It might not seem that important, but people always ask me “can you see when someone was last active on LinkedIn?” Just the way we can see on Telegram and WhatsApp messenger? Well, why is it even important for them to know how to see if someone is online? Let’s be clear about something, you can only see if someone is online (not the last time they were active on LinkedIn) only if they chose to show that they are active to other users.
LinkedIn does not provide a feature to show when someone was last active on the platform. While LinkedIn has an "Active Status" indicator (a green dot) that appears next to a user's name in messaging to show they are currently online or have been recently, it does not specifically display the exact time of their last activity.
Can you see when someone was last active on LinkedIn?
No, you can only see if someone is online right now. You probably saw that little solid green circle next to people’s names or at the right bottom of their profile picture while you were messaging them. That means the user is currently online and will instantly receive your messages, so you can expect an instant response (no excuses like I missed your message and things like that).
Another status is the hollow green circle at the bottom of the user’s profile photo. This indicates that although the user is not online on their desktop, they have the LinkedIn app on their mobile phone when you message them, they will instantly get notified when they get online.
Then there are those users with no circle on their profile photo. They are either not active on the platform or decided to hide their online status and do not have the app on their phone. Unfortunately, you will have no way to say if they received your messages or not, unless you ask them personally or by messaging them on other platforms.
Why is it important?
The conversation is the cornerstone of our human society. We need it to find our way in every new position, create and use opportunities, learn and teach, etc. What is more important than ensuring the recipient has seen your message about a job vacancy or an investment opportunity? And what is better than an instant response to your message? Statistics suggest that more than one-third of LinkedIn members find their jobs through regular messaging to their connections. Of course, you need to be careful about the time when you start a conversation with an active user. It can be a bit tricky to find the correct moment.
How to hide your online status on LinkedIn? That is so easy. LinkedIn has provided a lot of features for its users to have total control over every aspect of your profile, including visibility, etc. all you need to do is to:
- Open your account
- Click on the ‘Me’ button on the top right corner of your feed
- Select ‘Setting & Privacy’ from the dropdown
- Click on ‘Visibility’
- Scroll down and find ‘Manage active status’ under the ‘Visibility of your LinkedIn activity’ section
- Click on it and then choose who can see that you are currently active while you are using LinkedIn
- You have three options to select from: No one, Your connections only, all LinkedIn members
Related Questions & Answers
How to know if a person is active on LinkedIn
Determining if a person is active on LinkedIn is relatively straightforward. Here are a couple of ways to find out:
- Check their recent activity: Visit the person’s LinkedIn profile and look for recent activity such as posts, comments, or likes. If you see recent interactions, it indicates that they have been active on the platform. Additionally, you can follow or connect with the person to receive updates on their activities in your LinkedIn feed.
- Look for profile updates: If you notice recent changes or updates to the person’s profile, such as a new job, education, or skills, it suggests that they have been actively managing their profile. Regular updates to their profile indicate their engagement with LinkedIn.
While these methods can give you an idea of a person’s activity on LinkedIn, keep in mind that not all users are consistently active. Some individuals may use LinkedIn more sparingly or primarily for job searching, while others may be highly active and engaged. Remember to respect people’s privacy and use LinkedIn as a professional networking platform to connect and engage with others in a meaningful way.
How to hide last seen on LinkedIn
If you prefer to maintain privacy and limit the visibility of your activities on LinkedIn, you can adjust your account settings to control what information is shared with others. Here are a couple of steps you can take:
- Manage your profile visibility: Go to your LinkedIn settings and select the “Privacy” tab. From there, you can customize the visibility of your profile and activity. For example, you can choose to limit who can see your connections, profile photo, or activity feed.
- Adjust your activity broadcast settings: In the same “Privacy” tab, you can manage your activity broadcast settings. By toggling off certain options, you can prevent your network from receiving notifications when you make changes to your profile or engage in activities like following companies or joining groups.
Keep in mind that LinkedIn’s interface and features may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest settings and options available in your LinkedIn account to manage your privacy preferences effectively.
To round up
Can you see when someone was last active on LinkedIn? The answer is no, you cannot see the last time someone was online on LinkedIn, but you can see if they are currently available. Of course, they need to allow you to see their status first.
FAQ
Is there a way to see when someone was last active on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn did not provide a feature that allows you to see when someone was last active on the platform. Unlike some other social media platforms, LinkedIn does not display the “last active” status of its users. Privacy and professionalism are central to LinkedIn’s design, so it prioritizes protecting user privacy over providing real-time activity status.
However, LinkedIn features and policies may change over time, so it’s possible that new features have been introduced since my last update. To check for any recent changes or features related to this, you can visit the LinkedIn Help Center or refer to the latest LinkedIn app or website documentation.
How long does LinkedIn activity last?
LinkedIn activity, such as posts, comments, and likes, remains on your profile indefinitely unless you choose to delete or hide specific activities manually. This means that your past posts, comments, and other interactions can be viewed by others as long as your LinkedIn account is active.
However, LinkedIn’s features and policies may change over time, so it’s a good idea to review their current terms and policies or check with LinkedIn support for the most up-to-date information regarding the persistence of user activity on the platform. Remember that maintaining a professional and positive online presence is essential, as past activity can contribute to your personal brand and reputation on LinkedIn.
How can I see someone’s activity on LinkedIn without them knowing?
LinkedIn doesn’t offer a built-in feature that allows you to view someone’s activity on their profile without them being notified. When you view someone’s profile, they are typically notified, either through the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” feature or if you’re a premium member, you can browse in private mode to prevent your visits from being attributed.
It’s important to remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and transparency is encouraged. If you’re interested in someone’s activity or posts, it’s often better to engage with them openly by liking, commenting, or sharing their content or sending a personalized message to express your interest in connecting or discussing common interests.
How do I see someone in ghost mode on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn doesn’t have a “ghost mode” that allows users to view profiles completely anonymously. When you view someone’s profile, they are usually notified, either through the “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” feature or in some cases, by seeing your name and photo in their list of viewers.
However, if you’re concerned about privacy, you can change your settings to browse in “Private Mode” or “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.” This will prevent your name and photo from appearing in the list of viewers. Keep in mind that this also means you won’t be able to see who’s viewed your profile while in Private Mode.
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