You may encounter situations where you want to send a message to someone on LinkedIn, but find that their account has messaging disabled. This can happen for a variety of reasons – the member may have changed their account settings, they may no longer be active on LinkedIn, or their account may have been restricted in some way.
Regardless of the reason, having messaging disabled essentially “locks” that connection from receiving messages. However, there are still a few potential workarounds that may allow you to get a message through to them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main options to try when you get the “Unable to message this member” error on LinkedIn.
Understanding Why Messaging May Be Disabled
Before looking at solutions, it’s helpful to understand why you’re unable to message someone in the first place. There are three main possibilities:
They changed their account settings – Any LinkedIn member can adjust their preferences so that messaging is restricted. For example, they can limit messages to only 1st degree connections, disable them entirely, or set up screening filters. This gives members more control over their inbox.
The account is no longer active – If someone hasn’t logged into their LinkedIn account for an extended period, the system may automatically disable messaging as an inactive account protection measure.
The account was restricted – In some cases, LinkedIn may impose restrictions on accounts that violate their terms of service. This could include disabling messaging privileges.
So in most cases, it’s not a technical glitch – the member intentionally made a change to limit or disable messages to their account. But let’s look at some possible ways to still make contact.
Double Check Your Connection Status
Before anything else, double check that you are actually connected to the person on LinkedIn. If you aren’t a 1st degree connection, that would explain why messaging is unavailable.
LinkedIn only allows members to message their 1st degree connections by default. If you don’t see the option to message them, then it’s likely you aren’t connected on LinkedIn, or they may have further restricted messaging to only their network connections.
To check your connection status, go to their profile and look for the “Connect” button. If you see “Message” instead, you are connected. Otherwise, you’ll need to send them an invitation to connect first before messaging is possible.
Ask for an Intro Through a Shared Connection
If you and the member share any common 1st degree connections, consider reaching out to one of those connections and ask them for an introduction.
For example, send them a message like:
“Hi [name], I noticed that you and [member] are connected on LinkedIn. I have been trying to get in touch with [member] but haven’t had any luck reaching them. I was hoping you could introduce me or pass along my contact information, so that I can connect with them about [purpose]. Any help would be greatly appreciated!”
Most LinkedIn members are happy to facilitate introductions, especially if you share a common work history, group, or other connection. This takes advantage of your extended network to make the right contacts.
Try Sending Them an InMail
If you have a paid LinkedIn account, one option is to use your allotted InMails to message someone even if you aren’t connected. With a free account you are typically limited to sending InMails only to fellow group members.
To send an InMail:
- Go to their profile page
- Click the “More” button in the “Message” section
- Select “Send InMail”
- Type your message – explain why you are trying to reach them
- Hit send
Keep in mind you are limited to a certain number of InMails per month, so use them strategically. And there is still a chance they may not see or respond to an InMail if their account is restricted. But it’s worth a try!
Invite Them to Connect Through an Activity
Another avenue is to engage with the person somewhere else on LinkedIn first, such as by liking or commenting on a post, and then use that activity as a gateway to invite them to connect.
For example, you could leave a thoughtful comment on a post they shared or article they published. After engaging, you can send a connection request with a note:
“Really enjoyed your post on [topic]. I would love to connect so we can continue the conversation and discuss more about [mutual interest].”
This demonstrates shared interests or values upfront, which may make them more open to connecting. And once connected, messaging becomes available.
Extend an Offer or Proposal on LinkedIn
Making a substantive, personalized offer can also get someone’s attention and prompt them to open up to messaging.
For instance, you could share that you have an idea for an article collaboration, a speaking opportunity, business partnership, or other proposal. Outline the specifics in a way that provides value.
Even if they don’t immediately accept the offer, it can provide a starting point for a connection. You can then message to follow up or open up a discussion.
Leverage Other Communication Channels
Depending on the context, you may be able to reach out to the person through alternate communication channels outside of LinkedIn messaging.
For example:
- Send them a message on Facebook, Twitter etc. if you share connections there.
- Look up their business email address or company phone number for a direct work contact.
- Connect through mutual professional organizations or conferences.
- Find any public contact information on their personal website or blog if available.
These secondary channels give you additional options to make first contact, establish a relationship, or introduce your reason for wanting to connect on LinkedIn.
Wait for the Member to Reactivate or Adjust Settings
In some cases, your only option may be to wait until/if the member reactivates their LinkedIn account or changes their messaging restrictions.
You can periodically check their profile to see if the messaging status has changed. Some temporary restrictions like inactive accounts may resolve themselves in time.
Patience and persistence are key – continue nurturing relationships in common groups and activities, so you’ll be top of mind when they become available for messaging again.
Other Options to Consider
Some other creative ideas that may work depending on the situation:
– Comment on their profile or share their content to gain visibility.
– See if you have access to send them an email or request through Sales Navigator.
– Find and message their LinkedIn Company Page if they manage one.
– Message their colleagues asking to be introduced or have your message passed along.
– Use social listening tools to identify their interests and engage organically.
– Wait for them to post, comment or be active again and respond right away.
– Monitor their profile for any status updates like a new position that gives a conversation starter.
– Follow their company and engage with their content to stay connected.
– Check back regularly as settings frequently change on social platforms like LinkedIn.
When All Else Fails, Contact LinkedIn
If you have exhausted all options and still believe the member has improperly restricted messaging, you can contact LinkedIn directly for assistance.
Explain the context to their customer support through the Help Center and request they review the blocking settings. If the restrictions violate LinkedIn’s terms around abuse or harassment for example, they may be able to remove or adjust them.
However, LinkedIn is typically limited in what they can do if the member intentionally disabled messaging, as that is their right and privacy preference. But reporting issues is always a good idea if you feel the member’s account was compromised or is being managed contrary to LinkedIn’s policies.
Accept That Messaging May Not be Possible
Ultimately, you have to accept that messaging someone on LinkedIn may simply not be possible at the moment – and that’s their prerogative.
As frustrating as it can be, the best approach is to be gracious, patient and understanding. Find alternative ways to make a genuine connection. And if and when they reopen messaging, you’ll be ready to restart the conversation.
Conclusion
While a blocked LinkedIn message can be limiting, there are ways to work around it. Confirm your connection status, leverage shared contacts, use InMail and alternate channels, and focus on providing value. With the right strategy, you can find creative paths to reach most members – but also know when to step back and give them space. Patience and persistence are key to making connections on LinkedIn.
| Situation | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| They changed account settings | Ask for an intro, use InMail, offer value |
| Account is inactive | Wait for reactivation, use other channels |
| Account is restricted | Report issues to LinkedIn, focus efforts elsewhere |
Here are some key takeaways:
- Double check your connection status and their account settings.
- Leverage your extended network for introductions.
- Try alternate communication channels outside of LinkedIn messaging.
- Provide value through engagement and substantive offers.
- Have patience as settings frequently change on LinkedIn.
- Contact LinkedIn support if you feel there are abusive restrictions.
- Focus your energy elsewhere if needed, gracefully.
With persistence and creativity, you can find ways to engage meaningfully and make important connections, even when standard LinkedIn messaging is locked down. The tips in this article will help you open up possibilities.
