Let’s talk about canceling LinkedIn connection requests. Sometimes we send connection requests to relevant people, but never got accepted to their network due to multiple reasons. Having too many pending requests can quickly inflate your connection request numbers which can limit further networking (LinkedIn limits).
You will learn how to:
- cancel connection requests in less than 2 minutes
- importance of frequently checking pending connection requests
- LinkedIn connection limitations & how to handle those
How to Cancel a LinkedIn Connection Request
Occasionally we send a connection request to the wrong person, regret sending a request, or simply change our minds on whether or not to connect with someone. In such instances, canceling the connection request is necessary. The following sections detail step-by-step instructions on withdrawing a connection request from someone you don’t want to connect with on LinkedIn.
The first step is finding the pending connection requests you have sent but have not yet been accepted. To view this list on either your desktop or the LinkedIn mobile app, please follow these steps:
Log in: Log in to your LinkedIn account using the desktop or mobile app.
Click on the top right corner: Click on the “My Network” icon next to the “Home” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. This icon resembles two overlapping people.
Accessing your invitations list: Once the “My Network” page opens, you’ll see a summary of your connections and outstanding invitations. You will find the “See all” or “Manage all” option. Click on this option to access the list of all outstanding LinkedIn invitations.
Pending invitations list: By clicking “See all” or “Manage all” you will be taken to a list of pending invitations. These are the people who have sent connection requests to you or are waiting for your response. You can manage your connection requests by switching between two tabs located at the top of your screen.
You will find the “Received invitations” tab and the “Sent invitations” tab. Click on the “Sent invitations” tab, which will display a list of connection requests you have sent but have not yet been accepted.
Withdrawing the Connection Request
After finding the connection request you want to cancel, you can proceed to withdraw the request. To do this, follow these instructions:
Locate the connection request: Go through your list of sent invitations and find the request you want to cancel.
Click on the Withdraw button: Each connection request in your list will have a “Withdraw” option next to the individual’s name. Tap or click on the “Withdraw” button.
Yes or No prompt: Once you click on “Withdraw,” LinkedIn will display a prompt asking if you are sure you want to withdraw the connection request. To cancel your request, click “Withdraw”.
Once you withdraw a connection request, you won’t be able to resend a connection request to the same person for up to 3 weeks.
Things to Remember
It’s essential to keep the following points in mind about canceling and sending connection requests on LinkedIn:
- LinkedIn does not notify the person when you cancel a connection request. However, if they have seen the request, they will know it is no longer active.
- If the person has not accepted your request, they won’t be notified if you cancel it.
- You can only cancel pending connection requests. Once someone has accepted your request, you cannot “un-send” it. Instead, you would need to remove that person from your connections if you no longer want to be connected.
- Be cautious when sending connection requests, as LinkedIn may limit the number of requests you can send if too many go unanswered or are rejected.
Following these steps and guidelines, you can easily manage and cancel your LinkedIn connection requests.
Preventing Unwanted Connection Requests
Sometimes, we send connection requests by mistake, or we may change our minds after sending a request. To prevent unwanted connection requests from happening, consider the following strategies:
- Be deliberate when browsing LinkedIn: Take your time when exploring different profiles, and be mindful of where you are clicking to avoid sending connection requests accidentally. This is particularly important when using mobile devices, where it can be easier to tap the wrong area.
- Regularly review your pending requests: From time to time, review your pending connection requests to ensure that you still want to connect with those individuals. This will also help you withdraw any unwanted requests promptly.
- Apply a thoughtful decision-making process: Before connecting with someone, ask yourself if the connection aligns with your professional goals, if you share common interests or experiences, and if the connection could potentially enrich your network. Considering these factors, you can minimize the chances of sending unwanted requests.
I noticed quite many people aiming to reach high connection / follower numbers. The more relevant connections you have, the more value your network has. The keyword here is the relevancy.
Frequently asked questions
How can I withdraw a connection request sent on LinkedIn?
To withdraw a LinkedIn connection request, navigate to the “My Network” tab and select “Manage” under “Invitations.” Switch to the “Sent” tab, find the specific request, and click on “Withdraw” to cancel the previously sent invitation.
Does a LinkedIn user get notified if I cancel a connection request?
No, LinkedIn users do not receive notifications when a connection request gets canceled. The request will silently disappear from their invitations, and they will remain unaware of the withdrawal action.
Is there a limit to the number of connection requests I can withdraw?
LinkedIn does not impose a specific limit on withdrawing connection requests. However, sending a high volume of connection requests may result in restrictions. It’s best to send connection requests to people you know or who share a professional interest.
Will canceled connection requests affect my LinkedIn account standing?
Canceling a few connection requests won’t harm your account standing. However, routinely sending and canceling requests may be perceived by LinkedIn as spammy behavior, possibly leading to restrictions on your account.
Can I see the connections of other people?
Yes, you can see someone’s connections, but they have to be your 1st-degree connection.
Can I resend a connection request after canceling it?
Yes, you can resend a connection request after withdrawing the first one. However, to avoid any adverse consequences to your account or the recipient’s experience, ensure you have a valid reason for connecting before sending another request.
What happens if my connection request remains pending for a long time?
If a connection request remains pending for a long time (e.g., two weeks or more), consider withdrawing it. Pending requests count towards a 3,000 connection request limit, and the recipient may not have seen or forgotten about the request. You can try connecting again later.
