How To Delete Your Profile From Linkedin

So, I was at this networking event the other day, and I bumped into an old colleague. We got to chatting, and she mentioned she was thinking of leaving her current job. I asked if she'd updated her LinkedIn profile yet, and she looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "Why would I do that?" she asked. "I don't want my boss finding out I'm looking."

It got me thinking, there are times when you might want to keep your LinkedIn profile under the radar. Maybe you're job hunting but not ready to make it public, or perhaps you've decided that the corporate world isn't for you anymore. Whatever your reason, here's a friendly guide on how to delete your LinkedIn profile, without making it a big announcement to your professional network.

First Things First: What Happens When You Delete Your Profile?

Before we dive in, let's clear the air. When you delete your LinkedIn profile, it's gone for good. Your profile, your connections, your recommendations - all of it disappears into the digital ether. So, if you think you might want to come back to LinkedIn in the future, you might want to consider making your profile invisible to your network instead. We'll talk about that later.

Ready to Say Goodbye? Here's How to Delete Your Profile

Step 1: Log In and Head to Settings

First things first, log in to your LinkedIn account. Once you're in, click on the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. Then, select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Click on the 'Account' Tab

On the Settings page, you'll see several tabs. Click on the Account tab. It's the one with a little silhouette of a person.

Step 3: Choose 'Closing Your LinkedIn Account'

Under the Account tab, you'll see a section called Helpful Links. Click on the link that says Closing Your LinkedIn Account. It's the one that looks like it's trying to hide at the bottom.

Step 4: Confirm Your Decision

LinkedIn will give you one last chance to change your mind. They'll show you a pop-up with a big, red Close Account button. If you're sure you want to delete your profile, click that button.

How to Delete Your LinkedIn Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Side note: If you change your mind after you've clicked that button, don't panic. LinkedIn gives you 20 days to reactivate your account. After that, your profile is gone for good.

What if You Want to Keep Your Options Open?

If you're not ready to say goodbye to LinkedIn forever, but you want to keep your profile under wraps, there's a way to do that too. Instead of deleting your profile, you can make it invisible to your network.

Step 1: Go to Your Profile's Privacy Settings

Click on the Me icon, then select View profile. On your profile page, click on the More button under your introduction card. From the dropdown menu, select Manage profile section.

Step 2: Turn Off 'Viewers of this profile also viewed'

In the Profile viewing options section, turn off the toggle for Viewers of this profile also viewed. This will stop your profile from appearing in the 'People also viewed' section on other people's profiles.

Here’s How to Close and Delete Your LinkedIn Account (6 Steps)

Step 3: Make Your Profile Private

While you're in your profile's privacy settings, you can also choose to make your profile private. This means only your connections will be able to see your full profile. To do this, turn off the toggle for Your profile's public visibility.

Side note: Making your profile private doesn't mean it's completely invisible. Your connections can still see your full profile, and your profile might still appear in search results. But it's a good way to keep your profile under the radar if you're not ready to delete it just yet.

And That's a Wrap!

So there you have it, folks. Whether you're ready to say goodbye to LinkedIn for good, or you just want to keep your profile under the radar for a while, we've got you covered. Just remember, deleting your profile is a big decision, so make sure it's the right one for you.

And hey, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us. We'll be here, waiting to welcome you back with open arms. Well, not literally. That might get a bit awkward.