If the LinkedIn Message Sender Phantom returns an "InMail required" error, it means the target profile isn't a 1st-degree connection and doesn't have Open Profile enabled. LinkedIn only allows free direct messages to 1st-degree connections or Open Profile users. To fix it, filter your input list to 1st-degree connections only, connect with the person first, or switch to the Sales Navigator Message Sender with InMails enabled.
This error is closely related to the "Missing Send Button" error - both are caused by trying to message someone outside your 1st-degree network. The difference is that "InMail Required" specifically means LinkedIn is asking you to use InMail credits.
Why you're seeing this
This error appears when the Phantom tries to message someone who isn't a 1st-degree connection. LinkedIn only allows direct messages if:
- The person is already a 1st-degree connection.
- They have the Premium "Open Profile" feature enabled (anyone can message them for free)
Otherwise, LinkedIn requires you to use InMail, and the Phantom will show the error.
It can also appear if you're trying to send a message in Sales Navigator using the regular LinkedIn Message Sender Phantom instead of the Sales Navigator Message Sender.
To better understand how LinkedIn defines 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-degree connections, see LinkedIn's official guide on your network and degrees of connection.
How to fix it
Option 1: Filter your leads to include only 1st-degree connections
- Go to your LinkedIn Leads page.
- Create a lead list and apply the filter: Connection degree is 1st.
- In your Phantom's setup, choose My lists and select that filtered list to use as input.
Learn more in Create Filtered Lead Lists for Smarter Outreach.
Option 2: Expand your network first
Use a Phantom like the LinkedIn Outreach to send connection requests with a personalized message. Once accepted, the leads become 1st-degree connections, and your Phantom can send them follow-up messages.
Option 3: Use InMails via Sales Navigator
If you have a Sales Navigator account, switch to the Sales Navigator Message Sender Phantom.
In your Phantom's setup, go to the Message content step and enable the Send InMail messages option. InMails let you message 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections directly. Ensure you have enough InMail credits available to cover your outreach.
Learn more in InMail messages and credits.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between "InMail Required" and "Missing Send Button"?
Both mean you're trying to message someone outside your 1st-degree network. "Missing Send Button" means LinkedIn doesn't show a message option at all. "InMail Required" means LinkedIn is specifically prompting you to use InMail credits to reach that person.
Does PhantomBuster support sending InMails?
Yes, but only through the Sales Navigator Message Sender Phantom with the Send InMail messages option enabled. The regular LinkedIn Message Sender doesn't support InMails.
How many InMail credits do I get?
It depends on your LinkedIn plan. Check LinkedIn's InMail documentation for current details.
Can I message Open Profile users without InMail?
Yes. If someone has Open Profile enabled, they can receive free messages from anyone, no InMail credits needed and no connection required. The Phantom will send the message normally.
Will the Phantom skip profiles that need InMail?
Yes. The Phantom logs the "InMail required" error for that profile and continues processing the rest of your input list.
Can I mix 1st-degree and non-connected profiles in the same list?
You can, but the Phantom will skip any profiles that aren't 1st-degree (unless you're using the Sales Navigator Message Sender with InMails enabled). For cleaner results, filter your list to 1st-degree connections before launching.
If the error keeps showing up
If you've filtered for 1st-degree connections or enabled InMails but the error still appears, get in touch with our Customer Care Team. Include:
- The Phantom name and link
- The LinkedIn profile URLs you were trying to message
- A screenshot of the error in the output
- Your LinkedIn account type (Regular, Premium, Sales Navigator)