The key to knowing if a LinkedIn message is private is understanding how LinkedIn’s messaging system works. When you send a message on LinkedIn, you have the option to send it as a private message or an open message.
Private vs. Open Messages
A private message on LinkedIn is a one-on-one communication between you and the recipient. Private messages function similarly to email – only you and the recipient can view the contents of the message.
An open message on LinkedIn works more like a post on a social media feed. When you send an open message, it will be visible on your profile and the recipient’s profile. Anyone who visits either profile will be able to see that an open message was sent, along with the subject line. However, only you and the recipient can see the content of open messages.
How to Tell if a Message is Private
There are a few ways to discern whether a LinkedIn message you send or receive is private:
- Sending a message – When composing a new message, simply check the box next to “Send as private message.” This will ensure only you and the recipient can view it.
- Message inbox – Private messages will be marked “Private” next to the sender’s name at the top of the message window.
- Notifications – Private message notifications will say “You have a new private message” rather than “You have a new message.”
- Profiles – Private messages will not be visible anywhere on your profile or the recipient’s. Only open messages will show up.
Benefits of Private Messages
There are a few key reasons you may want to send a private message rather than an open message on LinkedIn:
- Confidentiality – Private messages allow you to communicate sensitive information without it being publicly visible.
- Professionalism – Keeping conversations private preserves a professional atmosphere.
- Relevance – Irrelevant conversations won’t clutter up your profile with open messages.
- Organization – Inbox keeps related conversations neatly together.
When to Use Open Messages
That said, there are also times when an open message may be appropriate:
- Making new connections and introducing yourself
- Congratulating someone on an achievement or promotion
- Commenting on an interesting post in a relevant discussion
- Expressing thanks or appreciation for someone’s help or advice
The key is keeping the tone professional and relevant. Open messages shouldn’t contain anything too personal, sensitive, or off-topic.
Changing Message Privacy Settings
If you need to change the privacy setting of a message you’ve already sent, you can do so easily:
- Go to your LinkedIn inbox and open the message thread.
- Click the “More” icon (3 dots) at the top of the message window.
- Select “Change privacy” and choose either “Make private” or “Make public.”
- The message privacy will update for both you and the recipient.
However, once a private message has been made public, there is no way to make it private again. The change is permanent.
Message Privacy and LinkedIn Apps
If you access LinkedIn through a mobile app or third-party integration, message privacy works the same way:
- Mobile app – You’ll have the option to make messages private or open when composing. Private messages will be marked “Private.”
- Third-party apps – Any messages sent through third-party apps like Gmail or Outlook will automatically be private.
The functionality and indicators may look slightly different in apps, but the privacy principles remain the same.
Limits on Sending Private Messages
LinkedIn does place some limits on sending private messages to protect users from harassment and spam:
- You can only message someone who is a 1st-degree connection.
- You may have limits on how many messages you can send per day as a new user.
- Messages with suspicious content may be blocked by LinkedIn’s automated filters.
However, in general, there are no restrictions on sending properly formatted private messages to your own connections.
Reporting Concerns with Private Messages
If you have concerns about harassment, spam, or inappropriate content in private messages, you can report the messages to LinkedIn:
- Open the concerning message thread.
- Click the “More” icon (3 dots).
- Select “Report message.”
- Choose the reason for reporting and submit.
LinkedIn’s team will review reported messages and take appropriate action if they violate guidelines. Reporting is anonymous.
Key Takeaways
- Private LinkedIn messages are visible only to the sender and recipient.
- Open messages are publicly visible but their content is private.
- You can tell message privacy from indicators while composing, in your inbox, and on profiles.
- Make sensitive communications private and relevant conversations open.
- You can change privacy settings after sending, but open messages can’t be made private again.
