If you are trying to send a message to a connection on LinkedIn but the send button is greyed out, there are a few potential reasons why this could be happening.
The most common reasons for the LinkedIn message send button being greyed out include:
- You are not connected to the recipient
- The recipient’s settings don’t allow messages from people they are not connected to
- You have been restricted from sending messages
- There is a technical issue
You are not connected to the recipient
On LinkedIn, you can only directly message someone if you are connected to them. This is one of the main reasons why you might see the send button greyed out when trying to message someone.
LinkedIn prevents users from messaging people they are not connected to in order to limit spam and unsolicited messages. If you try to message someone you are not connected to, you will see the send button disabled.
To fix this, you need to connect with the person first. You can send them a connection request by going to their profile and clicking “Connect”. If they accept your request, you will then be connected on LinkedIn and able to directly message each other.
Recipient’s settings don’t allow unconnected messages
Even if you are connected to someone on LinkedIn, you may find the send button is greyed out when trying to message them. This can happen if the recipient has their settings configured to only allow messages from people they are connected to.
Under the messaging settings, LinkedIn users can choose to only receive messages from their 1st degree connections. If the person you are trying to message has enabled this setting, you will not be able to message them until you connect.
The only way to fix this is to send a connection request and wait for them to accept it. Once you are connected, the messaging restriction will be removed and you’ll be able to message them.
You have been restricted from sending messages
In some cases, LinkedIn may restrict a user’s ability to send messages. This can happen if you have sent spammy messages, harassed other users, or otherwise violated LinkedIn’s terms of service.
If LinkedIn has imposed messaging restrictions on your account, you will see the send button greyed out when trying to message any connections. You will also see a notification explaining that your ability to send messages has been limited.
To regain the ability to freely message connections, you will need to use LinkedIn appropriately and ensure you are adhering to their terms of service. Over time, the messaging restrictions may be lifted if you show good behavior.
There is a technical issue
In rare cases, the send button being greyed out is due to a technical glitch or bug. There may be an issue with LinkedIn’s servers, an error in loading the page, or other software problems.
Before assuming its a technical issue, double check that you are connected to the recipient, their settings allow messages, and your account is in good standing. If everything seems fine, it may be a temporary problem on LinkedIn’s end.
Try refreshing the page or logging out and back into your account. If the send button is still greyed out, you will need to wait for LinkedIn to resolve the problem. Technical issues on LinkedIn are typically fixed within a few hours.
What to do if the LinkedIn send button is greyed out
If you find the send message button greyed out when trying to contact someone on LinkedIn, follow these troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm you are connected to the recipient. If not, send them a connection request.
- Check that the recipient accepts messages from connections only. If so, connect first.
- Make sure your account is in good standing and doesn’t have messaging restrictions enabled.
- Refresh the page and log out and back into LinkedIn to fix any temporary glitches.
- If the issue persists for more than a few hours, contact LinkedIn customer support.
Following these steps should help identify and resolve the most common reasons for being unable to send LinkedIn messages. If nothing works, reach out to LinkedIn directly to investigate the cause.
How to send messages on LinkedIn
When you are connected to someone on LinkedIn and there are no restrictions in place, sending a message is easy.
On LinkedIn’s desktop site, you can message connections by:
- Going to their profile page
- Clicking the “More” icon near the “Connect” button
- Selecting “Send message” from the dropdown menu
- Typing your message in the text box
- Hitting the send button (will be blue and active)
On the LinkedIn mobile app, go to your connections list, tap on the person you want to message, and then tap “Message” to start a conversation.
One limitation is that you can only send messages to individuals, not groups. You also cannot attach files or images – messages are text only.
LinkedIn messaging tips
To make the most of LinkedIn’s messaging features, keep these tips in mind:
- Personalize messages with the recipient’s name and a specific reason for contacting them.
- Keep first messages short and to the point. Follow up with more details once a conversation starts.
- Reply promptly when you receive messages to keep conversations going.
- Respect the recipient’s time. Don’t overmessage if they are slow to respond.
- Stay professional. Remember LinkedIn is for business networking, not socializing.
Following basic etiquette helps ensure your messages are well received and answered. Take the time to craft messages that make a good impression on connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I message some connections on LinkedIn?
If certain connections have the send button greyed out, they likely have their settings configured to only receive messages from people they are connected to. You won’t be able to message them until you are connected on LinkedIn.
Does LinkedIn notify users of received messages?
Yes, LinkedIn will send email and in-app notifications to inform users when they receive new messages. However, some users may have notifications disabled.
Can I message LinkedIn members that view my profile?
No, viewing someone’s profile does not create a connection. You can only message members that you are connected to on LinkedIn or that specifically allow unconnected messages.
Is there a limit to how many messages I can send?
LinkedIn does not disclose any strict limits on how many messages users can send. However, if you are messaging at an extremely high frequency, your account may face restrictions.
Why are some LinkedIn conversations marked as “unavailable”?
“Unavailable” conversations have been flagged by LinkedIn for violating their terms of service. You won’t be able to read or continue the conversation once it’s marked unavailable.
