Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Arif Chowdhury
LinkedIn serves as a valuable platform for professionals seeking to expand their network and explore career opportunities. Within this platform, LinkedIn messages are a versatile tool that allows users to connect with contacts, extend invitations, seek recommendations, share insights, and more.
However, you may encounter challenges where LinkedIn messages fail to function correctly. This situation can be rather irritating and inconvenient, particularly when anticipating or dispatching crucial messages.
Several factors could be responsible for the malfunction of LinkedIn messages, including browser-related glitches, network connectivity issues, or problems stemming from your account settings. Fortunately, straightforward and effective remedies exist to rectify these issues and restore the functionality of LinkedIn messages.
In the following article, we will guide you through troubleshooting and resolving the most prevalent problems that can impede the proper functioning of LinkedIn messages. Let’s commence our exploration into these solutions.
Solution 1: Log in to your account again
One of the simplest and most effective solutions to address the issue of LinkedIn messages not working is to perform a log-out and log-in sequence on your account. This process refreshes your session and can resolve certain glitches that might hinder your ability to send or receive messages.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to log out and then log back into your LinkedIn account:
- Open your preferred web browser on your computer or mobile device and navigate to the LinkedIn website.
- Locate and click on your profile icon, typically found at the top right corner of the page.
- In the dropdown menu that appears, select “Sign Out.“
- Close your web browser completely and then reopen it.
- Return to the LinkedIn website and click on the “Sign In” option.
- Enter your registered email address and password associated with your LinkedIn account.
- Once you’ve successfully logged back in, check to see if you can now send and receive messages without any issues.
This straightforward process can often resolve minor disruptions in your LinkedIn messaging functionality, allowing you to resume your professional communication seamlessly.
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Solution 2: Verify your email address
Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to verify your email address. This can ensure that you receive notifications and messages from LinkedIn and that your account is secure.
To verify your email address on LinkedIn, follow these steps:
- On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
- Click on your profile icon at the top right corner of the page and select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the Account tab at the top of the page and select Email addresses from the left sidebar.
- If you see a red banner that says Please verify your email address, click on the Verify button next to your email address.
- Check your inbox for an email from LinkedIn with a verification link. Click on the link to confirm your email address.
- Check if you can send or receive messages now.
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Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This can improve your browser’s performance and fix some errors that may affect LinkedIn’s functionality and features.
To clear your browser’s cache and cookies, follow these steps:
On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
Depending on which browser you are using, follow the instructions below:
For Chrome:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select More tools > Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range (such as All time) and check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click on the Clear Data button.
For Firefox:
- Click on the three bars icon at the top right corner of the page and select Options > Privacy & Security.
- Under Cookies and Site Data, click on the Clear Data button. Check the boxes for Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content.
- Click on the Clear button.
For Safari:
- Click on the Safari menu at the top left corner of the screen and select Preferences > Privacy.
- Click on the Manage Website Data button.
- Click on the Remove All button. Click on the Done button.
For Edge:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select Settings > Privacy, search, and Services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click on the Choose what to clear button.
- Choose a time range (such as All time) and check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click on the Clear Now button.
Close your browser and reopen it.
Go back to LinkedIn and log in again.
Check if you can send or receive messages now.
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Solution 4: Update the browser or use a different browser
Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to update your browser or switch to a different browser. This can enhance your compatibility and security with LinkedIn and prevent any bugs or issues that may affect LinkedIn messages.
To update your browser or use a different browser, follow these steps:
On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
Depending on which browser you are using, follow the instructions below:
For Chrome:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select Help > About Google Chrome.
- If there is an update available, click on the Relaunch button to install it.
For Firefox:
- Click on the three bars icon at the top right corner of the page and select Help > About Firefox.
- If there is an update available, click on the Restart to update Firefox button to install it.
For Safari:
- Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen and select App Store. Click on the Updates tab and look for any updates for Safari.
- If there is an update available, click on the Update button to install it.
For Edge:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select Help and Feedback> About Microsoft Edge.
- If there is an update available, click on the Restart button to install it.
If updating your browser does not fix LinkedIn messages not working, you can try using a different browser that is compatible with LinkedIn, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
Check if you can send or receive messages now.
