Finding your inbox on LinkedIn is easy once you know where to look. Your LinkedIn inbox allows you to receive and send messages to connect with other professionals on the platform. In this article, we’ll walk through exactly how to access your inbox so you can start building your network.
What is the LinkedIn Inbox?
The LinkedIn inbox functions similarly to an email inbox. It’s where you receive messages from other members as well as notifications from LinkedIn. You can use your inbox to:
- Accept or decline connection requests from other members
- Read and reply to messages from connections
- See notifications about profile views, post likes, comments, and other activities
Having access to your inbox is important for building relationships on LinkedIn. That’s where you’ll see notifications when someone wants to connect with you or send you a message. Checking your inbox regularly allows you to stay up-to-date and respond in a timely manner.
Where to Find Your LinkedIn Inbox
Your LinkedIn inbox can be accessed from two main places – the top navigation bar and the Me icon. Here’s how to locate it using both options:
Inbox in Top Navigation
The easiest way to access your inbox is via the top navigation bar on LinkedIn. This black bar runs along the top of your homepage and other pages. Simply click on “My Network” in the top nav bar.
This will open a drop-down menu. Your inbox will be one of the options in this menu. Click on “Inbox” to open your inbox and view new messages and notifications.
Inbox Through Me Icon
You can also access your LinkedIn inbox by clicking on your profile photo in the top navigation bar. Your profile photo is found on the far right side of the black nav bar.
When you click on your photo, a drop-down menu will appear. This menu includes an option called “View profile.” Click on “View profile.”
This will take you to your public profile page. Near the top right of your profile, you’ll see a blue icon with a white figure inside – this is known as the “Me” icon. Hover over or click on the Me icon.
A menu will pop up with several options, including “Inbox.” Click on the Inbox option to be taken straight to your inbox.
Notifications vs Messages
When you open your LinkedIn inbox, you’ll notice there are two main tabs – Notifications and Messages. What’s the difference?
Notifications
The Notifications tab shows you real-time updates when someone:
- Views your profile
- Likes or comments on a post of yours
- Mentions you in a post or comment
- Endorses your skills
- Sends you an invitation to connect
These notifications let you see who is engaging with your content and viewing your profile. It can be handy to check back on notifications so you don’t miss opportunities to connect with interested professionals.
Messages
The Messages tab shows any conversations between you and your connections. This is where you can:
- Accept or decline connection requests
- Read and reply to messages from your network
- Send new messages to connections to start a dialogue
Having conversations is essential for building rapport. The messages section makes it easy to communicate one-on-one or with groups.
How to Manage Your Inbox
Now that you know how to find your inbox, let’s go over some tips for managing it effectively:
Check Daily
Get in the habit of checking your LinkedIn inbox daily. This ensures you don’t miss any important notifications or messages. You can include it as part of your daily social media routine.
Reply Promptly
When someone sends you a message, try to respond within 24 hours whenever possible. Quick replies show you’re engaged and interested in connecting.
Customize Notifications
Under Notification Settings, you can choose which notifications you want turned on or off. Disable ones you don’t need cluttering your inbox.
Use Search
Use the inbox search bar to quickly find past conversations. Search by connection name or keyword.
Organize with Tags
Tag important messages so you can easily filter them later. Tags like “Follow Up” help you prioritize.
Pro Tips
Utilize these pro tips and best practices to further optimize your LinkedIn inbox experience:
- Pin up to 5 conversations so they remain at the top of your inbox.
- Mute conversations if you don’t want real-time notifications.
- Turn on push notifications in your settings for instant updates.
- Use advanced filters to segment conversations and notifications.
- Enable desktop notifications to display new inbox alerts.
Troubleshooting Common Inbox Issues
Having trouble with your LinkedIn inbox? Try these troubleshooting tips:
Inbox Not Loading
- Refresh the page – this usually fixes loading issues.
- Check your internet connection.
- Log out and back into LinkedIn.
Not Getting Notifications
- Double check notification settings and make sure proper ones are enabled.
- App notifications need to be allowed in your device settings.
- Toggle notification settings off and back on again.
Can’t Send Messages
- You may not be connected to the recipient. Connect first before messaging.
- Your account may be restricted – contact LinkedIn support.
- The recipient’s settings may prevent messages. You’ll see an error.
Missing Messages
- Messages may have been marked as spam – check your spam folder.
- Conduct an inbox search to see if the message appears.
- The sender’s message settings may prevent delivery.
Conclusion
Accessing your LinkedIn inbox is the gateway to building connections and staying up-to-date. With your inbox, you can connect with other professionals, manage notifications, and join in relevant conversations.
Keep your inbox open by checking LinkedIn regularly on both desktop and mobile. Reply to messages in a timely manner to grow your network. Use inbox features like tagging and advanced filters to stay organized.
Now that you know where to find your LinkedIn inbox and how to use it effectively, you can fully leverage LinkedIn for networking and opportunities. A well-managed inbox helps you build the strong professional relationships that can move your career forward.
