How Many Messages Can I Send on Sales Navigator?

Hitting a wall with LinkedIn messaging?

If you're using LinkedIn to generate leads, knowing these restrictions isn’t optional — it’s essential. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how message limits work, how to stay compliant, and how to maximize every single outreach.

Here’s what’s inside:

✅ How LinkedIn’s message limits actually work

✅ Weekly connection request limits — and how to beat them without cheating

✅ Smart strategies to stretch your InMail credits and stay out of trouble

✅ Tactics to make your LinkedIn outreach land better and convert faster

What is the message limit on LinkedIn?

Let's answer the big question first: LinkedIn imposes certain limits on the number of messages you can send to maintain the platform's quality and prevent spam. 

If you’re on a Basic account, your messages are mostly limited to first-degree connections. That means you can freely message people you're already connected with. That's it.

To reach new prospects, you’ll need InMail credits — available only with Premium or Sales Navigator.

Even then, you don’t get unlimited InMails. There’s a monthly limit tied to your plan. Go over that, and LinkedIn might restrict your messaging ability temporarily.

Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on your message count to avoid inadvertently hitting the limit and disrupting your outreach process.

Understanding these messaging limits is essential for planning your communication strategy on LinkedIn. It ensures you can continue to build relationships without interruptions.

How many connection requests can I send?

Connection requests = prospecting fuel for lead generation. 

But LinkedIn limits it at around 100 connection requests per week for most users.

That might feel tight, but quality matters way more than quantity here. Random requests get ignored — or worse, flagged.

Instead, make each request personal to increase your acceptance rate:

🕵️ Research the recipient's profile: Understand their background to tailor your message.

🤝 Highlight common interests: Mention shared connections or industries.

🎯 Add value: Explain how connecting can benefit them.

Pro Tip: Keep track of your sent connection requests and regularly withdraw any that haven't been accepted after a couple of weeks to free up space.

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What are InMail message limits?

InMail is your direct line to people outside your network. Powerful, yes — but also limited. The number of InMail credits you receive depends on your subscription plan:

If someone replies to your InMail within 90 days, the credit gets refunded. 

Unused credits? They roll over — but only for 90 days before expiring.

To make the most of your InMail messaging limit:

✅ Personalize your messages: Tailored messages yield better response rates.

✅ Craft compelling subject lines: Grab the recipient's attention from the get-go.

✅ Keep it concise: Respect the recipient's time with clear and direct communication.

Pro Tip: Use your InMail credits strategically by targeting active prospects who are more likely to respond, boosting your effective lead generation.

To learn more about LinkedIn Sales Navigator InMail limits, explore our detailed guide.

How to bypass LinkedIn message limits?

Tempted to hack the system? Don’t.

While the idea of finding ways to bypass LinkedIn's message limits might sound appealing, it's essential to play by the rules. Account restrictions, shadow bans, or even permanent suspensions are all on the table.

Here are safer, scalable ways to extend your reach:

🌐 Leverage your existing network: Engage with your connections to reach second-degree contacts.

👥 Join LinkedIn Groups: Being part of the same group allows you to message members directly.

👤 Optimize your profile: Attract inbound connection requests by showcasing your expertise.

Tools like Pronto (a compliant Sales Navigator email scraper) can help you gather insights without violating policies. 

Remember, sustainable success on LinkedIn comes from respecting the platform's rules and focusing on building genuine relationships.

Pro Tip: Regularly engage with your network's content to increase visibility and encourage organic interactions.

What is the Sales Navigator subscription limit?

Think Sales Navigator subscription gives you unlimited reach? Not quite.

Yes, Sales Navigator opens up powerful features — but you’re still playing within LinkedIn’s guardrails.

Here’s what you get:

📩 50 InMail credits: Reach out prospects beyond your network on LinkedIn.

🔍 Advanced Lead and Company Search: Find the right prospects quickly.

🎯 Lead Recommendations: Get suggestions based on your preferences.

🔗 CRM Integration: Sync leads and accounts with your CRM.

Pro Tip: Use Lead Lists within Sales Navigator to organize and manage your prospects effectively.

More advanced plans unlock team features — but LinkedIn still enforces usage caps.

How to optimize LinkedIn outreach?