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Solution 5: Disable or delete browser extensions
Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to disable or delete browser extensions that may interfere with LinkedIn’s functionality and features. Some browser extensions may block or modify some elements of LinkedIn, such as scripts, images, or cookies, and cause some errors or issues with LinkedIn messages.
To disable or delete browser extensions, follow these steps:
On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
Depending on which browser you are using, follow the instructions below:
For Chrome:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select More tools > Extensions.
- Look for any extensions that may affect LinkedIn, such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or VPNs. Toggle off or remove any extensions that you do not need or trust.
For Firefox:
- Click on the three bars icon at the top right corner of the page and select Add-ons > Extensions.
- Look for any extensions that may affect LinkedIn, such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or VPNs. Disable or remove any extensions that you do not need or trust.
For Safari:
- Click on the Safari menu at the top left corner of the screen and select Preferences > Extensions.
- Look for any extensions that may affect LinkedIn, such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or VPNs. Uncheck or uninstall any extensions that you do not need or trust.
For Edge:
- Click on the three dots icon at the top right corner of the page and select Extensions. Look for any extensions that may affect LinkedIn, such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or VPNs.
- Turn off or remove any extensions that you do not need or trust.
Close your browser and reopen it.
Go back to LinkedIn and log in again.
Check if you can send or receive messages now.
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Solution 6: Check the internet connection
Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to check your internet connection. This can ensure that you have a stable and fast connection to LinkedIn and that there are no network issues that may prevent you from sending or receiving messages.
To check your internet connection, follow these steps:
- On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
- Try loading other websites or online services to see if they work properly. If they do not work either, then there may be a problem with your internet connection.
- Check your Wi-Fi or cellular network signal strength and make sure it is strong and consistent. If it is weak or unstable, try moving closer to your router or switching to a different network.
- Restart your router or modem by unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back in after a few seconds. Wait for it to reconnect and establish a connection.
- Check if you can send or receive messages now.
Solution 7: Disable the VPN
Another possible solution to fix LinkedIn messages not working is to disable the VPN (virtual private network) that you may be using. A VPN can help you access geo-restricted content and protect your online privacy, but it can also cause some conflicts or restrictions with LinkedIn’s servers and policies.
To disable the VPN, follow these steps:
On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
Depending on which VPN service you are using, follow the instructions below:
For NordVPN:
- Click on the NordVPN icon in your system tray (Windows)or the menu bar (Mac) and click on the Disconnect button.
- Wait for the VPN to disconnect and show a red icon.
For ExpressVPN:
- Click on the ExpressVPN icon in your system tray (Windows) or the menu bar (Mac) and click on the On button.
- Wait for the VPN to disconnect and show a gray icon.
For other VPN services:
- Look for the VPN icon in your system tray (Windows) or the menu bar (Mac) and click on it.
- Find the option to disconnect or turn off the VPN and click on it. Wait for the VPN to disconnect and show a different icon.
Close your browser and reopen it.
Go back to LinkedIn and log in again.
Check if you can send or receive messages now.
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Solution 8: Contact the LinkedIn support center
If none of the above solutions work for you, then you may need to contact the LinkedIn support center for further assistance. The LinkedIn support center can help you resolve any complex or persistent issues with LinkedIn messages not working.
To contact the LinkedIn support center, follow these steps:
- On your computer or mobile device, open your browser and go to LinkedIn.
- Click on your profile icon at the top right corner of the page and select Help from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page.
- Choose a topic and subtopic that best describes your issue, such as Messaging > Trouble sending or receiving messages.
- Fill in the details of your issue, such as when it started, what device and browser you are using, what solutions you have tried, and any screenshots or error messages you have.
- Choose how you want to contact the LinkedIn support center, such as via email, phone, or chat.
- Follow the instructions to submit your request and wait for a response from the LinkedIn support center.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why won’t my LinkedIn messages open?
Several factors could contribute to the issue of LinkedIn messages not opening, including browser-related problems, network issues, or account settings. To address this problem effectively, consider the following solutions:
- Log In Again: Logging out and then logging back into your LinkedIn account can refresh your session and potentially resolve any glitches preventing message access. Refer to the earlier steps for detailed instructions.
