If you are unable to send messages on LinkedIn, there could be several possible reasons for this. Here are some of the most common reasons and solutions to fix the “LinkedIn can’t send message” issue:
Account Restrictions
LinkedIn may restrict your account from sending messages if you have violated their messaging policies. For example, sending too many unsolicited messages or spamming other users can get your messaging privileges revoked. You may see an error like “Messaging has been temporarily restricted on your account” in such cases. The restriction is usually temporary, so you just need to wait it out. Avoid activities that may be flagged as spam to prevent future restrictions.
Recipient’s Settings
The recipient may have their settings configured to not receive messages from people outside their network. So if you are trying to message someone you are not connected to, your message may not go through. Connect with the person first before trying to message them. If you are already connected, check if the recipient has set their messages to be received from “Connections only” in their LinkedIn settings.
Recipient Blocked You
If the recipient has blocked you, LinkedIn will prevent you from sending any messages to that person. You won’t get any notification about being blocked, your messages will simply not get delivered. If you suspect someone has blocked you, it’s best to stop attempting to contact them on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn Connection Issues
Temporary technical or connectivity issues on LinkedIn’s end could also be the reason why your messages are not going through. Server problems or network downtime can interrupt LinkedIn services like messaging. Try sending your message again after some time – the issues are usually resolved within hours. You can check LinkedIn’s status page to see if they have reported any ongoing issues.
LinkedIn Message Limits
LinkedIn limits the number of messages you can send in a day to maintain quality and prevent abuse. The exact limit depends on your account status. Free accounts have lower limits, while paid Premium accounts enjoy higher message quotas. If you hit your daily message limit, you won’t be able to send more messages until the limit resets the next day. Upgrade to Premium if you need to message more people daily.
Incorrect Login Details
Using incorrect login credentials while accessing LinkedIn on your device or app can sometimes lead to messaging problems. Ensure you are using the right email and password when logging in. If you have multiple accounts, make sure you are logged into the account you are trying to send messages from.
Outdated App or Site Version
An outdated version of the LinkedIn mobile app or website can also cause messaging malfunctions in some situations. Keep your LinkedIn app updated to the latest version available in your device’s app store. On the website, clear your browser cache and try hard refreshing the page by pressing Ctrl/Command + Shift + R to load the latest version.
Browser or App Issues
The problem may be arising from your web browser or LinkedIn mobile app as well. Try these basic troubleshooting steps:
- Force close and restart the LinkedIn app on your phone or tablet.
- Clear browser cookies and cache if using LinkedIn on a web browser.
- Try using a different web browser like Chrome, Firefox etc.
- Update your browser or LinkedIn app to the latest version.
- Use LinkedIn on incognito/private mode on your browser.
- Disable browser extensions and plugins to isolate potential conflicts.
- Try accessing LinkedIn from a different device and see if the messaging works.
Account Security Issues
Hacked or compromised LinkedIn accounts are often restricted from sending messages. Cybercriminals may use stolen accounts to spread malicious links and spam. If your account was recently hacked but you have regained access, messaging limitations may persist for some time. Strengthen your LinkedIn password and enable two-factor authentication to secure your account.
Temporary Messaging Disruption
In rare cases, a temporary disruption in LinkedIn’s messaging systems could stop messages from being delivered across the platform for a short period. It’s not something that happens often, but widespread messaging problems have occurred in the past during LinkedIn service disruptions. Such problems are always resolved relatively quickly as LinkedIn works to restore messaging capabilities.
Accidental Account Deactivation
If your LinkedIn account is accidentally or erroneously deactivated, messaging will be disabled until you recover your account. This can happen if LinkedIn’s automated systems mistake your account for spam or a fake profile. Appeal the deactivation by contacting LinkedIn customer support to get your account restored.
Restricted Accounts of Recipients
Certain types of restricted LinkedIn accounts like job seeker basic profiles are unable to receive messages. So your messages may fail to send if the recipient is on such an account. Most regular LinkedIn members have full accounts that can get messages, so this is an less common scenario.
How to Diagnose LinkedIn Message Issues
If you are struggling to pinpoint why LinkedIn messaging is not working, follow these steps to help diagnose the problem:
- Try sending a message to several different connections. If none go through, the issue is likely with your account.
- Ask connections to try sending you messages. If you receive them, the problem is on your end.
- Check LinkedIn Help Community discussions to see if others are reporting messaging problems.
- Go to LinkedIn’s system status page and look for any messaging alerts.
- Reproduce the issue on both mobile app and website. If message fails on both, LinkedIn is likely at fault.
- Contact LinkedIn customer support if you cannot resolve the problem.
How to Fix “Sorry, you can’t send messages right now” Error
The “Sorry, you can’t send messages right now” error on LinkedIn usually appears when your account is under messaging restrictions. Here are some tips to resolve this error:
- Wait 24-48 hours for temporary restrictions to lift. Avoid sending more messages during this time.
- Make sure you have not hit LinkedIn’s daily sending limits based on your account type.
- Do not send unsolicited messages or spam, which can trigger restrictions.
- If the issue persists over several days, contact LinkedIn support for assistance.
- Upgrade to a Premium account if you need to message more people per day.
- Ensure your account has not been compromised and enable two-factor authentication for security.
Tips to Avoid LinkedIn Messaging Problems
Here are some tips to proactively avoid issues with LinkedIn messaging:
- Don’t send spam or unsolicited messages to people you don’t know.
- Personalize connection requests instead of sending them generically.
- Don’t message people you are not connected to, unless necessary.
- Limit messaging to a reasonable daily volume based on your account type.
- Be professional and polite in your messages.
- Make sure you have the latest version of the LinkedIn app and browser.
- Don’t use third-party tools that automate and spam messages.
- Secure your account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Conclusion
LinkedIn messaging issues like the inability to send messages can result from account restrictions, recipient settings, technical problems, or account security breaches. Identify the potential cause using troubleshooting steps like testing messages to different recipients or reproducing the issue across devices. Most problems can be resolved by giving it some time, upgrading your account, checking for platform issues, or contacting LinkedIn support if needed. Be mindful of messaging etiquette and volume limits to avoid restrictions that disrupt your ability to communicate on LinkedIn.