LinkedIn deletion is permanent and takes 30 days

When you delete your LinkedIn profile, the account and all its data — your work history, connections, messages, and posts — are removed permanently. LinkedIn does not offer a way to reactivate a deleted account or recover the information afterward. The deletion process takes 30 days from the moment you request it, during which your profile gradually disappears from search results and other people's views, but you can still cancel the deletion if you change your mind during that window.

If you want to keep your professional information but step back from the platform, you have the option to deactivate instead, which hides your profile but preserves it. This guide covers the permanent deletion path.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel it anytime during that period by signing back into your account.
  • Once the 30 days pass, your profile, messages, and all associated data are gone and cannot be recovered.
  • Deactivation is a reversible alternative that hides your profile without erasing your data.
  • You must sign in from a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account — the mobile app does not have this option.

Steps to delete your LinkedIn profile

Step 1: Sign in to LinkedIn on a web browser. Open LinkedIn.com in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge on your computer or phone. Log in with your email and password. You cannot delete your account through the LinkedIn mobile app, so you must use the website.

Step 2: Go to your account settings. Click your profile photo in the top right corner. A dropdown menu appears. Select "Settings and privacy" from the list. This opens your account settings page.

Step 3: Navigate to the account closure section. On the left side of the settings page, click "Account preferences." Then scroll down until you see the section labeled "Account management." Click "Close account." This is the final step before the deletion countdown begins.

Step 4: Read the warning and confirm deletion. LinkedIn shows you a message explaining that deletion is permanent and lists what will be removed: your profile, messages, saved documents, and saved jobs. Read this carefully. If you are certain, click the button that says "Delete account" or "Deactivate account" — the exact wording varies by region. You may be asked to enter your password again to confirm.

Step 5: The 30-day waiting period begins. LinkedIn sends a confirmation email to the address on file. Your profile is now hidden from other users, but the account still exists during the 30-day window. If you log back in during this time, you will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion and offering the option to cancel.

What happens during the 30-day waiting period

During the 30 days after you request deletion, your profile becomes invisible to other LinkedIn users. People who search for you will not find your profile. Your connections cannot see your name or contact you through LinkedIn. Any posts you made remain visible to people who saw them before, but new users cannot find them through search.

You can still log in to your account during this period. If you change your mind, sign in and look for the option to cancel the deletion. Clicking that button stops the process, and your profile returns to normal. After the 30 days end, this option disappears and deletion becomes final.

LinkedIn does not send reminder emails as the deadline approaches, so if you are unsure about your decision, mark the 30-day date on your calendar.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you want to leave LinkedIn but might return later, deactivation is a better choice than deletion. A deactivated account hides your profile from search results and other users, but LinkedIn keeps all your data. You can reactivate anytime by logging back in — your profile, connections, and messages will be exactly as you left them.

To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and privacy, click Account preferences, then Account management, and select "Deactivate account" instead of "Close account." The exact wording depends on your region and account type. Deactivation is instant and reversible, with no waiting period.

What you lose when you delete

Deletion removes everything associated with your account. Your work history, education, skills, recommendations, and endorsements are all gone. Any messages you sent or received are deleted from your inbox and from the inboxes of people you messaged — they will see that the message came from a deleted account but cannot read it.

Posts you made on LinkedIn are removed, along with any comments or reactions they received. Saved jobs, articles, and documents disappear. If you downloaded your data before deleting, that downloaded file is the only copy you will have. LinkedIn does not provide a way to download your data after deletion has begun.

Download your data before deleting

If you want to keep a record of your work history, connections, or posts, download your LinkedIn data before you delete. Go to Settings and privacy, click Data privacy, then select "Get a copy of your data." LinkedIn compiles a file containing your profile information, connections list, and message history. This can take a few hours to prepare.

Once the file is ready, LinkedIn sends you an email with a download link. The link works for a limited time, so download the file promptly. This is your only chance to preserve this information — once your account is deleted, there is no way to recover it.

Troubleshooting deletion problems

If you cannot find the delete option in your settings, you may have a business account or a special account type that has different rules. LinkedIn Premium accounts, Recruiter accounts, and Sales Navigator accounts sometimes have separate closure procedures. Check the Account management section again and look for language specific to your account type.

If the delete button is grayed out or not appearing, try signing out completely and signing back in. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If you are using a phone, try the desktop version of the website instead — mobile browsers sometimes display settings differently.

If you still cannot delete after trying these steps, contact LinkedIn Support through the Help Center. Go to Help at the bottom of any LinkedIn page, search for "close account," and look for the option to contact support. Explain that you cannot access the deletion option, and provide details about your account type and browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my LinkedIn profile from the mobile app?

No. The LinkedIn mobile app does not have the account deletion option. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone to delete your account. Open LinkedIn.com in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, sign in, and follow the steps in your account settings.

What if I change my mind during the 30-day waiting period?

Sign back into your LinkedIn account during the 30 days. You will see a message that your account is scheduled for deletion with an option to cancel. Click cancel, and your profile will return to normal immediately. After 30 days pass, this option disappears and you cannot undo the deletion.

Will my connections be notified that I deleted my account?

No. LinkedIn does not send notifications to your connections when you delete your account. They will simply notice that your profile is no longer visible when they search for you or try to visit your page. Any messages you sent them will show as coming from a deleted account.

Can I download my LinkedIn data after I delete my account?

No. Once your account is deleted, you cannot download your data. You must download it before you request deletion. Go to Settings and privacy, click Data privacy, and select "Get a copy of your data." LinkedIn will email you a file with your profile information, connections, and messages.

Is there a difference between deactivation and deletion?

Yes. Deactivation hides your profile but keeps all your data — you can reactivate anytime by logging in. Deletion removes everything permanently after 30 days and cannot be undone. Choose deactivation if you might return to LinkedIn later, and deletion only if you are certain you will not use the platform again.