LinkedIn deletion is permanent and takes 30 days to complete
When you delete a LinkedIn account, the company gives you 30 days to change your mind. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden from search results and other people cannot contact you, but the account still exists in LinkedIn's system. After 30 days pass, LinkedIn permanently removes your data, your messages, your connections list, and your profile photo. You cannot undo this after the 30-day window closes.
If you straightforward want to step away without losing the option to return, you can deactivate instead of delete. A deactivated account hides your profile when ready but keeps your data intact — you can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. Most people who are unsure should deactivate first and delete only if they are certain they will not need the account again.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion takes 30 days to become permanent, during which you can cancel the deletion by logging back in.
- After 30 days, LinkedIn removes your profile, messages, connections, and all associated data with no way to recover it.
- Deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps your data safe if you want to return later.
- You need to be logged into your account to start the deletion process — you cannot delete an account you cannot access.
- LinkedIn does not send a confirmation email for deletion, so write down the date you delete to know when the 30 days ends.
How to delete your account on desktop
Open LinkedIn in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Once you are on your home feed, click your profile photo in the top right corner. A dropdown menu appears — select Settings and privacy from that menu.
On the Settings page, look for the left sidebar. Click Account preferences. Scroll down until you see a section labeled Account management. Under that section, you will see a link that says Close account. Click it.
LinkedIn will ask you why you are leaving and offer a dropdown menu with reasons like "I have privacy concerns" or "I do not use LinkedIn." Pick the reason that matches your situation, though your answer does not affect whether the deletion goes through. After you select a reason, click the button that says Continue.
A final page will appear warning you that deletion is permanent and listing what will be removed. Read this page carefully. At the bottom, click Delete account. Your account is now in deletion mode and will be permanently removed in 30 days.
How to delete your account on the mobile app
Open the LinkedIn app and log in if needed. Tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen — it is usually in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page.
At the top of your profile, tap the icon that looks like a gear or settings symbol. Scroll down the menu that appears and look for Account preferences. Tap it.
Scroll down until you see Account management. Under that section, tap Close account. LinkedIn will ask for a reason — select one from the dropdown and tap Continue. On the final warning page, tap Delete account. Your account is now scheduled for deletion.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
For the next 30 days, your LinkedIn profile is hidden. Other people cannot search for you, view your profile, or send you messages. Your name will not appear in anyone's connection list. If someone tries to visit your profile directly using a saved link, they will see an error message.
You can still log into your account during this time. If you change your mind, straightforward log in with your email and password. LinkedIn will show you a message asking if you want to keep your account. Click yes, and the deletion will be cancelled when ready. Your profile, messages, and connections will all return to normal.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, LinkedIn will permanently delete everything on day 31. After that point, there is no way to recover your account, your messages, or any data associated with it.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are not ready to delete permanently, deactivation is a safer choice. When you deactivate, your profile disappears from LinkedIn when ready, but your account and all your data remain stored on LinkedIn's servers. You can reactivate anytime in the future by logging back in — there is no waiting period and no permanent loss.
To deactivate on desktop, go to Settings and privacy > Account preferences > Account management. Instead of clicking Close account, look for Deactivate account just above it. Click that link, select a reason, and confirm. Your profile will be hidden within minutes.
On the mobile app, follow the same path: Settings > Account preferences > Account management > Deactivate account. The process is identical to deletion except your data stays safe.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you have forgotten your password or cannot log in, you cannot delete the account yourself. LinkedIn requires you to be logged in to start the deletion process. Go to the LinkedIn login page and click Forgot password?. Enter your email address, and LinkedIn will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password.
Once you can log in again, follow the deletion steps above. If you do not receive a password reset email within a few minutes, check that you are using the correct email address. If the email address associated with your account has changed or you no longer have access to it, you can contact LinkedIn's support through their help center, though response times vary and they cannot delete the account for you — you must do it yourself while logged in.
Protecting your data before you delete
Before you delete, consider downloading a copy of your data. LinkedIn allows you to request an archive of your profile information, messages, and connections. On desktop, go to Settings and privacy > Data privacy > Get your data. Click Request archive. LinkedIn will prepare a file and email it to you within a few hours — this file contains everything associated with your account in a format you can save.
This step is optional but useful if you want to keep a record of your professional connections or any messages before they are permanently removed. Once you have the archive, you can proceed with deletion knowing you have a backup of the important information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my LinkedIn account when ready or do I have to wait 30 days?
Deletion always takes 30 days. LinkedIn does not offer when ready removal. During those 30 days, your profile is hidden but your account still exists. If you want your profile hidden right away, deactivate instead — deactivation is when ready, and you can reactivate later if you change your mind.
What happens to my messages and connections after I delete?
After the 30-day period ends, LinkedIn permanently removes all your messages, your connections list, and your profile information. Other people will still see that they were once connected to you, but they cannot view your profile or access any messages you sent. There is no way to recover these after deletion is complete.
If I delete my account, can I create a new one with the same email address?
Yes, but only after the 30-day deletion period is over. Once your account is permanently deleted, you can sign up for a new LinkedIn account using the same email address. However, you cannot create a new account with that email until the original account is fully removed from LinkedIn's system.
Will LinkedIn send me a confirmation email when I delete my account?
No, LinkedIn does not send a confirmation email for account deletion. Write down the date you delete so you know when the 30 days ends. If you want to cancel the deletion, log back in anytime before day 31 and confirm that you want to keep your account.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting?
Deactivation hides your profile when ready and is reversible anytime — you can reactivate by logging back in. Deletion takes 30 days and is permanent after that period ends. If you are unsure whether you will need LinkedIn again, deactivate first. If you are certain you will not return, delete.