Emily Bennett
Step-by-Step Guide to Permanently Delete Your LinkedIn Account
Are you considering a break from LinkedIn or looking to permanently delete your account? Whether you’re concerned about privacy, want to reduce your online presence, or simply no longer find value in the platform, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover how to delete your LinkedIn account on both desktop and mobile devices, what happens after you delete your account, and how to deactivate instead of deleting if you wish to keep your information for future use.
Before you begin, ensure you have your LinkedIn login credentials at hand, as you will need to enter your password to confirm the deletion. It’s also a good idea to download a copy of your LinkedIn data if you want to keep a record of your connections and activity. You can do this through the LinkedIn settings under ‘Privacy’.
Step 1: Access Your LinkedIn Account
Start by launching the LinkedIn application on your mobile device or visiting the LinkedIn website on your desktop browser. Log in to your account using your email address and password.
Step 2: Navigate to Account Settings
Once logged in, locate your profile icon in the top left corner of the app or the top right corner on the desktop site. Click on this icon, and from the dropdown menu, select Settings & Privacy. This will take you to your account settings page.
Step 3: Find the Option to Close Your Account
In the Settings & Privacy menu, look for the Help Center option. Use the search bar to type in “delete account”. From the search results, find and select the option labeled Close account.
Step 4: Confirm Your Decision to Delete
After selecting the close account option, you will be prompted to tap on Continue. You will then need to select a reason for your account closure from the provided options. This helps LinkedIn understand why users are leaving the platform.
Step 5: Enter Your Password
To finalize the deletion process, enter your LinkedIn password in the designated field. This step is crucial for security purposes, ensuring that only you can close your account.
Step 6: Complete the Deletion Process
Once you’ve entered your password, tap on Done or Close Account to permanently delete your LinkedIn account. Your profile and all associated data will be removed from the platform.
What Happens After Deleting Your LinkedIn Account?
After confirming the deletion, your LinkedIn profile will be permanently removed, and you will lose access to all connections, messages, and any endorsements you had. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your profile to disappear completely from search results and other users’ feeds.
How to Deactivate Instead of Deleting
If you are not entirely sure about permanently deleting your account, you can opt to deactivate your LinkedIn account instead. This will hide your profile and data without permanently removing it. To do this, follow the same steps to reach the account closure section but select the option to deactivate your account instead.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Before deleting your account, consider downloading your LinkedIn data. You can find this option in the Settings & Privacy section under Data Privacy. Common mistakes include forgetting to back up important connections or misunderstanding the difference between deactivating and deleting your account. Ensure you are fully aware of what each option entails before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my LinkedIn account after deletion?
No, once your LinkedIn account is permanently deleted, it cannot be recovered. Ensure you are certain about your decision before proceeding.
Will my data be deleted immediately?
Your profile will be removed from view immediately, but it may take some time for all your data to be completely erased from LinkedIn’s servers.
What if I change my mind after deactivation?
If you deactivate your account, you can reactivate it at any time by logging back in with your credentials. Your data will remain intact during the deactivation period.