LinkedIn is a popular professional social networking platform used by millions of people around the world. One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to connect and message other users through the LinkedIn messaging system. To send messages on LinkedIn, you need to know your LinkedIn instant messaging ID.
What is a LinkedIn instant messaging ID?
A LinkedIn instant messaging ID is a unique identifier assigned to your account that allows you to send and receive messages. It is different from your profile URL or public profile ID. The instant messaging ID is only used for LinkedIn messaging purposes.
When you want to message someone on LinkedIn that you are not connected to, you can use their instant messaging ID to send them an initial message. Knowing your own ID allows others to message you even if they don’t have a connection.
Why would you need to find your LinkedIn instant messaging ID?
Here are some common reasons you may need to locate your LinkedIn instant messaging ID:
- To provide your ID to others so they can message you directly
- To look up and message other LinkedIn members without a connection
- To add your LinkedIn messaging to third-party apps like messenger platforms
- To troubleshoot issues with your LinkedIn messaging
Having quick access to your LinkedIn messaging ID enables seamless communication and allows you to fully utilize the platform’s messaging capabilities.
How to find your LinkedIn instant messaging ID
Finding your LinkedIn instant messaging ID is easy to do by following these steps:
- Log into your LinkedIn account on the desktop site and go to your profile page.
- Click on the ‘More’ icon in the top right corner of your profile banner and select ‘View profile.’
- This will bring you to your public profile view. Scroll down and look for the ‘Contact info’ section.
- Under this section, click on the ‘Contact info’ pencil icon to edit these details.
- This will open an edit window. Under the instant messaging section, your LinkedIn messaging ID will be listed.
- Copy or note down this ID to save it for future use.
Alternatively, you can find your instant messaging ID by:
- Going to your Settings & Privacy page
- Selecting the Data privacy tab
- Clicking on the Download your data option to request an archive
- When the download is ready, search for your instant messaging ID in the assets folder
Where to use your LinkedIn instant messaging ID
Once you have your messaging ID, here are some of the key places you can use it:
- The LinkedIn messaging window – Start a new conversation by entering a connection’s ID.
- Your LinkedIn profile contact info – Add your ID so others can find it.
- Third-party apps – Sync your LinkedIn messages by providing the ID.
- As an online identity – Share your ID publicly to allow direct messaging.
Who can message you with your ID?
LinkedIn allows any member to message any other member through the instant messaging ID, with the following caveats:
- You can only message members who are at least a 2nd degree connection, unless you pay for LinkedIn Premium.
- Members who are not 1st degree connections will have their message filtered to the ‘Other’ inbox tab.
- You can change your messaging preferences to limit non-connections from messaging you.
So while your ID allows any member to attempt to message you, LinkedIn still applies filters based on connections and preferences.
How to share your LinkedIn ID
To enable others to connect with you via messaging, you can share your ID in a few ways:
- List it on your profile in the contact info section.
- Include it in your email signature or work chat profiles.
- Share it when mutually connecting after an event or meeting.
- Add it to any social media profiles you use professionally.
- Send it directly to someone trying to message you on LinkedIn.
Pro tips for using your LinkedIn messaging ID
Take advantage of your LinkedIn messaging ID with these power tips:
- Customize your ID on the ‘Edit contact info’ page to make it easy to remember.
- Turn on messaging notifications so you never miss an important message.
- Use your ID on your resume or business card to enable contacts.
- Promote your ID during relevant online conversations where messaging would help.
- Include your ID in your meeting invites or event programs if appropriate.
Can you change your LinkedIn messaging ID?
LinkedIn automatically assigns a messaging ID to your account which cannot be fully changed. However, you do have a few options if you want to modify it:
- You can add a custom prefix before your ID on the edit contact info page.
- You can periodically reset your ID which will generate a new one.
- You can create a new LinkedIn account to obtain a new messaging ID.
But there is no setting allowing you to manually type in a custom messaging ID from scratch.
What to do if you can’t find your LinkedIn ID
If you are unable to locate your LinkedIn instant messaging ID through the standard methods, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Go through your LinkedIn settings and account info thoroughly looking for the ID.
- Use LinkedIn’s Help Center to search for support articles on finding your ID.
- Submit a support request to LinkedIn explaining you cannot find your messaging ID.
- Check your LinkedIn data archive again as a backup option.
- As a last resort, you may need to create a new LinkedIn account to get a new messaging ID.
Conclusion
Having access to your unique LinkedIn instant messaging ID provides flexibility in contacting others on the platform. By following the steps outlined, you can easily find your ID, use it effectively, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
With your LinkedIn messaging ID in hand, you can fully engage in conversations, build relationships, and leverage LinkedIn messaging to grow your professional network.