How Can I Cancel My LinkedIn Account and Deactivate It

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To cancel your LinkedIn account, you'll need to deactivate it first, which can be done from the LinkedIn website or mobile app.

Go to the LinkedIn website and sign in to your account.

Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Scroll down to the "Account" section and click on "Close account" or "Deactivate account" – the exact wording may vary depending on your location.

You'll be asked to confirm your decision to deactivate your account, so make sure you're ready for this step.

Once you've confirmed, your account will be deactivated, and you won't be able to access it until you reactivate it.

Canceling Your Account

If you're unable to delete your account due to a missing password, you can still request deletion, even if you don't have recovery information.

To cancel your LinkedIn account, head to the Settings and Privacy section, where you'll find the option to close your account.

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Credit: pexels.com, Woman Sitting at a Desk Using a Laptop

You'll be asked to specify a reason for closing your account, choose the option that best reflects your situation, and click "Next" to proceed.

To finalize the account closure, you'll need to enter your LinkedIn password when prompted.

Make sure to check the box indicating your desire to unsubscribe from LinkedIn communications and invitations for a clean break from the platform.

If you have a significant network of contacts on LinkedIn, consider exporting your data before cancelling the account to keep a record of who you're connected with on your own terms.

Here are some frequently asked questions about closing your LinkedIn account:

  1. If I close my account, can I later reactivate it?
  2. If I close my account, is my data deleted?
  3. If I close my account, will people’s posts about me be deleted?
  4. If I close my account, what will happen to my comments on other people’s posts?
  5. If I can’t remember my email or password for my account, can I still close it?
  6. What are my alternatives to closing LinkedIn?

Pre-Deletion Steps

Before you can delete your LinkedIn account, there are a few pre-deletion steps you need to take.

First, cancel your Premium subscription if you have one. This will prevent any recurring charges and ensure a smooth deletion process.

If you own a LinkedIn group, you'll need to close it before deleting your account. Closing a group is a straightforward process.

To close a group, click the Me tab at the top of the page, then click Settings & Privacy on the menu.

Next, click the Account preferences tab and scroll to the Account management section.

Now, click Close account and choose the reason for closing your account. You can type some details if you'd like, but it's not required.

Finally, confirm your password and click Close account to deactivate your account.

Broaden your view: Google Closing Accounts

Account Deactivation

A typewriter with the words cancel culture on it
Credit: pexels.com, A typewriter with the words cancel culture on it

If you're not ready to delete your LinkedIn account entirely, you can consider deactivating it instead.

You can hibernate your account by clicking or tapping here to put your account in hibernation. This essentially deactivates your account, allowing you to keep it intact without having it up and running.

Permanently?

If you're serious about deleting your LinkedIn account, you'll need to have a valid password handy.

LinkedIn doesn't have an inactivity timer, so waiting for the system to delete your profile isn't an option.

You'll need to reset your password if you don't have it available, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Alternatively, if you're without access to your recovery paths, you'll need to speak with LinkedIn Support.

Handling Deactivations

Handling Deactivations can be a bit confusing, but essentially, deactivating your LinkedIn account means it's not fully active, but you can still access it.

Deactivations usually refer to a status placed on an account, which limits the interactivity of the profile. This is different from deletion, which strips away the personal information of the account.

White Tablet Computer on Apple Magic Keyboard Near Apple Magic Mouse
Credit: pexels.com, White Tablet Computer on Apple Magic Keyboard Near Apple Magic Mouse

You can't actually "deactivate" your LinkedIn account, but you can get the same impact by entering the recovery period above. This is LinkedIn's way of handling account deactivations.

Hibernating your account is another option. It essentially deactivates your account rather than shutting it down. If you don't want to have your account up and running but also don't want to delete it entirely, hibernating could be a good option for you.

To hibernate your account, click or tap here to put your account in hibernation.

What Happens to My Data After Deletion?

When you delete your LinkedIn account, your information will be permanently deleted from LinkedIn's servers and search results. This includes all connections, messages, content, recommendations, and endorsements.

The deletion process is immediate, and you'll lose access to all your LinkedIn information. You won't be able to recover any of your account elements, including group memberships, followings, and pending or ignored invitations.

A Couple Using a Laptop
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Some account elements are deleted immediately, regardless of the 14-day recovery period. These include group memberships, following/followed accounts, pending or ignored invitations, recommendations, and endorsements.

You have a 14-day grace period to reactivate your account if you change your mind, but even if you reopen your account, some information still can't be recovered.

Here's what happens to your data after deletion:

  • Up to 7 days after deletion, LinkedIn will still have your information on its servers.
  • Search engines like Google and Bing may still show your LinkedIn account in their results for a few weeks after deletion.
  • You can download a copy of your data before deletion, should you want to retain any information after your account is closed.

Remember, deleting your LinkedIn account is a permanent action and cannot be undone. Make sure to download any important information before proceeding with deletion.

Account Management

To delete your LinkedIn account, you need to access your account settings. You can do this by clicking on your profile picture at the top of the page, which is also known as the Me icon.

From there, head to the Settings & Privacy option. This is where you'll find the tools you need to manage your account.

To close your account, scroll down to find the Close account option under Account management. Tap on it to proceed with the deletion process.

Device-Specific Instructions

Smartphone with Linkedin App
Credit: pexels.com, Smartphone with Linkedin App

To cancel your LinkedIn account, you'll need to access the account settings on the LinkedIn website or mobile app.

You can cancel your LinkedIn account by clicking on the "Account" tab, then selecting "Close account" from the dropdown menu.

For mobile users, the process is slightly different: you'll need to go to the LinkedIn app, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, and select "Settings" from the menu.

Computer

To delete your LinkedIn account on a computer, start by opening the website in a new browser tab and signing in.

Users can access their account settings from the LinkedIn homepage once they're signed in.

Signing in on a computer allows users to initiate the account deletion process online.

Users can then follow the prompts to complete the deletion process, which may involve confirming their decision to delete their account.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Switch Dropbox Accounts

Phone

To delete a LinkedIn account on your phone, start by opening the LinkedIn app and tapping the "Settings" option on the right-column page.

Smartphone showing LinkedIn logo with keyboard and large background logo, business theme.
Credit: pexels.com, Smartphone showing LinkedIn logo with keyboard and large background logo, business theme.

Immediately, the app will close the left column and open this right-column page.

On the "Settings" page, tap the first option, "Account preferences".

Scroll to the bottom of the "Account Preferences" page to locate the "Account Management" subsection.

In the "Account Management" subsection, tap the "Close account" option.

Next, tap the blue "Continue" button on the subsequent page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I cancel my LinkedIn subscription?

You can't cancel your LinkedIn subscription directly from the mobile web, but you can do so from the LinkedIn desktop website or the LinkedIn mobile app on an Android device. This is due to the way LinkedIn handles subscription cancellations for users who signed up directly through their platform.

Emanuel Anderson

Senior Copy Editor

Emanuel Anderson is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining the written word. With a keen eye for grammar, syntax, and style, Emanuel ensures that every article that passes through their hands meets the highest standards of quality and clarity. As a seasoned editor, Emanuel has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of topics, including the latest developments in Space Exploration News.

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