Your LinkedIn URL is in your profile header

Your LinkedIn URL is the web address that takes someone directly to your profile. You can find it at the top of your LinkedIn profile page, in the address bar of your browser. When you are logged into LinkedIn and viewing your own profile, look at the URL in the browser — it will look something like linkedin.com/in/yourname or linkedin.com/in/yourname123.

LinkedIn assigns you a default URL when you create your account, but you can customize it to make it shorter and easier to share. Your custom URL replaces the random numbers LinkedIn generates, so instead of linkedin.com/in/john-smith-8472b5c9, you could have linkedin.com/in/johnsmith.

Key Takeaways

  • Your LinkedIn URL appears in the browser address bar when you view your own profile, and it always starts with linkedin.com/in/.
  • You can customize your URL to remove numbers and make it shorter, but you can only change it once every six months.
  • To customize your URL, go to your profile settings, find the "Public profile & URL" section, and click the edit button next to your current URL.
  • Your custom URL should contain only letters, numbers, and hyphens — spaces and special characters will not work.
  • Once you customize your URL, you can copy it from your profile settings and share it in your email signature, resume, or social media.

How to find your current LinkedIn URL

Open LinkedIn and click your profile photo in the top right corner. Select "View profile" from the menu. When your profile page loads, look at the address bar at the very top of your browser window. The URL shown there is your LinkedIn profile address. It will always begin with linkedin.com/in/ followed by your name or username.

If you want to copy this URL to share it, you can highlight the entire address in the browser bar, right-click, and select "Copy". You can then paste it anywhere — into an email, a document, or a messaging app. Some browsers also have a copy button built into the address bar that you can click instead.

How to customize your LinkedIn URL

To create a shorter, custom URL, go to your profile and click the "Edit public profile & URL" button. This button appears on the right side of your profile header, next to your profile photo. When you click it, a panel will open on the right side of the screen showing your current URL.

Look for the pencil icon next to your URL and click it. A text box will appear where you can type your custom URL. LinkedIn will show you what the full address will look like as you type. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters like periods or underscores. Keep it short and professional — your first and last name, or your first name and last initial, usually works well.

Once you have typed the custom URL you want, click the "Save" button. LinkedIn will check whether that URL is already taken. If it is available, your new URL goes live immediately. If someone else has already claimed it, you will need to try a different combination.

What to do if your desired URL is taken

If the custom URL you want is already in use by another LinkedIn member, you will see a message saying it is not available. You have a few options: try adding a middle initial, add a number at the end, or use a hyphen between your first and last name.

For example, if linkedin.com/in/johnsmith is taken, you could try linkedin.com/in/john-smith, linkedin.com/in/johnsmith1, or linkedin.com/in/jsmith. LinkedIn will tell you right away whether each option is available, so you can experiment until you find one that works.

Important limits on changing your URL

LinkedIn only allows you to change your custom URL once every six months. This means if you customize your URL today and then change your mind next week, you will have to wait until six months have passed before you can change it again. Choose carefully the first time, because you are stuck with it for at least half a year.

If you have already customized your URL recently and want to change it, check the date you made the last change. LinkedIn will show you when you are may be able to access to change it again. If you have not customized your URL yet, you have one free customization available to you right now.

Where to use your LinkedIn URL

Once you have your custom URL, you can share it anywhere you want people to find your professional profile. Add it to your email signature so every email you send includes a link to your profile. Include it on your resume or cover letter, especially in the contact information section at the top. Post it on your personal website or blog if you have one.

You can also share your LinkedIn URL on other social media platforms, in job applications, or in professional directories. Some people add it to their business cards or include it in their Twitter or Facebook bio. The shorter your custom URL, the easier it is for people to type it in or remember it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my LinkedIn URL back to the default one?

No, once you customize your URL, you cannot revert to the default version with numbers. You can change it to a different custom URL after six months have passed, but you cannot go back to what it was before. This is why it is important to choose a custom URL you are happy with.

What happens to my old URL if I customize it?

Your old URL stops working. Anyone who tries to visit the old address will see an error. This is another reason to share your new custom URL widely once you create it — the old one will no longer take people to your profile.

Can I use my company name in my LinkedIn URL?

No, your LinkedIn URL must be personal to you. It should contain your name or a variation of your name, not your company name or job title. LinkedIn enforces this rule to keep URLs unique and professional.

Is my LinkedIn URL the same as my LinkedIn ID?

No, they are different. Your LinkedIn URL is the web address people use to visit your profile. Your LinkedIn ID is a number LinkedIn assigns to your account behind the scenes. You do not need to know your ID for everyday use — your URL is what matters for sharing.

Can other people see my LinkedIn URL?

Yes, your LinkedIn URL is public. Anyone can visit it if they have the address, whether they are logged into LinkedIn or not. This is by design — your profile URL is meant to be shared and discovered. If you want to keep your profile private, you can adjust your privacy settings, but the URL itself will still be public.