If the LinkedIn Message Sender or Sales Navigator Message Sender Phantom returns an "Error during loading of chat widget" error, it means LinkedIn's chat window failed to load when the Phantom tried to send a message. This is almost always a temporary LinkedIn-side issue. Wait a few minutes and relaunch the Phantom. If it persists, refresh your session cookie.
If the Phantom can't message someone because they're not a 1st-degree connection, that's a different issue, see How to Fix the "Missing Send Button" Error or How to Fix the "InMail Required" Error.
Why you're seeing this
This error happens when LinkedIn's chat window fails to load at the moment your Phantom tries to send a message. The Phantom runs in PhantomBuster's cloud browser, so this isn't related to your local browser or internet connection.
It's usually caused by:
- Temporary glitches in LinkedIn's messaging system
- An inactive or expired LinkedIn session cookie
- A LinkedIn platform update that affects how the chat interface loads
How to fix it
Wait and retry
The issue is often temporary. Wait 15–30 minutes, then relaunch your Phantom. If the Phantom is scheduled to run repeatedly, it will retry automatically on the next launch.
Refresh your session cookie
If retrying doesn't work, your session cookie may have expired or become invalid. Reconnect your LinkedIn account in the Phantom setup. For a full walkthrough, see How to Fix Session Cookie Expiration Errors.
Confirm your LinkedIn session is active
Stay logged in to LinkedIn in the same browser session that's connected to your Phantom. If you log out or your session expires, the Phantom won't be able to load the chat widget.
Check if LinkedIn messaging is down
Open LinkedIn manually in your browser and try sending a message to any connection. If LinkedIn's chat interface doesn't load for you either, the issue is on LinkedIn's side, wait for them to resolve it before relaunching.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a PhantomBuster issue or a LinkedIn issue?
Almost always LinkedIn. The Phantom is simply trying to open LinkedIn's chat window, and if LinkedIn's servers are slow or the chat interface fails to load, the Phantom can't proceed.
Will the Phantom retry the failed messages automatically?
Not within the same run. But if the Phantom is scheduled to run repeatedly, it will pick up any unprocessed profiles on the next launch.
Does this mean my messages weren't delivered?
Correct, if you see this error for a profile, the message wasn't sent. The Phantom will need to retry that profile on a subsequent run.
Can an expired session cookie cause this error?
Yes. An expired or invalid cookie can prevent LinkedIn from loading the chat interface. Refreshing the cookie in your Phantom setup usually resolves it.
Does this affect all profiles or just some?
It depends. If it's a temporary LinkedIn glitch, it may affect only some profiles during a run while others succeed. If it affects every profile, the issue is more likely a session cookie problem or a broader LinkedIn outage.
If the error keeps showing up
If you've waited, refreshed your cookie, and the error persists across multiple launches, get in touch with our Customer Care Team. Include:
- The Phantom name and link
- The launch log showing the error
- A screenshot of the error in the output
- When the error first started appearing
- Whether it affects all profiles or just some