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LinkedIn keeps messages for an indefinite period of time. There is no set expiration for messages sent or received through LinkedIn’s messaging system. As long as you maintain your LinkedIn account, the messages will remain accessible through your account.
Why LinkedIn stores messages indefinitely
LinkedIn likely stores messages indefinitely for a few key reasons:
- Allowing users to maintain a message history can be useful for business networking and relationship building.
- Indefinite message storage fits with LinkedIn’s focus on maintaining professional connections and conversations over time.
- Keeping all messages avoids issues if LinkedIn tried to implement expiration dates for messages.
- Storing messages consumes relatively little storage space compared to other content like profiles, photos and videos.
As a professional networking platform, LinkedIn recognizes users will want to save and reference conversations and messages over an extended period. Setting message expiration dates would degrade the user experience and disrupt ongoing conversations and relationships.
Where are LinkedIn messages stored?
LinkedIn messages are stored as part of your account profile data on LinkedIn’s servers. You can access all messages you have sent or received under the Messaging section of your LinkedIn account.
On the LinkedIn website, you can view messages by clicking the Messaging icon at the top of the page. On the LinkedIn mobile app, you can access messages from the Messaging section of the menu.
LinkedIn stores your messaging information and history securely on its servers. The data is associated with your account profile and remains there until you manually delete a message or deactivate your account.
How to delete LinkedIn messages
If you want to delete a message for any reason, you can manually remove individual messages from your LinkedIn inbox and sent folder.
On the LinkedIn website:
- Click the Messaging icon to view your messages.
- Open the message thread you want to delete from.
- Hover over the message and click the X icon to delete.
On the LinkedIn mobile app:
- Go to the Messaging section.
- Open the message thread and press and hold on the message.
- Tap Delete message in the menu.
Deleting a message removes it from your inbox or sent folder. However, the message may still be visible in the other participant’s message history. You can only delete the copy of the message associated with your own account.
Does LinkedIn delete old messages automatically?
No, LinkedIn does not automatically delete or expire old messages after a certain period of time. All messages remain in your inbox and sent folder indefinitely unless you manually remove them.
The only instance where LinkedIn will remove messages is if your account becomes inactive. LinkedIn accounts are considered inactive after one year of no engagement on the platform. Inactive accounts get deactivated, which erases messages along with the rest of your account data.
As long as you continue logging into your LinkedIn account periodically, your messages will not get deleted or expire over time. You maintain full control over which messages get removed.
Does LinkedIn save deleted messages?
When you permanently delete a message on LinkedIn, it is erased from their servers and cannot be recovered. LinkedIn does not have access to or retain copies of messages that users delete.
However, while the message is removed from your inbox, the other user you messaged may still have a copy in their own inbox that you cannot access or delete. So it is possible the content of a “deleted” message may still be visible to the recipients.
Can you recover deleted LinkedIn messages?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover deleted messages on LinkedIn. Since LinkedIn does not retain copies of deleted messages, they cannot restore or retrieve them for you once removed from their servers.
If you accidentally deleted a message that you still need, your only option is to send a new message to the other party and ask them to forward their copy of the original message back to you.
To avoid losing important message threads, be cautious when deleting LinkedIn messages. Make sure you only remove messages that you are certain you no longer need.
Does LinkedIn store message drafts?
LinkedIn does save draft messages temporarily. When you begin composing a new message but do not send it, LinkedIn will save the draft for a limited period.
You can access message drafts by clicking the pencil icon for “Write a message” in your LinkedIn inbox. Any messages you started but did not finish will appear at the top of the message list.
However, LinkedIn draft messages eventually expire after a few weeks. If you do not send or save a draft within that window, LinkedIn will delete it and the contents cannot be recovered.
Can LinkedIn messages be hacked or leaked?
While no system is completely immune to hacking, the risk of LinkedIn messages being hacked or leaked is very low provided you use proper account security practices.
LinkedIn encrypts all messaging data as it is transmitted and stored. Messages are not accessible without gaining access to an authorized LinkedIn account. As long as you use a strong, unique password and be wary of phishing attempts, your messages should remain secure.
That said, some tips to keep your LinkedIn messages protected include:
- Always use two-factor authentication on your LinkedIn account.
- Never share or reuse passwords across multiple sites.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking you to login to LinkedIn.
- Avoid connecting with strangers or suspicious profiles.
- Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
Does LinkedIn read or monitor messages?
LinkedIn states that they do not actively monitor, read or scan private messages sent between users on their platform. The contents of messages are considered private conversations.
However, LinkedIn does use automated algorithms to analyze messaging patterns and metadata. This allows them to detect potential spam, fraud, abuse or illegal activity occurring over private messages. But the actual content is not assessed by LinkedIn unless required for security purposes.
LinkedIn also notes they may review messages if required by legal obligation or court order. But in general, the company avoids intervening in private conversations.
LinkedIn messaging etiquette
When sending LinkedIn messages, keep in mind proper professional etiquette. As LinkedIn is designed for business networking, observe appropriate standards including:
- Introduce yourself in new conversations.
- Use a clear, descriptive subject line.
- Avoid overly casual language and emojis.
- Proofread for typos and clarity.
- Avoid sensitive topics or inappropriate messages.
- Do not spam or message contacts excessively.
- Reply reasonably quickly when able.
- Say thank you and close conversations politely.
Following basic messaging best practices helps maintain your professional image on LinkedIn and build positive relationships.
Limits on LinkedIn messages
LinkedIn does enforce some limits on messaging activity to prevent spam and abuse. Limits include:
- 300 messages per day from a free account.
- 30 messages per day to recipients you are not connected to.
- Cannot message some very high-profile accounts without a connection.
- Messages may be throttled if detected as potentially abusive.
Paid Sales Navigator and Recruiter accounts have higher messaging limits. But in general avoid blasting messages or repeatedly messaging those who do not respond.
Closing thoughts
LinkedIn provides messaging as a way to build connections and maintain conversations relevant to your professional network and goals. Take advantage of unlimited message history but use discretion in determining what conversations to retain indefinitely. And always keep professional etiquette in mind when communicating on the platform.