How do I download an attachment from a LinkedIn message?

If someone sends you a message on LinkedIn with an attached file, you can easily download that file to your computer or mobile device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download an attachment from a LinkedIn message:

On the LinkedIn Website

If you receive a LinkedIn message with an attachment on the LinkedIn website, follow these steps:

1. Open the LinkedIn message that contains the attachment. You will see a paperclip icon next to the message indicating there is a file attached.
2. Click on the attachment name or icon to preview the file.
3. On the attachment preview window, click the download icon in the top right corner. This is usually an arrow pointing downwards.
4. A dialog box will appear asking you to open or save the file. Choose “Save File” and pick a download location on your computer.
5. The file will begin downloading. Most attachments are fairly small in size, so they should download quickly.
6. Once finished, you can find and open the downloaded file from the location you selected on your computer.

On the LinkedIn Mobile App

If someone sends you an attachment via the LinkedIn mobile app, here is how to save it:

1. Open the LinkedIn app and go to your messages.
2. Tap on the message that shows a paperclip icon indicating an attachment.
3. Tap on the attachment name or icon to preview the file.
4. In the attachment preview screen, tap the download icon in the top right corner. This is typically an arrow pointing downwards.
5. Confirm if you want to download the file. The attachment will begin downloading.
6. Once finished, open your device’s Files or Downloads folder to access the attachment.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some tips if you are having trouble downloading a LinkedIn message attachment:

• Make sure you are clicking the correct download icon in the attachment preview window. It is usually an arrow pointing downwards in the top right.
• Check that you have enough free storage space on your device to save the attachment.
• If the file does not download, reload the message thread and try again.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection when attempting to download.
• If the file size is very large, it may take longer than usual to fully download.
• Try downloading to a different location or device if it is not working.
• As a last resort, ask the sender to resend the attachment or share it via an alternative method.

Sending Attachments via LinkedIn

In addition to downloading attachments, you can also send files to your LinkedIn connections via message attachments. Here is how:

On the Website

1. When composing a new message, click the paperclip icon to attach files.
2. Select files to upload from your computer. LinkedIn supports common file types up to 25MB.
3. Attached files appear below the message text box. You can add a comment about them.
4. When ready, click “Send” to deliver the message with attachments.

On Mobile

1. In the LinkedIn app, create a new message.
2. Tap the paperclip icon to add an attachment.
3. Choose to take a photo or video, or select from documents stored on your device.
4. Pick files to attach and tap “Done.”
5. The attachments will be added to your message. Tap “Send.”

Attachment Size and Type Limits

LinkedIn currently allows message attachments up to 25MB in size. This gives you flexibility to send most common file types and sizes.

Supported attachment types include:

• Documents: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Images: JPG, PNG, GIF
• Video: MP4
• Audio: MP3
• Compressed files: ZIP

While 25MB gives you room for larger files, it’s still best practice to minimize attachment sizes when possible, as very large files can fail to upload or be difficult to download for some recipients.

Also note that there are limits to how many attachments you can include per message. Typically you can attach 5-10 files depending on size.

Attachment Privacy and Security

When sending and receiving attachments via LinkedIn messages, keep the following privacy and security considerations in mind:

• Be cautious about opening unexpected file attachments, as they could contain malware.
• Avoid sending sensitive information via unencrypted message attachments.
• Make sure you only share professional attachments relevant to your relationships.
• Respect copyright laws and only send files you have rights to distribute.
• If needed, use password protection, watermarking or other security measures for sensitive attachments.
• Delete attachments containing private data after they are no longer needed.

Following secure practices for message attachments will help keep your LinkedIn communications and file sharing professional and protect your privacy.

Conclusion

Downloading LinkedIn message attachments gives you an easy way to save and access files sent by your network contacts right from your messages. By clicking the download icon on the attachment preview screen, you can save it directly to your computer or mobile device storage.

Both the LinkedIn website and mobile apps make it simple to not only download, but also attach and send your own files through messages. Just be mindful of attachment size limits and security best practices.

With the ability to seamlessly share attachments, LinkedIn messaging becomes an even more powerful connection and communication tool for your professional network.