LinkedIn Private Mode: How to Browse Profiles Anonymously in 2025

Browsing LinkedIn profiles can be insightful, but sometimes you want to keep your research private. LinkedIn private mode is designed exactly for this, allowing you to explore profiles without revealing your identity.

Why Use LinkedIn Private Mode?

Stay in Control of Your Digital Footprint

Maybe you’re researching potential employers or checking out the competition and prefer to keep a low profile. With this feature, you stay in control while learning about others on the platform.

What Is LinkedIn Private Mode?

LinkedIn private mode lets you view profiles anonymously. Instead of your name and headline, you appear as “Anonymous LinkedIn Member.” It’s ideal if you're curious about how to make LinkedIn private or want more discretion.

Combine with Falcon VPN for Ultimate Privacy

Did you know that combining LinkedIn private mode with a VPN adds another layer of protection?

How to Use Falcon VPN for LinkedIn:

Using Falcon VPN with LinkedIn private mode gives you total browsing discretion—ideal for job seekers, recruiters, or researchers.

LinkedIn Visibility Settings Explained

LinkedIn offers three visibility modes to control how others see your profile when you view theirs.

Understanding these settings helps you manage your digital identity across different contexts.

How to Turn On LinkedIn Private Mode

On Desktop

1. Log into LinkedIn.

2. Click your profile photo (top-right corner).

3. Choose Settings & Privacy.

4. Go to Visibility > Profile viewing options.

5. Select Private mode.

On Mobile

1. Open the LinkedIn app.

2. Tap your profile picture.

3. Navigate to Settings > Visibility.

4. Choose Profile viewing options.

5. Tap Private mode.

Whether desktop or mobile, these steps ensure you’re viewing profiles anonymously on LinkedIn in seconds.

How to Turn Off LinkedIn Private Mode

Need to go public again? Switching back is just as simple:

• Follow the same steps above for your device.
• Instead of selecting Private mode, choose either Public mode or Semi-private mode.

This will restore your visibility so others can see your name and professional information when you view their profile.

Want to go public again? Follow the same steps above and choose Public or Semi-private instead of Private mode.
This is useful when you're actively job hunting or looking to increase your visibility.

Is LinkedIn Private Mode Worth It?

Benefits of Using Private Mode

LinkedIn private mode is a valuable tool when:

• You're researching potential job opportunities.

• You want to compare profiles without notifying users.

• You're vetting potential hires as a recruiter.

• You’re keeping an eye on competitors anonymously.

• You want more security and peace of mind while browsing.

Enhanced Privacy with VPN Support

Pairing LinkedIn private mode with tools like Falcon VPN or the best VPN for Android/iPhone ensures your activity is encrypted and untraceable—especially when using public Wi-Fi.

How to Make LinkedIn Private (Beyond Profile Viewing)

Want more control over your presence? Here’s how to make LinkedIn private in other areas:

Edit Profile Visibility

• Limit who can view your profile (e.g., “Connections only”).

• Use the “Public profile” settings to reduce exposure in Google searches.

Remove Sensitive Info

• Avoid displaying email, phone number, or personal details.

Limit Discoverability

• Prevent users from finding you via phone or email.

Manage Connection Visibility

• Restrict who can see your connections list.

Control Company Representation

• Turn off “representing your company” in profile settings.

Review Email & Contact Settings

• Adjust who can access your email and toggle off email discovery.

How to Hibernate LinkedIn Account

If you need a break from LinkedIn, use the hibernate account option:

Steps to Hibernate:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy.

2. Select Account preferences.

3. Scroll to Hibernate account and follow the prompts.

This pauses your activity and hides your profile without deleting it.

Use Falcon VPN for Extra Layered Protection

While LinkedIn private mode gives you anonymity on the platform, pairing it with a trusted VPN like Falcon VPN helps protect your overall browsing activity—especially on public Wi-Fi or when conducting sensitive research. A VPN encrypts your connection, hiding your IP address and location from potential trackers and data collectors.

Here’s how to get started with Falcon VPN:

Download Falcon VPN

• Get the VPN App
  Head over to FalconVPN and download the appropriate version for your device.
• Complete Installation
  Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install the VPN app on your device.
• Open the VPN App
  Launch the app after installation. Select your preferred server location.
• Connect to Secure Your Internet
  Hit the “Connect” button to encrypt your connection and protect your online activities.

Privacy vs. Networking: Finding the Balance

While LinkedIn private mode is useful, excessive privacy can limit your networking potential. Use privacy features wisely and update them as your goals evolve.

🛡️ Pro Tip: Use Falcon VPN when researching sensitive topics or accessing LinkedIn in restricted regions for added protection.

LinkedIn Private Mode: Frequently Asked Questions

Does LinkedIn Premium Override Private Mode?

No. Even Premium members can’t see your profile if you use private mode. LinkedIn respects this setting across all account types.

Can I See Who Views My Profile in Private Mode?

Only if you’re not browsing anonymously. When in private mode, you can’t see your own profile viewers unless you have Premium—and only when browsing in public or semi-private mode.

Can You Be Completely Private on LinkedIn?

Not entirely. LinkedIn requires a basic public presence (name, industry), but you can control how much is visible and how to make LinkedIn private by adjusting settings.

Quick Summary Table: LinkedIn Private Mode Features

Final Thoughts: Is LinkedIn Private Mode for You?

Whether you're:

• Exploring competitors,

• Recruiting talent,

• Building your brand quietly, or

• Trying to protect your identity,

LinkedIn private mode puts you in control.

Pair it with the Best VPN proxy to protect your activity further—especially on mobile and public networks. And remember, the right privacy strategy helps you engage with LinkedIn on your own terms.