How to See a Connection Message on LinkedIn

Ever accepted a LinkedIn connection request and then wondered where the personalized message that came with it disappeared to? It happens to everyone. You see the thoughtful note in the invitation, you click Accept, and suddenly the message is gone, leaving you scrolling endlessly through your main inbox. This guide will show you exactly where to find those hidden connection messages on both desktop and mobile, and how to track the ones you’ve sent out.

Why Can’t You Just Find the Message?

The main source of confusion is that LinkedIn handles connection messages differently from regular DMs. When someone sends you an invitation with a personal note, that note is attached to the invitation itself. Once you accept, an interesting - and slightly unintuitive - thing happens: LinkedIn doesn't drop that message into your inbox as a new, unread item. Instead, it converts the invitation and its message into the start of a conversation thread with that person.

This means the message is now tucked away at the very beginning of your message history with your new connection. If you don't know to look for it there, it feels like it has vanished completely. It’s a design quirk that trips up even seasoned LinkedIn users, but once you know where to look, you’ll never lose a message again.

How to Find Connection Messages on Desktop (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve accepted an invitation, there are two simple and reliable ways to find the sender's original message on the LinkedIn website. Both methods lead you to the same place: the beginning of your message thread.

Method 1: Check Your Main Messaging Inbox

This is the most direct route. LinkedIn creates a conversation thread with every new connection, and the introduction message is the very first entry. You just need to find that thread.

• Step 1: Navigate to Your Messages. After logging in to LinkedIn, look for the "Messaging" icon in the top navigation bar. It looks like a set of speech bubbles. Click it.
• Step 2: Search for Your New Connection. On the Messaging page, you'll see a list of your conversations on the left-hand side. Use the search bar at the top of this list that says "Search messages" and type in the name of the person whose message you're looking for.
• Step 3: Open the Conversation and Scroll Up. Click on the conversation thread when it appears. Now for the most important part: scroll all the way to the top. The original connection message will be waiting for you right at the beginning of your chat history. It often looks slightly different from regular messages, sometimes appearing in a grey box or prefaced with a "Subject:" line, making it clear this was the introductory note.

Method 2: Go Through Their Profile Page

If you’re already on your new connection’s profile page, this method is even faster. It takes you directly to the same conversation thread mentioned above.

• Step 1: Visit Your Connection's Profile. Find the person's profile, either through searching for their name or finding them in your "My Network" tab.
• Step 2: Click the "Message" Button. Directly below their name, headline, and location, you'll see a few action buttons. Click the "Message" button.
• Step 3: Find the Initial Message. A messaging pop-up window will appear at the bottom-right corner of your screen. Just like with Method 1, scroll to the very top of this chat history. The original message they sent with their connection request will be the first thing you see.

Finding Connection Messages on the LinkedIn Mobile App

The process on the mobile app is almost identical to the desktop experience. The goal remains the same: find your message thread with that person and look at the very beginning of the conversation. The mobile interface is slightly different, but the logic is the same.

1. Step 1: Open the Mobile App. Launch the LinkedIn app on your phone.
2. Step 2: Go to Your Messages. Finding your messages on the app can be slightly different depending on your operating system or app version. Typically, you'll find the message icon (two overlapping speech bubbles) in the top-right corner of your screen. Tap it to open your inbox.
3. Step 3: Search for the Person. Use the search bar at the top of your inbox to type the name of your new connection.
4. Step 4: Open the Thread and Scroll Up. Tap their name to open the conversation. The app will usually place you at the most recent message. Swipe down to scroll up to the very beginning of your conversation history to find their original note.

A Proactive Tip: Respond Immediately When You Accept

The easiest way to avoid losing this initial message is to reply right after you accept the connection request. When you click "Accept" on a request that has a message, LinkedIn often opens the message thread for you immediately so you can reply.

