LinkedIn lets you delete your profile completely, but the process takes time and you lose access to your account immediately

When you delete a LinkedIn profile, the account closes right away, but LinkedIn keeps your data for 30 days before removing it from their servers. During those 30 days, you can reactivate your account if you change your mind. After 30 days, your profile, messages, connections, and all associated data are gone for good. LinkedIn does not offer a way to download your data before deletion, so if you need anything from your profile, save it first.

The deletion process itself takes just a few minutes, but you need to be signed into your account to start it. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it before you can proceed with deletion.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be signed into your LinkedIn account to delete it; the option is not available from the login page.
  • Your profile disappears immediately, but LinkedIn keeps your data for 30 days in case you want to reactivate.
  • After 30 days, all your information is permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
  • You should download or save any information you want to keep before starting the deletion process, since LinkedIn does not provide a data export option during account closure.

Steps to delete your LinkedIn account

Start by signing into your LinkedIn account on a computer or phone. Go to your profile photo in the top right corner and select "Settings and privacy" from the dropdown menu. Then click "Settings" to open your account settings page.

On the Settings page, look for the "Account management" section on the left side. Click "Deactivate account" — note that this option says "deactivate," not "delete," but it is the correct choice for permanent removal. LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your password before proceeding. Enter your password and click the button to continue.

LinkedIn will then show you a screen asking why you are leaving and offering options to download your data or stay in touch. You can skip these if you wish. At the bottom of the page, you will see a button to confirm account closure. Click it, and your account will be deactivated immediately.

What happens to your data during the 30-day window

For 30 days after deletion, your profile will not appear in search results or to other users, but your account still exists on LinkedIn's servers. If you sign back in with your email and password during this period, your profile will reactivate with all your information intact — your connections, messages, job history, and recommendations will all return.

LinkedIn will not send you reminder emails during the 30-day period, so you need to remember the deadline yourself if you think you might want to come back. After 30 days pass, reactivation is no longer possible.

Saving your information before deletion

LinkedIn does not offer an official export tool for accounts being closed, so you will need to manually save anything you want to keep. Before you delete, take screenshots of your profile summary, work history, recommendations, and any messages you want to preserve. You can also copy and paste your "About" section and skills into a document.

If you have connections you want to stay in touch with, write down their names or email addresses before deletion. Once your account is gone, you will lose access to your connection list and any way to contact people through LinkedIn.

Differences between deactivation and deletion

LinkedIn uses the term "deactivate" for what is actually permanent deletion. Some people confuse this with a temporary pause, but deactivating your account is the only way to fully close it. There is no separate "pause" or "temporary deactivation" option on LinkedIn — deactivation is the final step.

If you want to keep your account but just stop using it, you can instead change your privacy settings to make your profile invisible to others. This keeps your account active but hides it from search results and other users. You can do this by going to Settings, clicking "Visibility," and selecting "Private mode." This option lets you come back anytime without losing your data.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you have forgotten your password, go to the LinkedIn login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter your email address, and LinkedIn will send you a reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and follow the link to create a new password. Once you have reset your password, sign in and follow the deletion steps above.

If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your account, contact LinkedIn Support through their help center. Explain that you want to close your account but cannot sign in. LinkedIn may ask you to verify your identity before they can process the deletion request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my LinkedIn profile from the mobile app?

Yes. Open the app, tap your profile photo, go to "Settings and privacy," then "Settings," and look for "Account management." Tap "Deactivate account" and follow the same confirmation steps as on a computer. The process is identical on both platforms.

Will my profile disappear immediately after I click delete?

Yes, your profile will be hidden from search results and other users right away. However, LinkedIn keeps your data on their servers for 30 days. If you reactivate during that window, everything returns exactly as it was.

What if I change my mind after deleting my account?

You have 30 days to reactivate. Sign in with your email and password, and your account will come back with all your information. After 30 days, reactivation is no longer possible and your data is permanently removed.

Do I need to delete my LinkedIn app after closing my account?

No, but you will not be able to sign in once your account is closed. You can leave the app on your phone or delete it — either way, it will not work without an active account. If you reactivate within 30 days, you can sign back in through the app.

Will LinkedIn send me emails after I delete my account?

No. Once your account is deactivated, LinkedIn will stop sending you emails. If you reactivate within 30 days, email notifications will resume at their previous settings.