What Does the Check Mark Mean on LinkedIn Messages?
Just like double tick on WhatsApp that makes you either sigh with relief or spiral into overthinking? LinkedIn has its own version of: the tiny check mark sitting quietly next to your message.
It basically means that your message is sent read or not no idea.
Although It looks simple, but it does carry some weight. Did the note you sent to that recruiter actually went through? Did someone saw your message? Or is it still floating in digital limbo?
Understanding what that little symbol means isn’t just tech trivia it can help you decide when to follow up, when to wait, and when to move on.
This guide will break down LinkedIn’s message indicators so you can stop guessing and start communicating with a bit more confidence.
The Check Mark Symbol: What It Really Means
The check mark (✓) is the most common symbol that you'll come across when you are sending messages on LinkedIn.
There are two types of check mark signal:
- A gray check mark next to your message, it indicates that your message has been delivered.
- A blue check mark next to your message, which indicates that your message has been read.
But blue check mark isn’t something you’ll get to see everyday because if they've seen or read the message depends upon the LinkedIn read receipts
But Check mark is not the only message indicator there are many more.
Different Types of Message Status Indicators on LinkedIn
1. Gray Circle: Message is Sending
When you send a message, you may briefly see a gray circle. This indicates that your message is in the process of being sent. If your internet connection is unstable, it will stay in that gray circle state.
2. Gray Check Mark: Message Delivered
Gray check mark (✓) means that your message is successfully sent. The recipient hasn't opened or read the message yet, but it's waiting in their inbox.
However, you can’t determine this because seeing if your message is read is only possible if LinkedIn read receipts are enabled for both parties.
3. Red Exclamation Mark: Message Failed to Send
If you see a red exclamation mark (!) next to your message, it means that message failed to send. This could be due to network issues, the recipient's privacy settings, or other technical problems.
LinkedIn recommends trying to resend the message or checking your connection if you encounter this symbol.
4. Clock Icon: Message Scheduled
LinkedIn now offers the ability to schedule messages. If you've scheduled a message for future delivery, you'll see a clock icon next to it until the scheduled time arrives.
Privacy Considerations: Manage Your Own Message Status Indicators
LinkedIn allows users to control their privacy settings regarding message status indicators. If you prefer not to let senders know when you've read their messages, you can adjust these settings:
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Click on your profile picture in the top right corner
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Select "Settings & Privacy"
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Navigate to the "Communications" tab
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Find "Read receipts and typing indicators"
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Toggle the setting off if you wish to browse messages privately
Best Practices for LinkedIn Messaging
Understanding the message status indicators can helps you optimize your LinkedIn communication strategy:
When You See a Gray Check Mark
If your message shows a gray check mark for several days, then the recipient might not be active on LinkedIn.
What to do in this situation:
- Wait for at least a week before following up
- Try an alternative contact like InMails and find email address using OutXAI’s chrome extension if the matter is urgent
When You See a Blue Check Mark Without Response
If your message has been read but not answered:
- Wait for at least 2-3 business days before sending a gentle follow-up
- Keep your follow-up concise and add new value, Don’t try to put guilt on the other person for not replying.
- Avoid sending more than 1 follow-up in short succession (LinkedIn's algorithm may view this as spam)
Common Issues with LinkedIn Message Status Indicators
Users generally encounter confusion and technical issues with LinkedIn message indicators:
Why Doesn't the Check Mark Turn Blue?
If the check mark remains gray despite believing the recipient has read your message, Its possible that:
- The recipient has disabled read receipts
- They’ve viewed the message preview in notifications without opening the full message
- Technical issues with LinkedIn's tracking system
Delayed Status Updates
Sometimes status indicators don't update in real-time. LinkedIn recommends refreshing the page or restarting the app if you suspect this is the case.
Missing Status Indicators
Older messages (typically those sent before LinkedIn implemented certain features) may not display status indicators.
Additionally, messages sent to connections who have deactivated their accounts will show delivery status but won't update to "read" status.
Conclusion
The check mark on LinkedIn messages is a very simple yet indicator that helps you track communication on the platform.
- A gray check mark means your message has been delivered but not yet read
- A blue check mark indicates the recipient has opened your message.
Understanding that these status indicators, and other symbols like the red exclamation mark for failed messages and the clock icon for scheduled messages, helps you communicate more effectively and strategize your response on LinkedIn.
These visual cues, you can help you time your follow-ups appropriately and manage your networking efforts more efficiently, this ultimately build stronger professional relationships.
As LinkedIn continues to evolve its messaging features gets better everyday, and staying informed about these indicators helps you to optimize your networking efforts in this digital age.
So, If you're job hunting or building business relationships, or trying to connect with colleagues, these small symbols always provide valuable insights.
Next Steps for Effective LinkedIn Communication
In order to maximize your LinkedIn messaging effectiveness:
- Regularly review your messages sent to identify patterns in response rates this will make you time your messages for the best impact.
- Try to customize your privacy settings to match your communication preferences.
- Try using OutXAI to track people and company if you frequently need to message people outside your network example if you are looking for job or finding sales prospects.
These nuances of LinkedIn's messaging system, including the understanding of what all those check marks mean, you'll be well-equipped to navigate professional communications in today's digital world.
FAQs
What if my message has been stuck with a gray check mark for a long time?
If your message is stuck as gray check marked for an extended period, then maybe recipient’s read receipts are off, or there could also be a connection issue. Try refreshing the page to resolve the problem. You can also check the authenticity of the Account using OutXAI to track its movement.
Can I turn off read receipts on LinkedIn?
Yes. You can control if others can see if you’ve read their messages or not. You’ll find this functionality under Settings & Privacy → Communications → Read receipts and typing indicators. Just toggle it off if you dont want people to see if you have read their messages.
Do check marks appear in LinkedIn group messages?
Yes, check marks appears in group messages on LinkedIn. But, the blue check mark will only appear once all recipients in the group have read the message.
Does a gray check mark mean the person is ignoring me?
No, Not necessarily. A gray check mark only means that the message is delivered, and not read.. Don’t assume that silence = rejection.
Why do I sometimes see typing dots but never get a reply?
This happens when someone starts typing but decides not to send the message. The typing indicator is live feedback that your message is read and not replied.
Do check marks work the same on mobile and desktop?
Yes, whether you’re on LinkedIn’s app or web version. However, the update speed can be different on mobile apps.
If someone blocks me, what happens to my old messages?
If you get blocked by someone, your past conversation will disappear from their inbox, and you won’t be able to send new messages to them. However the existing check mark status won’t change on your end.
Can scheduled messages fail to send?
Yes. If your scheduled message is set and you lose access (for example, account restrictions or connectivity issues at the scheduled time), it will fail. In that case, you’ll see an exclamation mark instead of a check mark or LinkedIn will directly notify you
Do InMails show the same check mark system?
Yes, but there’s a twist. InMails also display delivered and read statuses, only if the recipient hasn’t disabled read receipts. If they don’t engage, you’ll just see the gray check mark.
