How to organize LinkedIn messages
By Tirth Shah, founder of Bub · Updated
LinkedIn has no folders or custom labels for messages. It gives you fixed filters (Unread, My Connections, Starred, InMail and Jobs), a Focused and Other inbox, Archived, and search. To really organize LinkedIn messages, star or archive with intent, or use an inbox that adds labels: in the Bub inbox you label any chat with L and turn each label into its own split inbox.
Add Bub to Chrome, it's freeWhat LinkedIn gives you
| Tool | What it does | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Focused / Other | LinkedIn sorts messages into two tabs | LinkedIn decides, not you |
| Filters | Unread, My Connections, Starred, InMail, Jobs | Fixed list; you can't make your own |
| Star | Mark a conversation as important | One flag for everything |
| Archive | Move a conversation out of your inbox | No way back in on a schedule |
| Search | Find messages by keyword or name | You have to know what to search for |
A simple system with only LinkedIn
- Archive every conversation that needs nothing from you, so your inbox is only open loops.
- Star the ones you owe a reply or a follow-up, and check the Starred filter daily.
- Use Unread on purpose: mark a chat unread when you can't deal with it now.
- Keep a weekly reminder in your calendar to sweep Starred and follow up.
Labels and split inboxes with Bub
- Open the Bub inbox. Add the free Bub extension, then go to heybub.so/inbox. Your LinkedIn conversations load straight from LinkedIn.
- Label a chat. Press L and pick or create a label, like Prospects, Clients, Candidates or Partners. A chat can have several.
- Split your inbox. Give a label its own inbox. Tab moves between them, so each list only shows what belongs there.
- Set reminders. Press H to snooze a chat until it's time to follow up.
- Archive to zero. Press E when a chat is done. What's left is what needs you.
Questions
Can you create folders in LinkedIn messages?
No. LinkedIn messaging has no folders or custom labels, only fixed filters like Unread, Starred, My Connections, InMail and Jobs.
How do I label LinkedIn messages?
Use an inbox that adds labels. In the Bub inbox, press L on any conversation to label it, and turn labels into split inboxes.
What does Starred do in LinkedIn messages?
Starring marks a conversation as important so it shows up in the Starred filter.
Where do archived LinkedIn messages go?
To the Archived view. You can open and restore them any time.
Checked October 6, 2026. LinkedIn changes its features and limits from time to time.