LinkedIn deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete

When you delete your LinkedIn account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During that month, your profile goes dark — nobody can find it, message you, or see your activity — but the account still exists in LinkedIn's systems. After 30 days pass, deletion becomes final and your data is removed from their servers. You cannot undo this after the 30-day window closes.

The process itself takes about two minutes. You log in, go to your account settings, find the "Close account" option, confirm your identity, and select a reason for leaving. LinkedIn will ask if you want to download your data before you go. After you submit the deletion request, you're done — the waiting period runs automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your account is permanent after 30 days, so download your data first if you want to keep a record of your connections or posts.
  • Your profile becomes invisible immediately, but you have 30 days to cancel the deletion by logging back in.
  • LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone before the deletion goes through.
  • If you want to keep your professional network but step back from the platform, deactivating (hiding your profile without deleting it) is a middle option.

Step-by-step deletion process

Start by logging into LinkedIn on a computer — the mobile app doesn't have the account closure option. Click your profile photo in the top right corner and select "Settings and privacy" from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, click "Account preferences" and then scroll down to find "Close account."

LinkedIn will show you a warning that explains the 30-day waiting period and what happens to your data. Click "Continue" to move forward. The site will ask you to select a reason for closing — the options are things like "I'm not finding value," "I'm concerned about privacy," or "I'm closing my account for another reason." Pick whichever fits, though your answer doesn't change what happens next.

Next, LinkedIn asks you to confirm your identity. You'll receive a security code by email or text message (you choose which). Enter that code on the screen. After you do, click "Close account" one more time to finalize the request. That's it — your account is now in deletion mode.

What happens to your data during the 30-day window

Your profile becomes completely hidden from other users right away. People who search for you won't find your profile. Messages you sent stay in other people's inboxes, but they can't reply to you or see that you're online. Your posts, recommendations, and endorsements disappear from the platform. LinkedIn removes you from groups and stops sending you notifications.

The company keeps your data on its servers during the 30 days in case you want to reverse the deletion. If you log back in during this period, your account reactivates fully — your profile, connections, and posts all come back exactly as they were. You don't have to do anything special; just signing in cancels the deletion request.

After 30 days, LinkedIn permanently deletes your information from their active systems. They may keep some data for legal or backup purposes, but your profile and personal details are gone from the platform itself.

Download your data before you delete

LinkedIn offers a data download option right before you confirm deletion. This file contains your connections list, messages, posts, profile information, and endorsements in a format you can open on your computer. It's worth doing even if you don't think you'll need it — you can't get this information back after the 30-day window closes.

To download your data, go to "Settings and privacy," then "Data privacy," and look for "Get a copy of your data." LinkedIn will prepare a file and send you a download link by email within a few hours. The file is a ZIP archive that you can extract and read in a text editor or spreadsheet program.

Deactivating instead of deleting

If you're not sure about permanent deletion, deactivating your account is a less drastic option. When you deactivate, your profile hides from view but your account stays in LinkedIn's system indefinitely. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — no waiting period, no data loss.

Deactivation is useful if you want to step away from LinkedIn but might want to return later, or if you're just taking a break. Your connections won't see your profile or activity, but the account itself isn't going anywhere. To deactivate, go to "Settings and privacy," then "Account preferences," and select "Deactivate account" instead of "Close account."

What you lose when you delete

Your connections list disappears. You won't be able to contact people through LinkedIn or see their profiles. Any recommendations or endorsements you gave or received are gone. Your job history, education, skills, and profile photo are all deleted. If you posted articles, documents, or updates to LinkedIn, those are removed too.

Third-party apps that you connected to your LinkedIn account will lose access to your data. If you used LinkedIn to sign into other websites or services, you'll need to use a different login method or create a new account on those platforms. Check any apps you use regularly before you delete, so you know which ones are affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel the deletion after I've requested it?

Yes, anytime during the 30-day waiting period. Just log back into your account and your profile will reactivate immediately with all your data intact. After 30 days, cancellation is no longer possible.

Will LinkedIn delete my account if I just stop using it?

No. Inactive accounts stay on LinkedIn indefinitely. If you want your profile gone, you have to request deletion yourself. Simply not logging in won't remove your account or data.

What if I forgot my password before I tried to delete?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it. You'll receive a reset link by email. Once you're logged in, follow the deletion steps normally. If you can't access your email, contact LinkedIn's support team through their help center.

Does LinkedIn delete my account if I delete the app from my phone?

No. Deleting the app only removes it from your device. Your account and all your data remain on LinkedIn's servers. You have to go through the account closure process in your settings to actually delete the account.

Can someone else delete my LinkedIn account?

No. LinkedIn requires you to log in and confirm your identity with a security code before deletion can happen. If someone has your password, change it immediately and enable two-factor authentication in your security settings.