- Verify Your Email Address: Ensuring that your email address is verified helps guarantee that you receive notifications and messages from LinkedIn while enhancing the security of your account.
- Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Improve your browser’s performance and rectify errors that may affect LinkedIn’s functionality by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Update or Switch Browsers: Keep your browser up to date or consider using an alternative one to enhance compatibility and security with LinkedIn, thereby reducing the likelihood of encountering bugs or issues with message accessibility.
- Disable or Remove Browser Extensions: Prevent potential interference with LinkedIn’s features by disabling or uninstalling browser extensions. Some extensions may alter LinkedIn elements, such as scripts, images, or cookies, leading to errors in message access.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection to LinkedIn, ruling out any network-related problems that could hinder message opening.
- Disable VPN: While VPNs can aid in accessing geo-restricted content and enhancing online privacy, they may conflict with LinkedIn’s servers and policies. Try disabling your VPN to see if it resolves the issue.
- Contact LinkedIn Support Center: If none of the above solutions prove effective, consider reaching out to LinkedIn’s support center for further assistance. They are equipped to help you address complex or persistent issues related to LinkedIn message access.
LinkedIn offers messaging capabilities to its users, even without a premium subscription. However, there are certain limitations and options for contacting other users, depending on your connection status:
- Messaging 1st-Degree Connections: You can send messages for free to your 1st-degree connections. These are users you have already connected with on LinkedIn. You can engage in conversations with them without any restrictions.
- Messaging Group Members: Within-group pages, you can also send messages to fellow group members without the need for a premium subscription. This is an effective way to communicate with individuals who share common interests or affiliations within a group.
- Messaging Non-Connections: If you wish to message someone who is not a 1st-degree connection or a member of the same group, you have two options:
- Send a Personalized Invitation: You can send an invitation to connect with a personalized note. Along with your invitation request, you can include a message of up to 300 characters. However, it’s important to note that whether or not the other person accepts your invitation and thus receives your message depends on their response to your connection request.
- Send an InMail Message: InMail is a premium feature that allows you to send a message of up to 200 characters to any LinkedIn member, regardless of your connection status. To access this feature, you need to have a premium subscription or purchase InMail credits.
These options provide flexibility in reaching out to other LinkedIn users, whether they are close connections, group members, or individuals outside your immediate network.
Keep in mind that the availability of certain features may change over time, so it’s advisable to check LinkedIn’s current policies and offerings for the most accurate information.
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Why is messaging locked on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn enforces message limits based on your subscription plan and the type of messages you send. These limits can impact your ability to send messages each month. Here’s how messaging limits work on LinkedIn:
Free (Basic) Account:
- You can send unlimited messages to your 1st-degree connections and group members.
- However, you cannot send InMail messages to other LinkedIn members.
Premium Accounts:
- Premium accounts come with a certain number of InMail messages you can send per month, depending on your specific plan.
- You can send InMail messages to any LinkedIn member, even if they are not in your network.
To unlock messaging on LinkedIn when you’ve reached your monthly limit, you have a couple of options:
Wait for the Next Month: LinkedIn typically resets your message credits at the beginning of each billing cycle. So, if you’ve exhausted your message limit for the current month, you can simply wait for the new billing cycle to begin, and your message credits will be refreshed.
Upgrade or Change Your Subscription Plan: Another option is to upgrade or change your subscription plan. Depending on your needs, you can choose a premium plan that offers more message credits or even unlimited InMail messages per month. This provides you with greater flexibility in reaching out to other LinkedIn members beyond your immediate network.
Are LinkedIn messages limited?
LinkedIn imposes specific limitations on the length and number of messages you can send, and these restrictions are influenced by your subscription plan and the type of messages you intend to send. Here’s an overview of these limitations:
Message Length:
When sending an invitation to connect along with a personalized note, the message length is limited to 300 characters. This limitation applies to both free (basic) and premium accounts.
InMail messages, which are sent to any LinkedIn member, are limited to 200 characters in length. This character limit applies to all LinkedIn users, regardless of their subscription plan.
Message Credits and Monthly Limits:
The number of messages you can send per month is determined by your available message credits. These credits vary based on your subscription plan and the type of messages you plan to send.