This simple habit does two things:

• It keeps the conversation going. You never lose the context of their initial outreach.
• It’s great networking etiquette. A swift acknowledgment and reply show that you’re engaged and value the new connection. It sets a positive, professional tone and makes it more likely that the connection will evolve into a meaningful professional relationship.

Don't just accept and forget. Accept and engage. That small step makes all the difference in building a strong, active network.

How to See the Message You Sent with a Connection Request

Sometimes the shoe is on the other foot. You send out a personalized connection request and can't remember what you wrote, or you want to see if it was delivered and remains unread. Luckily, LinkedIn makes it very easy to track your outgoing invitations.

1. Go to Your Network. Click on the "My Network" option in the top navigation bar of the LinkedIn website.
2. Manage Your Invitations. At the top of the "My Network" page, you'll see a box for your pending invitations. Click on "Manage" or "See all."
3. Click the "Sent" Tab. On the "Manage invitations" page, you'll see two tabs: "Received" and "Sent." Click on "Sent."

Here, you will see a complete list of all your unanswered connection requests. For each one where you included a personal note, you can read exactly what you wrote right under the person's name. This page is super useful for:

• Recalling your original pitch. This allows you to tailor a potential follow-up email or message.
• Checking the status. You can see how long an invitation has been pending.
• Withdrawing a request. If an invitation is old or no longer relevant, you can click the "Withdraw" button next to it.

Crafting Connection Messages Worth Finding

Knowing how to find a connection message is half the battle. The other half is writing messages that are so compelling, people are excited to find them and reply. Generic, thoughtless connection requests rarely get results. Here are a few guidelines to make your introductory message stand out.

Personalize, Personalize, Personalize

A canned message ("I'd like to add you to my professional network") is a guaranteed way to be ignored. Your message needs to show you've done at least a little bit of homework. Mention a specific point of connection to build instant rapport.

• "Hi Sarah, I really enjoyed your recent article on project management tools. Your point about asynchronous communication was spot on."
• "Hello Tom, I see we both worked at [Company Name] a few years apart. I'm hoping to connect with fellow alumni."
• "Hi Maria, I noticed you're a product marketer in the sustainability space. I'm passionate about that area and would love to follow your work."

State Your Purpose Clearly and Briefly

People are busy. Get straight to the point in a polite way. Why do you want to connect? Whether it’s to learn from their experience, discuss a potential collaboration, or simply stay informed about their work, being upfront builds trust.

Example: "Hi Alex, as I am transitioning into brand strategy, I've been incredibly impressed with the work your team has done at [Their Company]. I’d love to connect and follow your professional journey."

Focus on Connection, Not a Quick Sale

Your connection message is not a cold pitch. It’s the digital equivalent of a handshake, not a sales presentation. Pushing a product, service, or job opportunity in the very first message almost never works and can damage your reputation. The goal is to open the door for a conversation, not close a deal on the spot.

End with a Low-Pressure Call to Action (or None at All)

Sometimes, the only goal is to connect and follow someone's updates. You don't always need a specific "ask." However, if you are hoping for a reply, make it easy for them. A simple, open-ended question that doesn't demand a lot of their time can be effective.

• Good: "No need to reply, but I'm looking forward to following your posts!" (Removes all pressure)
• Better: "Curious to know how your company is approaching [Industry Trend]. Totally understand if you're too busy to reply." (Invites a response but gives them an easy out)

Final Thoughts

Although it feels clumsy at first, locating connection messages on LinkedIn is straightforward once you know that the initial note simply becomes the first entry in your direct message history. Whether on desktop or mobile, searching for the person in your messaging inbox will take you right to it. Knowing how to check your sent requests also gives you the power to manage your professional outreach more effectively.

Ultimately, a strong professional network is built one meaningful conversation at a time. Here at Postbase, we designed our platform to remove friction from that process. We bring all your social interactions - from LinkedIn messages and comments to Instagram DMs and mentions - into one single, easy-to-manage inbox. That way, you're not just trying to find an old message, you're building relationships without ever missing a beat.