LinkedIn voice message not working? Here's why, and how to fix it
By Tirth Shah, founder of Bub · Updated
Most of the time it's one of these: you're on a laptop or desktop (LinkedIn only lets you record voice messages in its mobile app), the person isn't a 1st-degree connection, there's text in the message box hiding the mic, or LinkedIn doesn't have microphone permission. On desktop, the fix is a Chrome extension like Bub, which adds a record button to LinkedIn's message box for free.
Add Bub to Chrome, it's free7 reasons you can't send a LinkedIn voice message
| Reason | How to tell | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| You're on desktop | No mic anywhere in the message box on linkedin.com | Use the phone app, or add Bub to record from your laptop |
| Not a 1st-degree connection | The mic never shows in that chat | Connect first. LinkedIn allows voice to 1st-degree connections and group chats |
| There's text in the box | The mic swaps for the send button once you type | Clear the text, record, then send the text separately |
| No microphone permission | Tapping the mic does nothing or shows an error | Allow the microphone for LinkedIn in your phone's settings |
| Another app is using the mic | Recording won't start, or it's silent | Close calls, Zoom or other recording apps |
| Old app version | Missing features other people have | Update LinkedIn from the App Store or Google Play |
| Sales Navigator inbox | You're replying inside Sales Navigator | Reply from regular LinkedIn messaging instead |
How to allow the microphone
- iPhone: Settings, then LinkedIn, then turn on Microphone.
- Android: Settings, then Apps, then LinkedIn, then Permissions, then Microphone, then Allow.
- Chrome on a laptop (with Bub): click the icon at the left of the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, then try again.
- Mac: System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Microphone, then turn on your browser.
- Windows: Settings, then Privacy & security, then Microphone, then let desktop apps use the microphone.
Recording a LinkedIn voice message on a laptop
There's no mic on linkedin.com because LinkedIn never built one for the website. Bub, a free Chrome extension, adds a record button to LinkedIn's message box on desktop: open a chat, press ⌘⇧V on Mac (Ctrl+Shift+V on Windows), talk, and send. It arrives as a regular LinkedIn voice message.
The step by step guide is here: how to send a LinkedIn voice message from your desktop.
Questions
Why is there no microphone on LinkedIn desktop?
LinkedIn only offers voice messages in its mobile app. The website has no record button. A Chrome extension like Bub adds one.
Why did the mic disappear in the LinkedIn app?
It's usually hidden because there's text in the message box, so the button turns into send. Clear the text and the mic comes back. It also won't show for people who aren't 1st-degree connections.
Can I send a voice message in InMail?
LinkedIn allows voice messages to your 1st-degree connections and in group chats, so connect first or start with text.
How long can the voice message be?
Up to one minute. Keep it to 20 to 40 seconds for the best chance it gets played.
Checked October 6, 2026. LinkedIn changes its features and limits from time to time.