For free (basic) accounts, you can send unlimited messages to your 1st-degree connections and group members. However, you don’t have InMail message credits to send messages to members outside your immediate network.
Premium accounts come with a specific allocation of InMail message credits per month, depending on your chosen premium plan. The number of credits can vary between plans.
Some premium plans may offer unlimited InMail messages, meaning you can send an unlimited number of InMail messages to any LinkedIn member within a given month.
How do I message on LinkedIn for free?
Messaging on LinkedIn to your 1st-degree connections and fellow group members is a free and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Access LinkedIn:
On your computer or mobile device, open your preferred web browser and navigate to the LinkedIn website.
Access Messaging:
Locate and click on the Messaging icon, typically found at the bottom right corner of the LinkedIn page. This icon resembles a speech bubble.
Compose a New Message:
After accessing the Messaging section, click on the New message button located at the top right corner of the messaging interface.
Choose the Recipient:
In the “To” field, type the name of the person you wish to message. You can also select the recipient from the suggested list of your connections and group members.
Compose Your Message:
In the “Write a message” field, type your message. Feel free to add attachments, emojis, stickers, or GIFs to enhance your message if desired.
Send Your Message:
To send your message, either click on the Send button or simply press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Following these steps allows you to initiate a conversation with your 1st-degree connections or fellow group members on LinkedIn. It’s a convenient way to engage with your network, share information, and build professional relationships within the platform.
Why can’t I message or Connect with someone on LinkedIn?
There are several potential reasons why you might encounter difficulties when attempting to message or connect with someone on LinkedIn:
Blocked or Restricted Profile: The individual you’re trying to contact may have blocked you or chosen to limit their profile’s visibility, preventing them from receiving messages or invitations from certain members, including you.
Maximum 1st-Degree Connections: If the person has already amassed 30,000 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn, they might not be able to accept any more connection invitations from other members due to LinkedIn’s connection limit.
Premium Account with Open Profile: Some LinkedIn users have premium accounts with an “Open Profile” feature. While they can receive InMail messages from any member, they may not accept invitations to connect. Instead, they prefer communication through InMail.
Invitation Limits: LinkedIn imposes limits on the number of invitations you can send. If you’ve reached the limit of either 3,000 sent invitations or 5,000 pending invitations, you won’t be able to send additional invitations until you withdraw some of your sent or pending requests.
Message Credit Limit: Messaging on LinkedIn is subject to monthly message credits, which can vary depending on your subscription plan. If you’ve exhausted your message credits for the month, you won’t be able to send more messages until you either receive additional credits at the start of the new month or upgrade your subscription plan.
To fix this, you can try the following solutions:
Blocked or Restricted Profile:
Check the person’s profile to determine if they have blocked you or restricted their profile visibility. If this is the case, it’s crucial to respect their decision. Look for alternative ways to contact them outside of LinkedIn if needed.
Maximum 1st-Degree Connections:
If the individual has reached the maximum limit of 30,000 1st-degree connections, consider following them instead of sending a connection invitation. Following allows you to stay updated on their LinkedIn activity and interact with their posts and updates.
Premium Account with Open Profile:
If the person has a premium account with the Open Profile feature, opt to send them an InMail message instead of a connection invitation. This enables direct communication with them on LinkedIn, even if they do not accept connection requests.
Invitation Limits:
Review your sent and pending invitations to see if you’ve reached the limits of 3,000 sent invitations or 5,000 pending invitations. To free up space for new invitations, consider withdrawing those that are no longer relevant or necessary.
Message Credit Limit:
Monitor your message credits to determine if you’ve reached the monthly limit. If you have, you can either wait until the new month begins to receive more message credits or consider upgrading your subscription plan to access additional message credits or unlimited InMail messages.
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Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve provided you with practical solutions to address issues related to LinkedIn messages not working. We trust that these remedies have proven effective in restoring your LinkedIn messaging functionality, allowing you to seamlessly pursue professional networking and career opportunities.
Should you have any feedback or questions regarding the content of this blog post, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. We greatly appreciate your readership and value your input. Thank you for taking the time to explore these solutions with us.