent a message, but the content will not be visible.
- Deleting it only removes the message text. Any attachments sent with the message will not be deleted.
- There is no way to recover a deleted message after you confirm removing it.
Essentially, deleting a LinkedIn message erases the message text. But the recipient will know you sent something, even if they can’t see what it contained.
Does the Sender Get Notified if You Delete Your Message?
When you delete a sent message on LinkedIn, the sender does not get notified or alerted that you deleted it.
The conversation thread looks the same from the sender’s perspective. The only difference is that the content of the deleted message is removed. But there is no indication given that a message was deleted.
Can You Delete LinkedIn Messages After 10 Minutes?
Unfortunately, there is no way to delete LinkedIn messages after more than 10 minutes has passed from the send time. The delete option vanishes after 10 minutes.
Even as the sender, you cannot remove the message from the recipient’s inbox after that window has passed.
Why You Can’t Delete Old LinkedIn Messages
LinkedIn does not allow deleting older messages for a few likely reasons:
- Prevent abuse of the messaging system.
- Maintain transparency in conversations.
- Promote professional communication.
- Hold users accountable.
Giving users the ability to selectively delete old messages would go against LinkedIn’s principles around transparent communication.
Other Ways to Delete LinkedIn Messages
Since LinkedIn doesn’t allow deleting messages older than 10 minutes, what can you do if you need to remove an old sent message? Here are a few options:
Delete the Entire Conversation
On LinkedIn’s desktop site, you can delete an entire messaging thread by clicking the “More” icon and selecting “Delete conversation.” This will permanently erase the full conversation.
Block the Recipient
Blocking the recipient will prevent them from contacting you further. And it will remove the conversation thread from your inbox. However, they could still have a copy of older messages you sent before blocking.
Ask the Recipient to Delete It
You can politely ask the recipient to delete the message on their end. They won’t be obligated to delete it, but may do so as a courtesy upon request.
Report the Message
If the sent message violates LinkedIn policies, you can report it. LinkedIn may then remove the message and take additional action if it goes against their rules.
Mistakes to Avoid When Deleting LinkedIn Messages
When deleting LinkedIn messages, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Deleting too hastily – Accidentally deleting messages you wanted to keep.
- Not confirming deletion – Neglecting to finalize deleting the message.
- Deleting the wrong message – Removing something other than your intended message.
- Deleting messages with attachments – Remember attachments aren’t deleted.
Rushing through the delete process can lead to unintended results. Go slowly and double check you are removing the exact message you want.
Tips for Managing LinkedIn Messages
Here are some tips to keep in mind for effectively managing LinkedIn messaging:
- Think carefully before sending. Don’t send anything you might regret later.
- Proofread messages before sending to catch errors.
- Delete wisely and judiciously. Don’t abuse the delete function.
- Be cautious about sharing confidential information.
- Keep conversations professional and appropriate.
- Organize and file important messages you want to keep.
With over 875+ million members, LinkedIn promotes productive messaging. Follow their guidelines and communicate professionally.
Never Assume Deleted LinkedIn Messages Are Gone Forever
A core takeaway when deleting LinkedIn messages is to never assume they are permanently erased. The recipient may have already seen the message before you deleted it.
They also may have taken screenshots or copied the text before it was removed. So don’t count on a deletion to erase something from the internet forever.
Proceed thoughtfully when sending any messages on LinkedIn’s platform. And utilize the delete function judiciously and appropriately.