There are plenty of reasons why LinkedIn no longer feels right for you:
🔸You need a serious break from the platform.
🔸Your target audience isn’t even active on LinkedIn.
🔸You’re worried about data threats and security issues.
🔸The constant spam messages are exhausting to filter out.
If you’re nodding along to any of those points, guess what? This blog is exactly what you need right now!
Managing LinkedIn feels like a 24/7 job, requiring endless effort and even a dedicated team. But here’s the real question: do you need to delete your account? Or are you just overwhelmed and in need of a break to reset and refocus?
The right decision depends on your unique situation, and in this blog, I’ll guide you through every aspect and help you decide the best course of action for managing your account and achieving your professional goals. Let’s get started!
Why Should You Delete Your LinkedIn Account If You’re Not Using It?
You wouldn’t even be reading this blog if you were actively using your LinkedIn account and benefiting from it. The fact that you’re here suggests your account is stagnant and unused, and it is time to take action.
Leaving an unused LinkedIn account active puts your privacy and security at risk. Cybercriminals target dormant profiles to gather personal information or commit fraud. Closing an inactive account eliminates a potential vulnerability and protects your data from misuse.
An outdated or incorrect LinkedIn profile also harms your professional reputation. When recruiters or colleagues find inaccurate details or see a profile that hasn’t been updated in years, it leaves a poor impression. Maintaining an accurate and active profile is critical for professional credibility, so it’s better to delete the account if you’re no longer using LinkedIn.
5 Crucial Steps to Take Before You Delete Your LinkedIn Account
Deleting your LinkedIn account isn’t something to do on a whim. You need to know the steps involved and what it means for your data and connections. Here’s what to keep in mind:
i) Permanent Loss of Data: Deleting your account permanently erases connections, endorsements, recommendations, and messages. Nothing can be recovered, so review what you need before closing.
ii) Your Profile Is Permanently Removed: Once deleted, your LinkedIn profile and activity are removed from the platform. However, parts of your profile may still appear temporarily in search engine results due to cached data, which will update over time.
iii) 14-Day Reactivation Window: You can reactivate your account within 14 days, but not all data, like endorsements or group memberships, will be restored.
iv) Download Your Data: Save your important information by downloading your LinkedIn data. Go to Settings & Privacy > Data Privacy > Get a copy of your data, and follow the prompts.
v) Inform Your Network: Let your connections know you’re closing your account and share alternate contact details if needed to maintain professional relationships.
How to Close a LinkedIn Premium Subscription?
If you have LinkedIn Premium, you must cancel it before deleting your account. Here’s how to cancel your premium subscription:
i) Open LinkedIn and click on your profile picture or the “Me” icon in the top-right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy.”
ii) In the settings menu, locate “Manage Premium Subscription” under the “Account Preferences” section.
iii) Click on the option to cancel your subscription. LinkedIn will guide you through the cancellation process. Follow the prompts and confirm your choice.
iv) Once your premium subscription is canceled, your account will automatically convert to a free account. You can now proceed with deleting your LinkedIn account.
How to Delete Your LinkedIn Account
Deleting your LinkedIn account is permanent and irreversible, as discussed earlier in this blog. But if you’ve decided and are ready to proceed, you’ve come to the right part of the blog! To make things easier, I’ve broken it down into three sections:
1. On Mobile App (iOS and Android)
2. On Desktop
3. Managing Duplicate LinkedIn Accounts and Merging Profiles
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. On Mobile App (iOS and Android)
If you’re using the LinkedIn app on your smartphone, follow these simple steps to delete your account:
i) Open the LinkedIn app on your smartphone and log in if you haven’t already.
ii) Tap your profile picture in the top left corner to open the menu.
iii) Select “Settings” in the menu to access your account preferences.
iv) Scroll down and tap on “Account Preferences” to manage your account settings.
v) In the Account Preferences section, scroll to the bottom and tap “Close Account.”
vi) LinkedIn will ask why you’re deleting your account. Select a reason from the list and tap “Next.”
vii) Enter your LinkedIn account password when prompted and tap “Done” to finalize the deletion process.
Your account is now scheduled for deletion.
2. On Desktop
Deleting your LinkedIn account via a web browser is just as straightforward:
i) Log in to LinkedIn and click your profile picture or the “Me” icon in the top right corner.
ii) From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy.”
iii) Go to the “Account Management” section under “Account Preferences.”
iv) Click “Close Account” and follow the prompts to select a reason for closing your account.
v) Enter your password to confirm and click “Close Account.”
