Don’t waste LinkedIn connection requests.

You must send out those connection requests to expand your LinkedIn network. The more, the merrier, right?

But what happens when they go unanswered?

LinkedIn may stop promoting your account or restrict it if you have too many pending connection requests.

So, how can you manage your LinkedIn connection requests to make the most out of them?

What Happens When You Cancel a LinkedIn Invitation

When you cancel a connection request, LinkedIn doesn’t notify the recipient and will stop reminding them to accept the invitation. 

Also, you can’t send another invitation for up to 3 weeks. 

LinkedIn may limit your account activity if you send too many connection requests or receive a high number of “I don’t know this person” reports. 

However, LinkedIn will not remove the restrictions even if you cancel invitations. 

When You Should Cancel a LinkedIn Connection Request

How long should you wait before canceling an invitation?

You should cancel the invitation request if the recipient hasn’t accepted it after one or two weeks. This means they’re not interested in connecting with you or actively using their account.

In this case, LinkedIn is not the best platform for reaching out to them, and you have to try a different outreach strategy.

Why You Should Remove Pending LinkedIn Connection Requests

Think about it from an algorithm perspective. Why should LinkedIn promote your account if most people ignore your connection requests?

If your invitations are constantly ignored, it’s time to re-evaluate your LinkedIn strategy. Here are a few reasons why people might decline your invitations:

Incomplete profile. A profile with no image, headline, or job title makes you seem less professional. 
No mutual connections. With no mutual connections, they might think you don’t fit their professional network. 
Timing. Don’t send connection requests when your audience is least active. 
No personalization. The default “I’d like to add you to my network on LinkedIn” message might get people to ignore your invitation.
Instead, take the time to research their profile and write a personalized LinkedIn outreach message. 
LinkedIn limits. Trying to connect with a LinkedIn influencer? They might’ve reached the 30,000 1-st degree connections and can’t accept any more invitations.

Additionally, there’s a limit on how many connection requests you can send on LinkedIn.

Depending on your network size and previous account activity, you can send between 100 and 200 connection requests weekly.

Removing old connection requests from your sent list can free up space for new ones.

Keep track of your acceptance rate. If most LinkedIn members accept your invitation, it’s a good sign that you’re reaching your target audience. 

How to Cancel LinkedIn Connection Requests

Canceling or withdrawing your request shouldn’t take much time.
Here’s how you can do it in 3 steps:

Step 1. Go to “My Network” and click “Manage”. 

Step 2. Open the “Sent” tab.

Step 3. Click the “Withdraw” button. 

How to Remove Pending Invitations Requests on Mobile

Canceling a LinkedIn connection request is pretty much the same process on the mobile app as on the desktop version.

1. Select the My Network tab at the bottom of the app screen.

2. Find the Invitations link at the top of the screen.

3. Then switch over to the Sent tab.

4. Finally, tap the Withdraw button next to any profile with whom you wish to sever ties.

To withdraw multiple invites, simply go down the list and tap Withdraw on each request.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does LinkedIn Automatically Remove Connection Requests?

LinkedIn can automatically cancel pending connection requests, but only after the invitation has been pending for 6 months.
If your invitee doesn’t respond, LinkedIn will send 2 reminders before the invitation expires. 

2. Can You Remove LinkedIn Connection Requests in Bulk?

You can’t cancel all pending LinkedIn invitations at once. You have to withdraw them one by one.

To avoid raising red flags with LinkedIn’s algorithms, avoid canceling too many invitations at once.

3. What Happens When Someone Declines Your LinkedIn Invitation?

On LinkedIn, you can either accept or ignore an invitation. Whenever someone ignores your connection request, LinkedIn doesn’t notify you. 

The invitation will remain in their LinkedIn inbox if they don’t respond. LinkedIn might send them a reminder to follow up.

Wrapping It Up!

While most people ignore pending LinkedIn connection requests, you should clean up their pending invitations list.

To avoid any pending connection requests, build up your network by inviting colleagues, fellow alumni, industry peers, etc.

Every time you send a connection request, it’s an opportunity for others to learn about you through your LinkedIn profile. Make a lasting impression with an impressive profile and a personalized message.