Having a LinkedIn status set to “Available” on mobile means that the user is actively using the LinkedIn mobile app and is likely available for messaging or connecting with others. The available status indicates the user has the app open or is actively using it in the background. Here is a more detailed look at what the “Available” status means on LinkedIn mobile:
Indicates Recent App Activity
The main purpose of the “Available” status on LinkedIn mobile is to show when a user was last active in the app. It signals to your connections and network that you’ve recently been engaged on LinkedIn through the mobile app. Some key points about the available status:
- It appears when you open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device
- It remains for a period of time after you last used the app
- The status then changes to “Offline” after a period of inactivity in the app
So essentially, the “Available” status means you’ve recently had the LinkedIn app open and have been active within it. This could mean checking your feed, messaging connections, viewing profiles, posting updates, searching for jobs, or any other actions.
Shows You’re Likely Responsive
By displaying an “Available” status, you’re signaling to others that you’re likely responsive and available for connecting. Some examples include:
- Someone may message you knowing you’ve recently been active in the app
- A connection may send you an invite to connect if they see you’re currently available
- A recruiter may reach out about a potential job opportunity
Essentially, the “Available” status makes you more approachable for messaging, invites, and relationship-building on LinkedIn. It increases the chances that your network will try to connect with you knowing you’re currently active.
Can Be Leveraged Strategically
Displaying an “Available” status strategically during certain times/days can further maximize your visibility and accessibility to your network. Some examples include:
- Being Available during normal business hours to attract recruiter outreach
- Showing Available on days you’re open to new opportunities or connections
- Leveraging Available when participating in LinkedIn networking events
So while the Available status appears automatically when using the mobile app, you can leverage it strategically to your advantage during key networking and relationship-building times.
Indicates You’re Open to Connecting
With an Available status displayed, you’re signaling that you’re open and receptive to connecting with others at that time. Some specific examples include:
- You’re open to accepting connection requests from new contacts
- You’re available to chat or message with existing connections
- You’re receptive to discussing potential job opportunities
- You’re actively looking to network and build relationships
This openness and receptiveness is a key advantage of displaying the Available status on mobile. It invites connections and conversations when you’re most ready for them.
Shows You’re Actively Engaged on LinkedIn
Perhaps most importantly, the Available status displays to your network that you’re actively checking LinkedIn notifications, messaging, and feeds. Key points include:
- Shows you have an active presence on LinkedIn mobile
- Conveys you frequently check your LinkedIn notifications and messages
- Indicates you keep up-to-date on your LinkedIn feed and network updates
- Displays your regular activity in interacting with connections and contacts
This regular activity and engagement is critical for networking and showcases you as an active, engaged member of your LinkedIn community.
How Long Does the Available Status Last?
The Available status remains for a limited period of time after you last used the LinkedIn mobile app. The exact length can vary, but in general LinkedIn states it appears for “several minutes” after your last activity.
Some key points on how long it lasts:
- It varies depending on your app activity and how recently you had the app open
- For most users it seems to last somewhere between 5-15 minutes after app activity
- The status may disappear more quickly if you fully force close out of the app
- There’s no exact defined timeframe – it depends on recent engagement
So while the Available status does disappear after a period of inactivity, it provides a nice window of time to indicate your active app presence to your network after each session.
When Does the Status Change to Offline?
The Available status remains for several minutes after your last mobile activity. It then changes to “Offline” at a certain point after inactivity. Here’s an overview:
- Goes to offline likely 5-15 minutes after your last app action
- The status changes more quickly if you fully close out of the app
- Also goes offline if you manually set status to Offline in settings
- Stays offline until next time you reopen the LinkedIn app
So while the timing varies, at a certain point of inactivity the status will change to offline to indicate you’ve likely closed out of the app and are no longer actively available.
Does the Available Status Impact InMail?
The Available status on mobile does not directly impact your ability to receive InMail messages. Some key points:
- InMail can be received regardless of Available status
- Status does not limit ability to get InMails from recruiters/contacts
- However, Available does show you’re active and may encourage InMails
- Recruiters may be more likely to InMail if you show Available
So while it doesn’t directly control InMail receipt, being Available signals you’re active on LinkedIn which could result in increased InMails.
How to Manually Set Your Status
In addition to the automatic Available status, you can also manually set your status in LinkedIn mobile at any time. Here are the steps:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile icon in the top left
- Tap the “Change status” option
- Select your desired status: Available, Offline, Out of Office, etc.
- Tap “Set status” to apply your manually selected status
This allows you to override the automatic status and display a custom one of your choosing. The manually set status remains applied until you change it again.
Is the Available Status Visible to All Connections?
Your Available status and last active time is visible to all 1st-degree connections within the LinkedIn mobile app. Some key points on the visibility:
- All direct connections can see your real-time Available status in mobile
- Appears next to your name in connections’ contact lists
- Visible when mutually connected contacts view your profile
- However, is not shown on your profile to the public or 2nd-degree networks
So while your full network can’t see it, the Available status gives a real-time indicator to your direct connections when you’re active on mobile.
Does Available Status Appear on Desktop?
The “Available” status indicator only appears in the LinkedIn mobile app experience. When you view LinkedIn on desktop, there is no Available status displayed. Key points:
- The Available status is exclusive to mobile app
- It does not appear or sync on the desktop LinkedIn site
- Your profile simply shows no status when viewed on desktop
- This limitation keeps it a mobile-only visibility indicator
So while useful on mobile, the Available indicator does not translate over to desktop. It remains a mobile-first status visibility feature.
Is the Available Status Required?
Having the Available status enabled is not required on LinkedIn mobile. You can control the visibility in your settings. Here are the key points around requirement:
- The Available status appearance is optional and customizable
- You can disable it in settings if desired
- Simply toggle “Show my status to connections” off
- This prevents the Available status displaying at any time
Therefore, while on by default, you can hide your Available status completely within the LinkedIn app settings if preferred.
Pros of Displaying Your Available Status
There are some useful advantages and pros to leaving your Available status turned on within LinkedIn. These include:
- Shows your active engagement on LinkedIn mobile
- Allows connections to see when you’re responsive and available
- Indicates you frequently check LinkedIn notifications
- Makes you appear more approachable for outreach and connects
- Provides visibility into your activity levels on LinkedIn overall
For many LinkedIn users, the visibility and access benefits outweigh any potential downsides, making it worthwhile leaving on.
Cons of Displaying Your Available Status
There are also some potential disadvantages or cons to consider with the Available status:
- Provides visibility some users may consider intrusive
- Shows times you are actively using LinkedIn if prefer more privacy
- Could enable unwanted incoming messages when status is shown
- Lets connections see when you have app open even when prefer appearing offline
Depending on your preferences, these factors may make turning the status off preferable for some LinkedIn members.
Conclusion
Having your status displayed as “Available” on LinkedIn mobile signals to your connections that you are currently active in the app and responsive. While optional, it can be a useful visibility indicator and networking tool if leveraged strategically. Understanding what the Available status means and how it functions allows you to use it to your advantage as part of your LinkedIn networking approach.