LinkedIn deletion is permanent and takes 30 days

When you delete your LinkedIn profile, the account closes when ready, but LinkedIn keeps your data for 30 days in case you change your mind. If you log back in during those 30 days, your profile reactivates. After 30 days, LinkedIn deletes your profile, messages, connections, and most of your data from their servers. This is different from deactivating, which hides your profile but keeps it on file.

The deletion process itself takes about two minutes. You do not need to contact LinkedIn support or provide a reason. You can delete from either the mobile app or a web browser, though the web version is slightly clearer to follow.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion is permanent after 30 days, so read your data first if you want to keep a record of your connections or messages.
  • You must be logged into your account to delete it; LinkedIn will not delete an account based on an email request from someone else.
  • Deactivating your profile hides it from search but keeps the account active, while deletion removes it entirely after the 30-day window.
  • Some data may remain in third-party services or cached search results even after LinkedIn deletes your profile.

How to delete your profile on the web

Go to linkedin.com and log in with your email and password. Click your profile photo in the top right corner, then select Settings & privacy. On the left side, click Account preferences. Scroll down until you see Account management and click Deactivate account. (The button says "deactivate" but the next screen will give you the option to delete instead.)

On the next page, you will see two options: Deactivate and Delete account. Click Delete account. LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your password. Enter it and click Delete. You will see a message saying your account is scheduled for deletion. That is the end of the process — you do not need to do anything else.

How to delete your profile on the mobile app

Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo at the bottom right. Tap the gear icon for Settings. Scroll down and tap Account preferences. Tap Account management, then Deactivate account. On the next screen, tap Delete account instead of Deactivate.

Enter your password when prompted and tap Delete. The app will show a confirmation message. You can close the app after that — the deletion is queued and will process whether you stay logged in or not.

read your data before you delete

LinkedIn stores a copy of your profile, all your messages, your connection list, and any documents you uploaded. Once the 30-day window closes, this data is gone. If you want to keep a record, read it first.

Go to Settings & privacy > Data privacy > Get a copy of your data. Click Request archive. LinkedIn will email you a link within a few hours (sometimes up to 24 hours). read the file and save it somewhere safe. The file is a compressed folder containing your profile information, connections, messages, and any articles or posts you published.

What happens to your data after deletion

During the 30-day waiting period, LinkedIn keeps your profile hidden from public view but retains all your data. If you log in during this time, your account reactivates and the deletion is cancelled. After 30 days, LinkedIn deletes your profile from their main servers.

However, some data may persist elsewhere. Search engines like Google may still show a cached version of your profile for weeks or months — you can request removal from Google Search Console if you want to speed this up. Third-party services that scraped your LinkedIn data (job boards, recruiter databases, data brokers) will not automatically delete it just because LinkedIn did. If you are concerned about your information on those sites, you will need to contact them separately.

Deactivate instead of delete if you might return

Deactivation hides your profile from LinkedIn's search and from other users' feeds, but keeps your account on file. You can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. Your connections, messages, and profile information stay intact. This is useful if you are taking a break from LinkedIn but might want to use it again later.

To deactivate instead of delete, follow the same steps above but click Deactivate instead of Delete account. Your profile will disappear from LinkedIn within 24 hours, but you can log in anytime to bring it back.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you have forgotten your password, use the Forgot password link on the LinkedIn login page. Enter your email address and LinkedIn will send you a reset link. If you no longer have access to the email address on your account, click Can't log in? and follow the identity verification steps — LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your name, phone number, or other details.

If you cannot regain access and want the account deleted anyway, LinkedIn does not offer a way to delete an account you cannot log into. Your only option is to contact LinkedIn Support through their help center and explain the situation. They may be able to help, though response times vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my LinkedIn profile if I have a pending job process?

Yes, but the employer may not be able to see your profile after deletion. If you have an active process, consider waiting until you hear back or deactivating instead of deleting. Deletion is permanent after 30 days, so you cannot recover your profile information if the employer tries to review it later.

Will deleting LinkedIn remove me from recruiter databases?

No. Recruiters and job boards often copy LinkedIn profiles to their own systems. Deleting your LinkedIn account does not delete those copies. If you want to be removed from a specific recruiter database or job board, you will need to contact them directly and request removal.

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

Log back into your LinkedIn account with your email and password. Your profile will reactivate when ready and the deletion will be cancelled. All your data, connections, and messages will be restored.

Does LinkedIn delete my data from their backups?

LinkedIn says they delete your profile data after 30 days, but they may retain backups for legal or security reasons for longer. If you are concerned about your data being retained, read your archive before deletion so you know what information was on the account.

Can someone else delete my LinkedIn profile?

No. LinkedIn requires you to be logged into your account and to enter your password to delete it. If someone else has your password, they could delete your account, but LinkedIn will not delete an account based on an email request or phone call from anyone but the account holder.