Does LinkedIn Have Read Receipts? Complete Guide 2026
Learn if LinkedIn has read receipts, how to enable or disable them, and tips for reading messages without being seen. Complete guide for 2026.
Yes, LinkedIn has read receipts. When both you and your recipient have read receipts enabled, you'll see when your messages have been read. An unread message shows a single checkmark, while a read message displays the recipient's miniature profile icon below it.
This guide covers everything about LinkedIn read receipts—how they work, how to enable or disable them, and strategies for using them effectively in your professional networking.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn read receipts are enabled by default: Both parties must have them enabled to see read status
- Tied to typing indicators: You cannot enable read receipts without also enabling typing indicators
- Account-wide setting: Disabling read receipts means you also won't see others' read receipts
- Mobile notifications create a loophole: Recipients can read messages from push notifications without triggering read receipts
- Connection requests excluded: Read receipts don't work on messages attached to connection requests
How LinkedIn Read Receipts Work
According to LinkedIn's official help documentation, read receipts and typing indicators work together as a single privacy setting.
Message Status Indicators
LinkedIn uses two visual indicators:
| Status | What You See | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sent | Single checkmark (✓) | Message delivered but not read |
| Read | Recipient's profile icon | Message has been opened and viewed |
The Mutual Visibility Rule
Read receipts only work when both parties have the feature enabled. If either person has disabled read receipts:
- Neither can see if messages have been read
- The typing indicator also becomes invisible
- Messages show only the sent checkmark
How to Enable or Disable LinkedIn Read Receipts
Managing your read receipt settings takes just a few steps. Here's how to do it on both desktop and mobile.
On Desktop (Web Browser)
- Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage
- Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown
- Click the Communications tab
- Under Preferences, find Read receipts and typing indicators
- Click Change to toggle the setting on or off
On Mobile App
- Tap your profile picture in the top left
- Select Settings (gear icon)
- Tap Communications
- Find Read receipts and typing indicators
- Toggle the switch to your preference
Important Considerations
When you turn off read receipts:
- You also disable typing indicators
- You won't see when others read your messages
- Others won't see when you read theirs
- This applies to all your LinkedIn conversations
How to Read LinkedIn Messages Without Being Seen
Sometimes you need to check a message without immediately responding. Here are legitimate ways to do this:
Method 1: Use Push Notifications
On the LinkedIn mobile app, if notifications are enabled, you can read message previews from the notification banner without opening the app. According to Bardeen's research, this doesn't trigger a read receipt.
Method 2: Disable Read Receipts First
Before opening a conversation:
- Turn off read receipts in settings
- Read the message
- Re-enable read receipts if desired
Note: The sender won't receive a read receipt for any messages you viewed while the setting was off.
Method 3: Check the Notification Panel
Both desktop and mobile show message previews in notification areas. Short messages can often be read entirely without opening the conversation.
When Read Receipts Don't Work
LinkedIn read receipts have specific limitations you should know about.
Connection Request Messages
Messages attached to connection requests don't show read status. According to LinkedIn Help, read receipt information only becomes available after the recipient accepts your connection and becomes part of your network.
Premium InMail Messages
InMail messages to non-connections may have different read receipt behavior depending on the recipient's settings and subscription level.
Group Messages
Messages sent in LinkedIn group conversations may not display individual read receipts for all participants.
Using Read Receipts for Better Networking
Read receipts can be a valuable tool for professional networking when used strategically.
For Sales and Outreach
Knowing when prospects read your messages helps you:
- Time follow-ups appropriately: If a message was read days ago without response, a gentle follow-up may be appropriate
- Gauge interest levels: Quick reads often indicate higher interest
- Optimize your messaging times: Track when your messages get opened
For Job Seekers
Use read receipts to:
- Confirm recruiters received your applications
- Know when to follow up on inquiries
- Understand response patterns
For Relationship Building
When building your LinkedIn authority for inbound lead generation:
- Focus on providing value in every message
- Don't pressure responses based on read receipts
- Use the information to improve your messaging approach
Privacy Considerations
Before deciding whether to keep read receipts enabled, consider these factors:
Pros of Enabling Read Receipts
- Confirmation that important messages were received
- Better timing for follow-up messages
- Transparency in professional communication
Cons of Enabling Read Receipts
- Pressure to respond immediately
- Loss of privacy when reading messages
- Others can see when you're active on LinkedIn
The Professional Approach
Most professionals keep read receipts enabled because:
- It demonstrates responsiveness and professionalism
- It builds trust through transparency
- It's the default LinkedIn setting
Read Receipts and LinkedIn Inbound Strategy
If you're focused on attracting inbound leads on LinkedIn, read receipts become less critical because:
Inbound leads message you first. When prospects reach out based on your authority and content, they're already engaged. You don't need to track whether they read your response—they're actively waiting for it.
This is why building a strong LinkedIn presence through valuable content creation matters more than perfecting your outreach messaging. When you position yourself as an authority, conversations start warmer and progress naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LinkedIn show read receipts by default?
Yes, LinkedIn enables read receipts and typing indicators by default for all accounts. Both features are controlled by a single toggle in your privacy settings, meaning you cannot have one without the other.
Can I see read receipts if the other person has them disabled?
No. Read receipts only work when both you and your recipient have the feature enabled. If either party disables read receipts, neither person can see read status on messages between them.
Do LinkedIn read receipts work on InMail?
InMail messages to non-connections may have limited read receipt functionality. The feature works most reliably for direct messages between 1st-degree connections who both have read receipts enabled.
How do I know if someone read my LinkedIn connection request message?
You cannot see read receipts on messages attached to connection requests. Read receipt functionality only activates after the person accepts your connection and becomes part of your network.
Can I read LinkedIn messages without triggering read receipts?
Yes. You can read messages from push notification previews on mobile without opening the app, or disable read receipts in settings before opening a conversation. Both methods prevent the read receipt from being sent.
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