How to Delete LinkedIn Messages and Conversations

You can delete a LinkedIn conversation from your own inbox by opening the message thread, selecting the three-dot menu and choosing Delete conversation. This removes the thread from your view, but it does not necessarily erase the recipient's copy.

LinkedIn may also let you delete an individual message shortly after it is sent. The available options depend on the message type and current LinkedIn interface.

How to delete a LinkedIn conversation on desktop

1. Sign in to LinkedIn.
2. Click Messaging.
3. Open the conversation you want to remove.
4. Select the three-dot menu in the conversation header.
5. Choose Delete conversation.
6. Confirm the deletion.

Deleting a conversation is different from archiving it. Archive hides the thread from the main inbox while keeping it available.

How to delete LinkedIn messages on iPhone or Android

1. Open the LinkedIn app.
2. Tap Messaging.
3. Open the conversation.
4. Tap the three-dot menu.
5. Select Delete conversation.
6. Confirm.

In some app versions, you can press and hold or swipe a conversation to reveal archive or delete options.

Can you delete an individual sent message?

LinkedIn may offer Delete or Remove when you open the menu beside a specific message. This option may be limited by message age, message type or platform version.

To check:

1. Open the conversation.
2. Hover over the message on desktop or press and hold it on mobile.
3. Open the message menu.
4. Choose Delete if available.
5. Read the confirmation carefully to see whether removal affects only you or all participants.

Do not assume that deleting the whole conversation recalls every sent message from the other person's inbox.

Does deleting a LinkedIn conversation delete it for both people?

Usually, deleting a conversation from your inbox should be treated as a local cleanup action. The other participant may retain:

• Their copy of the messages
• Email or push-notification previews
• Screenshots
• Downloaded attachments
• Information copied into another system

If you sent confidential information by mistake, contact the recipient promptly and ask them to delete it. Change exposed passwords or credentials immediately rather than relying on message deletion.

Delete vs archive vs mute

Option	What it does
Delete	Removes the conversation from your inbox view
Archive	Moves the conversation out of the main inbox without deleting it
Mute	Stops or reduces notifications while keeping the thread
Block	Restricts further contact and profile interaction

Choose archive when you may need the record later. Delete when you no longer need the thread in your account.

Can you recover deleted LinkedIn messages?

LinkedIn may not provide a normal recycle bin for deleted conversations. Before deleting an important thread:

• Download your LinkedIn data
• Save necessary contact information
• Keep relevant recruitment or business records securely
• Export attachments you are allowed to retain

Our guide on how to download your LinkedIn data explains the account export process.

How to delete recruiter messages

Recruiter and InMail conversations are generally managed through the same Messaging area. Deleting the thread does not withdraw a job application or remove your profile from a recruiter's project.

For job-search privacy, also review:

• Application history
• Saved resumes
• Open to Work settings
• Job alerts
• Recent searches

See how to delete LinkedIn job search history.

How to stop unwanted LinkedIn messages

If the issue is spam or harassment rather than inbox clutter:

1. Open the sender's profile or message menu.
2. Choose the appropriate report or block option.
3. Provide accurate information when reporting.
4. Keep evidence if the messages involve threats, fraud or impersonation.
5. Review who can send invitations and message requests.

Deleting the thread alone does not prevent the sender from contacting you again.

What happens to attachments after deletion?

Attachments may disappear from your own conversation view after deletion, but copies already accessed or downloaded by the recipient are outside your control.

Never send passwords, identity documents, financial information or other sensitive data through LinkedIn unless it is necessary and you trust the recipient.

Why the delete option may be missing

The option may be unavailable because:

• You are viewing a notification rather than the full conversation
• The app is outdated
• The message type has different controls
• You do not have permission to remove the item
• LinkedIn changed the interface

Try the desktop website, refresh the page and open the thread directly from Messaging.

Frequently asked questions

Will someone be notified if I delete our LinkedIn conversation?

LinkedIn does not normally send a simple alert saying that you deleted the conversation from your inbox.

Can I bulk-delete LinkedIn messages?

LinkedIn may not provide a universal bulk-delete feature. Conversations often need to be managed individually.

Does blocking someone delete old messages?

Blocking and deletion are separate. Old threads may still remain unless you delete them.

Can LinkedIn administrators read messages?

LinkedIn operates the messaging service and processes data under its policies. Treat LinkedIn messages as platform communications, not end-to-end encrypted private records.

Does deleting a message remove email notifications?

No. A recipient may already have received an email preview or notification.

Final answer

Open Messaging, select the conversation menu and choose Delete conversation. This cleans your inbox but does not guarantee deletion from the recipient's account or copies they already saved.