3. Managing Duplicate LinkedIn Accounts and Merging Profiles
Sometimes, people find themselves with multiple LinkedIn accounts—maybe one was forgotten, or a second was created by mistake. Merging these accounts before deleting one is a smart move to keep all your connections and data in one place. Let’s see how to do it:
i) Identify Duplicate Accounts: Search for your name on LinkedIn to locate duplicate profiles. Make sure to log in to both accounts to verify ownership.
ii) Choose the Account to Keep: Decide which account you want to retain. Usually, the one with the most connections and activity is best.
iii) Merge Accounts: Log in to the account you want to keep. Go to “Settings & Privacy” > Account Management > Merge Accounts.
Enter the email address and password for the duplicate account and follow the prompts to merge them.
iv) Delete the Extra Account: Following the steps above, delete the unwanted account once the accounts are merged.
How to Reactivate Your LinkedIn Account?
So, you changed your mind and want to reactivate your account? Yes, you can—but make sure it’s within those 14 days because the deletion becomes permanent. Reactivating your account will restore most of your data, but you will lose some things, such as group memberships, endorsements, and recommendations. Here’s how to get your account back:
i) Go to the LinkedIn login page and sign in with the email address and password linked to your deleted account.
ii) If you’re still within the reactivation window, LinkedIn will prompt you to confirm your decision. Click “Reactivate” to proceed.
iii) Complete additional verification steps, such as responding to a confirmation email or entering a security code, if required.
iv) Check your profile for missing data once your account is restored. Endorsements, group memberships, and some settings may not be recoverable.
Not Sure About Deleting? Consider Hibernating Your LinkedIn Account
If you’re not ready to permanently delete your LinkedIn account, hibernation offers a smart alternative. It temporarily deactivates your profile, making it invisible to others and pausing all activity.
While your account is hibernated, all your connections, messages, and endorsements remain intact. You can log back in any time to reactivate your account and pick up right where you left off. Here’s the process to hibernate your LinkedIn account:
i) Log in to your LinkedIn account, click your profile picture (or the “Me” icon), and select “Settings & Privacy.”
ii) Under the “Account Preferences” tab, scroll down to the “Account Management” section.
iii) Click on “Hibernate Account” and follow the prompts to confirm.
iv) LinkedIn will ask why you’re hibernating your account. Choose the appropriate reason and continue.
v) Enter your password if requested, and click “Hibernate” to deactivate your account.
Done and Decided? Let’s Close This LinkedIn Chapter!
Thinking about deleting your LinkedIn account? Sure, it’s permanent and irreversible, but is it really the answer? Maybe hibernating your account is a better option—it gives you time to step back without losing valuable connections and opportunities. But honestly, what if the real issue isn’t the platform itself, but how you’re managing it?
Well, getting LinkedIn right feels like a daunting task. There’s optimizing your profile, creating content that actually engages, and building connections that matter. It’s not easy and takes time you don’t always have.
That’s where bringing in a LinkedIn management expert makes all the difference. They step in to audit your profile, sharpen your presence, and create strategies that position you as the go-to leader in your field.
While others are stuck figuring it all out, you’ll already be driving meaningful connections and results where it matters most.
Empower Your LinkedIn Marketing with INSIDEA’s Expertise
Are you making the most of what LinkedIn can offer? Standing out on LinkedIn takes more than just a profile—it takes strategy. A well-maintained profile can position you as an industry leader, attract valuable connections, and open doors to new opportunities.
That’s where INSIDEA steps in. With our all-in-one marketing subscription, we help you scale exponentially. Our LinkedIn marketing services turn your profile into a growth machine that works while you connect, network, and succeed. With our expertise, we’ll position you for opportunities, amplify your impact, and keep you focused on achieving what truly matters.
Here’s how we can elevate your LinkedIn presence:
- Account Optimization: Transform your profile into a standout asset with strategic updates and professional branding that showcases your expertise.
- Profile Consolidation: Eliminate duplicate accounts and create a streamlined LinkedIn presence that amplifies your impact.
- Privacy Settings Management: Simplify and secure your account settings to safeguard your data while maintaining a polished, professional image.
- Content Strategy Development: Share meaningful, engaging content that resonates with your network and positions you as a thought leader.
Ready to make LinkedIn work for you? No matter your goals, INSIDEA’s LinkedIn strategies can help you get there. Book a meeting today, and let us redefine what your LinkedIn presence can achieve.
