How to Know If Someone Read Your Message on LinkedIn

How to Know If Someone Read Your Message on LinkedIn

Ever sent a LinkedIn message and found yourself staring at the screen, wondering if the person on the other end actually read it? You’re not alone. Whether you’re networking, pitching, or just following up, knowing if your message was seen can make a huge difference in how (and when) you follow up. So, how to know if someone read your message on LinkedIn? Let’s break it down.

Does LinkedIn Show Read Receipts?

Yes, but there’s a catch. LinkedIn has a read receipt feature but only works under certain conditions.

  • Both you and the recipient must have read receipts enabled. You won’t see a “seen” indicator if either of you has turned them off.
  • Read receipts are available in direct messages (DMs), but not for InMail unless the recipient replies.
  • This feature isn’t available for messages sent to people outside your network unless they accept your connection request first.

If read receipts are enabled, you’ll see a small checkmark with the recipient’s profile picture below your message when they’ve read it.

How to Enable or Disable Read Receipts on LinkedIn

Want to check if yours is on? Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on Me (your profile icon) in the top right.
  2. Go to Settings & Privacy.
  3. Navigate to Communications > Messaging experience.
  4. Toggle Read receipts & typing indicators on or off.

If your read receipts are off, you won’t see when others read your messages—and they won’t see when you read theirs.

Other Ways to Tell If Someone Read Your Message

Even without a read receipt, you can still pick up a few clues:

1. They Reply (Obviously!)

The easiest way to confirm someone read your message? They respond. But if they don’t, that doesn’t necessarily mean they ignored you—some people just forget to reply. Some professionals receive hundreds of messages daily, so yours might have been seen but unintentionally buried under others. If they eventually reply, they may mention being busy or catching up on messages.

Remember that some people prefer to reply only when they have something meaningful to add rather than responding instantly.

2. They Were Active After You Sent the Message

LinkedIn shows when someone is “Active now” with a green dot next to their profile picture. If they were online but didn’t respond, they may have seen your message but chosen not to engage. However, “Active now” doesn’t always mean they were actually using LinkedIn—it could just mean they have the app open in the background.

Also, some people check messages quickly but decide to reply later when they have more time. If they remain active for a while after you sent your message but still haven’t replied, they may be intentionally postponing their response.

3. They Viewed Your Profile

If someone suddenly checks out your profile after you message them, it’s a good sign they saw your message and are considering a response. You can check this by going to Who viewed your profile in the LinkedIn dashboard. This is especially common if they don’t know you well—they may be trying to learn more about you before deciding how to respond.

If they check your profile multiple times, that could indicate further interest. However, if they visit your profile but still don’t reply, it may mean they aren’t interested enough to continue the conversation.

How to Know If Someone Read Your Message on LinkedIn

4. They React to Your Content

If the person you messaged likes or comments on your posts after receiving your message, they likely see it and subtly engage with you. This is a common passive way of acknowledging a message without directly replying. It might also be a way for them to warm up to a conversation before engaging further.

If you notice they interact more with your posts after receiving your message, it might be a sign they’re interested but not quite ready to reply. Consider this an opportunity to keep engaging with them and build rapport before sending a follow-up message.

What If Someone Doesn’t Reply?

If your message has been read but ignored, here’s what you can do:

1. Give It Time

Not everyone replies instantly. Give it a few days before following up, especially if your message requires thought. Some professionals are overwhelmed with work and don’t check LinkedIn messages daily, especially if they rely more on email. Others may be evaluating whether they want to respond or need a colleague’s approval before getting back to you. If your message isn’t time-sensitive, waiting 5-7 days before following up is a reasonable approach.

2. Send a Polite Follow-Up

A simple “Hey [Name], I’m just following up on my last message. I would love to hear your thoughts!” can nudge them without being pushy. If they’re busy, a reminder can be helpful. Sometimes, messages get lost in inboxes, and a follow-up brings it back to their attention. If it’s a professional inquiry, you can add a reason for following up, like Just checking if you had a chance to review my proposal” or “I’d love to connect when you have a moment” to make it sound more natural.

3. Engage With Their Content

If they haven’t responded, try liking or commenting on their latest post before following up. This keeps you on their radar in a non-intrusive way. Engaging with their content also shows you’re genuinely interested in their expertise, not just in getting a response. Commenting with a thoughtful question or insight related to their post can open the door for a more natural conversation, making it easier for them to reply to your message later.

4. Know When to Move On

If someone doesn’t respond after a couple of follow-ups, they may not be interested. Don’t take it personally—move on to the next opportunity. There’s a fine line between persistence and being pushy. If they don’t engage after two follow-ups spaced out over a reasonable time, it’s best to stop reaching out. Instead, shift your focus to building relationships with other professionals who are more responsive and open to conversations. Not every message will get a reply, and that’s okay—it’s all part of networking.

Messaging on LinkedIn can feel like a guessing game.

That said, with read receipts, activity indicators, and profile views, you can get a good idea. If they don’t reply, don’t stress too much! Follow up strategically, engage with their content, and focus on building relationships. Those will get you better results, rather than just chasing responses.

Scroll to Top