Smart outreach = Connecting with the right people in the right way. 

Here are strategies to enhance your prospecting efforts:

Personalized Messages

Generic messages = ignored. Mention something specific to show that you've taken the time to understand the recipient, increasing your chances of a response. 

✅ Reference mutual connections: Mention shared contacts or groups.

✅ Highlight common interests: Discuss industry trends or challenges.

✅ Offer value: Share insights or resources that benefit the recipient.

Leverage Content Engagement

Before the DM, comes the warm-up.

Like, comment, or share your prospect’s content. Show up on their radar to increase visibility — then reach out. It creates a natural bridge to the conversation.

Use LinkedIn Features

Make the most of LinkedIn's features to support your outreach:

🔗 Smart Links: Share trackable content with insights on who views it.

👀 Notes and Tags: Keep track of interactions and segment your leads.

🔄 CRM Sync: Integrate LinkedIn activity with your CRM for seamless tracking.

Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Regular, thoughtful engagement builds trust, authentic relationships and keeps you top of mind with prospects to open doors to new opportunities.

What are the restrictions on LinkedIn messaging?

Let’s talk about landmines.

Beyond just message or connection requests limits, LinkedIn also monitors how you act. 

Frequency of Activities

Too many actions (messages, views, requests) in a day = suspicious behavior. Spread activity across the week.

⚠️ Daily limit: Keep your daily actions within reasonable bounds.

⚠️ Weekly limit: Spread out your activities throughout the week.

Content of Messages

What you say matters just as much as how often you say it.

LinkedIn policies prohibit certain types of content in messages:

❌ Spam: Avoid sending unsolicited promotional content.

❌ Harassment: Maintain professionalism in all communications.

❌ Policy Violations: Do not share content that goes against LinkedIn's user agreement.

Automation Tools

Yes, LinkedIn automation tools exist. No, LinkedIn doesn’t like them.

Unless the tool is officially approved, it’s a risk. Unauthorized third-party bots that send messages or auto-connect can trigger bans — even if your intentions are good.

To stay within the rules:

❌ Avoid using bots: Stick to manual interactions or tools officially sanctioned by LinkedIn.

❌ Monitor your activity: Regularly review your actions to ensure compliance.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn's User Agreement and Policies to ensure all your activities are compliant.

By understanding and respecting these restrictions, you protect your account and maintain a positive reputation on the platform.

Conclusion

If LinkedIn is your playground for prospecting, message limits are your boundaries.

Here’s your takeaway cheat sheet:

✅ Know your limits: Understand the messaging and connection request limits based on your account type.

✅ Optimize your outreach: Focus on personalized messages and genuine engagement.

✅ Respect policies: Stay within LinkedIn's guidelines to avoid account restrictions.

✅ Leverage tools wisely: Use resources like Pronto for insights without violating terms of service.

By applying these strategies, you can enhance your communication efforts, build meaningful connections, and drive success in your professional endeavors.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current roles and achievements, making it more attractive to potential connections and opportunities.

Remember, networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, be authentic, and you'll see your efforts pay off over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LinkedIn define a quality interaction?

LinkedIn values interactions that are personalized, professional, and add value to both parties. Avoid generic messages and focus on building genuine relationships.

Can I increase my InMail credits?

Yes, you can buy additional InMail credits beyond your monthly limit. They cost $10 each — so it can add up fast.

Alternatively, focus on getting responses to your InMails, as credits are returned when recipients reply.

What happens if I hit my connection request limit?

If you hit your weekly limit, you'll need to wait until the following week to send more requests. Continuously hitting limits may indicate overly aggressive outreach, which can lead to restrictions.

Is it safe to use automation tools on LinkedIn?

Using unauthorized automation tools violates LinkedIn's policies and can result in account restrictions or bans. It's best to stick to manual interactions or tools officially supported by LinkedIn.

How can Pronto help with my LinkedIn outreach?

Pronto offers solutions like the LinkedIn Sales Navigator Email Scraper to help you gather valuable contact information ethically and efficiently, enhancing your outreach efforts without breaking any rules.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about LinkedIn's updates to policies and features to continually adapt your strategy for maximum effectiveness.

And remember: real connections beat mass messaging every time.

Stay human, stay consistent — and you’ll win the long game.

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