If you’ve decided it’s time to step away from LinkedIn, you may be asking yourself, "How do I delete my LinkedIn account completely?" Closing your account permanently means removing all your information from LinkedIn’s platform. Unlike simply hiding your profile, this process ensures your data is erased, and your LinkedIn presence disappears altogether. With just a few clicks, you can delete your account and regain control of your online footprint. If you're also looking to clean up other social accounts, check out our guides on how to delete your Yahoo account and how to delete your Twitter account.
Things to Know Before You Delete Your LinkedIn Account
Before you hit the delete button, think about what you might be giving up:
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Losing Contacts: You’ll lose all professional connections on LinkedIn unless you’ve exported them to another platform beforehand.
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Search Visibility: You won’t appear in LinkedIn’s search results or public search engines anymore.
What to Do Before Deleting Your LinkedIn Account
If you’re sure you want to proceed, consider these steps first:
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Deactivate any active Premium subscription.
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Download a copy of your data archive to maintain records of your network and activity.
How to Delete a LinkedIn Account on a Desktop
Deleting your LinkedIn account on a desktop is quick and simple. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the LinkedIn Home Page
Log in to your LinkedIn account, and click on your profile photo in the top-right corner. From the dropdown menu, click "Settings & Privacy".
2. Open Account Preferences
Click the "Account Preferences" tab located on the left-hand menu.
3. Navigate to Account Management
Scroll down to the section called "Account Management" and select "Close Account".
4. Review & Continue
LinkedIn prompts you to review what you’re about to lose. If you’re certain, click "Continue".
5. Provide a Reason
Indicate why you’re choosing to delete your LinkedIn account. Select your reason from the options provided and click "Next".
6. Verify Your Decision
Enter your LinkedIn password, unsubscribe from any LinkedIn communications if prompted, and finally, hit "Done".
✅ That’s it! Your LinkedIn account will now be scheduled for permanent deletion.
How to Delete Your LinkedIn Account on Mobile
Wondering, "How do I close my LinkedIn account using my smartphone?" The process to delete your LinkedIn account on mobile is just as easy:
1. Open the LinkedIn App
Tap on your profile picture at the top-left corner. This opens the sidebar menu. Choose "Settings".
2. Select Account Preferences
Under the settings menu, tap on "Account Preferences".
3. Scroll Down to Close Account
Locate the "Close Account" option at the bottom and select it.
4. Tap Continue
LinkedIn will clarify what happens when you delete your account. If you’re ready, tap "Continue".
5. State Your Reason
Just like on desktop, LinkedIn requires you to explain why you’re leaving. Choose your reason and tap "Next".
6. Confirm Your Request
Enter your password, unsubscribe from communications if applicable, and then hit "Done".
✅ Your LinkedIn account will be marked for closure and removed shortly after completing these steps.
How to Reactivate or Delete Your LinkedIn Account
Have you made the decision to delete your LinkedIn account, only to later realize you want it back? Or maybe you're wondering how do I delete a LinkedIn account and what happens after? Whether you’ve made a misstep or are looking to understand the process, we’ve got you covered.
Can You Reactivate a Deleted LinkedIn Account?
If you’ve decided to recover your LinkedIn profile, here’s some good news:
You can reactivate your LinkedIn account within the first 14 days after closing it. However, after the 14-day window, LinkedIn permanently removes your account and all associated data.
Steps to Reactivate Your LinkedIn Account
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Access Recovery Page | Use the link from your closure email or go to LinkedIn’s login page. |
| 2. Sign In | Enter your email and password, then click Sign in. |
| 3. Confirm Reactivation | Click Reactivate, then check your email for confirmation details. |
What You Might Lose (Even If You Reactivate)
Some data cannot be recovered, including:
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Group memberships
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Following (e.g., influencers, companies)
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Ignored or pending connection requests
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Endorsements and recommendations
What Happens When You Delete Your LinkedIn Account?
When you delete your LinkedIn account, you’ll no longer have access to a platform that connects millions of professionals in seconds. However, this step can help enhance your online safety by reducing your digital footprint.
Removing your personal data from LinkedIn can provide additional privacy during a time when data leaks and cybersecurity concerns are prevalent.
Protecting Your Online Presence After Deleting Your Account
With cyber threats like phishing attacks, fake accounts, and privacy breaches on the rise, it’s crucial to stay informed about digital safety practices.
Hide Your IP Address with a VPN
If you're looking for more security, try ensuring your browsing remains anonymous with a free vpn - Falcon vpn.
Falcon VPN(Free VPN for Android) offers tools to secure your online activity, customize your browsing location, and block malicious attempts to access your information. Here’s how to use it:
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Go to the official Falcon VPN website.
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Download the app for your device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS).
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Visit the What Is My Address page to view your real IP.
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Launch Falcon VPN and connect to a private server.
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Refresh the IP page to confirm your new protected address.
This adds a layer of anonymity that complements your decision to delete your LinkedIn account.
✅ FAQ: How to Delete Your LinkedIn Account
How do I delete my LinkedIn account permanently?
To delete your LinkedIn account permanently, go to Settings & Privacy → Account Preferences → Close Account, then follow the on-screen instructions. This process removes all your profile data and ends your visibility.
Can I reactivate a deleted LinkedIn account?
Yes, you can reactivate your account within 14 days of deletion. Visit the login page, enter your credentials, and click Reactivate. After 14 days, recovery is no longer possible.
Is deleting a LinkedIn account the same as deactivating it?
No. Deleting is permanent, while deactivating isn’t an option LinkedIn currently offers. You can choose to hide your public profile or adjust visibility settings if you're unsure about deleting.
How do I close my LinkedIn account from the mobile app?
Tap your profile icon, go to Settings → Account Preferences → Close Account, then follow the steps. The mobile process is very similar to desktop.
What happens to my connections after deleting LinkedIn?
All your connections, messages, endorsements, and activity history will be deleted. Consider downloading your data before closing your account.
How to delete LinkedIn account without logging in?
You must log in to delete your LinkedIn account. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the password recovery option on the login screen before proceeding.Learn how to delete your LinkedIn account permanently on desktop or mobile, and what to expect after closure, including reactivation options.
John Miller is a tech enthusiast and online privacy advocate with over 8 years of experience in VPN and cybersecurity. He writes expert guides to help users navigate VPN options, enhance their online security, and protect their privacy on the internet.
