# How do I message someone on LinkedIn without connecting first?
> Use InMail credits, Open Profile when you see a Message button on a non-connection, or message through a shared group. Regular DMs still need a first-degree connection.
- HTML: https://omentir.com/help/how-to-message-someone-on-linkedin-without-connecting
- Markdown: https://omentir.com/help/how-to-message-someone-on-linkedin-without-connecting.md

A normal LinkedIn DM is for first-degree connections. If you are not connected, the Message button is either missing, it starts an InMail, or it works because they turned on Open Profile.

InMail is the paid path. You spend a credit from Premium or Sales Navigator. Write a short subject and a short body. If they reply, LinkedIn often returns the credit. If they ignore you, the credit is gone.

Open Profile is the free-looking path. Some Premium members let anyone message them. You will see Message on their profile even though you are not connected. LinkedIn still rate-limits how many of those you can send. It is not an unlimited back door.

Shared groups and some event attendee surfaces have also allowed messages without a connection. Those rules change. If the UI offers Message in a group you both belong to, keep it as short as an invite note and do not paste a sequence.

Sponsored InMail (ads) is a different product with a different inbox feel. Do not confuse a paid ad unit with a 1:1 conversation. For most outbound, connect with a reason or spend InMail on the few names that are worth a credit. See [what is LinkedIn Open Profile](/help/what-is-linkedin-open-profile) and [what is LinkedIn InMail](/help/what-is-linkedin-inmail).

## Related

- [What is LinkedIn Open Profile?](https://omentir.com/help/what-is-linkedin-open-profile.md)
- [What is LinkedIn InMail and when should I use it?](https://omentir.com/help/what-is-linkedin-inmail.md)
- [How do I write a LinkedIn connection request that gets accepted?](https://omentir.com/help/how-to-write-a-linkedin-connection-request.md)

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I email their LinkedIn.com address?**

Do not harvest or guess LinkedIn email aliases as a workaround. That is a ToS and deliverability mess. Use a verified work email from a proper data flow, or stay on the platform.

**Does following them let me DM?**

No. Follow is one-way. You still need a connection, InMail, Open Profile, or another allowed surface.

**Is a connection request with a long note the same as a DM?**

No. The note is tiny and public-ish in the invite. The DM after accept is the conversation. Do not try to hold the whole pitch in the invite.

**Should I InMail everyone I cannot connect with?**

No. Credits are scarce. Spend them on people with a trigger and a title that can buy, not as a substitute for a bad list.

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