InMail is LinkedIn's Premium messaging feature that lets you message a member you're not connected to. On a free account you can only message your connections, so InMail needs a Premium plan, and each message uses a credit from your monthly allowance, which you get back if the recipient accepts.
If you've seen an InMail label on a message in your inbox, or you've been told to 'just InMail them', here's what it really means, how many you get, and the routes that let you skip it entirely.
What InMail is, in plain terms
LinkedIn describes InMail as a way to directly message another LinkedIn member that you're not connected to. You can send one from the introduction section of someone's profile or by starting a new message and searching for them.
On a Basic (free) account, LinkedIn says you can only message people you're already connected to. To message anyone else, you need to upgrade to Premium. There are two exceptions worth knowing, which I'll come to below.
How many InMail credits you get
Your monthly allowance depends on the plan. LinkedIn's InMail FAQ lists:
| Plan | Monthly InMail credits |
|---|---|
| Premium Career | 5 |
| Premium Business | 15 |
| Sales Navigator Core | 50 |
| Premium All-in-One | 30, up to 90 in total |
| LinkedIn Hiring Pro | 5 for each job |
You can see your current credits, your renewal date and your monthly amount on your My Premium page.
The rule that changes how you should use them
Here's the bit most people never read. LinkedIn says InMail credits expire after 90 days, but you'll receive the credit back if the recipient accepts your InMail. LinkedIn doesn't offer a plan with unlimited credits, and you can't add extra credits outside your monthly allowance.
So InMail rewards messages people want to answer. A short, specific note to the right person keeps your credits topped up. A copy-and-paste pitch to fifty strangers burns through them and doesn't come back.
Limits on what you can send
- The subject line can be up to 200 characters, and it's optional.
- The message body can be up to 2000 characters.
- You can't message a member who has chosen not to receive InMail in their message preferences.
- Premium InMail credits can't be used on Sales Navigator or LinkedIn Recruiter, and you can't move credits from one Premium subscription to another.
- If you cancel Premium, you can't keep using your credits.
When you can message someone without InMail
You don't always need a credit. Two routes are worth knowing:
- Open Profile: LinkedIn says that if a member has the Open Profile Premium feature turned on, you can message them for free.
- A personalised connection request: when you invite someone to connect, you can add a note. LinkedIn says free accounts can send up to five personalised invitations, each up to 200 characters, while Premium members can send unlimited personalised notes of up to 300 characters.
Once they accept, you're connected and can message them normally. I've covered every route in my guide to messaging someone on LinkedIn even if you're not connected.
How to send an InMail
On a computer:
- Go to the profile of the person you'd like to message.
- Click More in their introduction section.
- Select Message followed by their name.
- Add a subject if you want one, type your message and click Send.
In the app, go to their profile, tap Message in the introduction section, add an optional subject, type your message and tap Send.
How to write an InMail people accept
Because an accepted InMail gives you your credit back, the way you write it decides how far your allowance goes. Here's what works for the business owners I help:
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- Lead with why them: one line that shows you've looked at their profile or their work, not a template.
- Say who you are in a sentence: your role and the one reason you're writing.
- Ask one easy question: something they can answer in a line. A call request from a stranger is a big ask.
- Use the subject line: it's optional, but a specific subject tells them it isn't a mass message.
- Stop early: you've got up to 2000 characters, and you won't need most of them.
If you message someone and they don't reply, don't send more InMails. Each one uses another credit, and silence usually means not now. Engage with their posts for a while instead, then try a connection request with a short note.
InMail versus a normal message
A normal message goes to someone you're connected to and doesn't use credits. An InMail goes to someone outside your network and uses one. If you're unsure which you're about to send, the difference is simply whether you're connected yet. And if you'd rather the other person didn't see when you've read their reply, you can turn off read receipts on LinkedIn.
My advice
Don't sign up for Premium just for InMail unless you'll send a handful of thoughtful messages a month. Try the free routes first: check whether the person has an Open Profile, and send a short, personal connection note. If you do use InMail, write it for one person, ask one clear question and keep it short, because an accepted InMail hands your credit back. And if Premium stops being useful, here's how to cancel LinkedIn Premium on every device.
Frequently asked questions
Is InMail free on LinkedIn?
No. InMail is a Premium feature. On a free account you can only message your connections, unless the other person has Open Profile turned on.
How many InMail credits do I get?
It depends on your plan. LinkedIn lists 5 monthly credits for Premium Career, 15 for Premium Business and 50 for Sales Navigator Core.
Do InMail credits expire?
Yes. LinkedIn says InMail credits expire after 90 days, but you get a credit back if the recipient accepts your InMail.
Can I get more InMail credits?
No. LinkedIn says you can't add credits outside your monthly allowance, and there's no plan with unlimited InMail.
How long can an InMail be?
Up to 200 characters in the optional subject line and up to 2000 characters in the body.
Can people stop me sending them InMail?
Yes. LinkedIn says you can't message a member who has chosen not to receive InMail in their message preferences settings, so some profiles won't accept one at all.
Do I keep my InMail credits if I cancel Premium?
No. LinkedIn says you must have a Premium subscription to use InMail credits, and you can't transfer them from one Premium subscription to another.
