What you need before you start

Creating a LinkedIn account takes about five minutes and requires only an email address, a password, and your real name. You can use a personal email (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) or a work email — LinkedIn accepts both. If you already have a Microsoft account, you can sign in with that instead of creating a new password.

LinkedIn will ask for your current job title and company during setup, but you can skip these fields and fill them in later. You do not need a profile photo to create an account, though adding one later makes your profile more visible to other users.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to linkedin.com, enter your email and create a password, then verify your email address through a link LinkedIn sends you.
  • Add your name, job title, and location — you can leave job details blank and fill them in later if you are not sure what to write.
  • LinkedIn will suggest people you may know; you can skip this step or add connections right away.
  • Your account is live once you verify your email, but your profile will be incomplete until you add a photo and work history.
  • Check your privacy settings after creating your account to control who can see your profile and contact you.

Step 1: Go to LinkedIn and enter your email

Open a web browser and go to linkedin.com. On the homepage, you will see a box labeled "Email address" on the right side of the page. Type in the email address you want to use — this is the address LinkedIn will use to send you messages and password reset links, so use one you check regularly.

Click the "Agree & join" button below the email field. LinkedIn will send a verification email to that address within a few seconds.

Step 2: Create a password and verify your email

LinkedIn will ask you to create a password. Use something you can remember but that is not straightforward to guess — a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is strongest. Write it down in a safe place if you think you might forget it.

Check the email inbox for the address you entered. Look for a message from LinkedIn with the subject line "Verify your email for LinkedIn." Open that email and click the blue "Verify email" button or the link inside. This confirms that the email address is yours and that you can receive messages there. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

Step 3: Add your name and basic information

After you verify your email, LinkedIn will ask for your first and last name. Use the name you want to appear on your profile — this does not have to be your legal name, but it should be something people know you by professionally. LinkedIn will also ask for your country and postal code so it can show you relevant jobs and connections in your area.

Next, LinkedIn will ask what you do for work. You can enter your current job title (for example, "Marketing Manager" or "Software Developer") and the name of your company. If you are not working right now, between jobs, or do not want to share this information, you can skip these fields and add them later.

Step 4: Choose your connections and profile settings

LinkedIn will show you a list of people it thinks you might know — these are usually people from your email contacts, people who work at companies you have listed, or people with similar names. You can add any of these people as connections by clicking "Connect," or you can skip this step entirely and add connections later.

After this, your account is created and you can start using LinkedIn. You will land on your home feed, which shows posts and updates from people and companies you follow.

Step 5: Add a profile photo and complete your profile

Your account works without a photo, but adding one makes your profile more visible and helps people recognize you. Click on your profile icon (usually in the top right corner of the page) and select "View profile." Look for a camera icon or "Add photo" button near the top of your profile and upload a clear headshot or professional photo.

While you are on your profile page, fill in your work history, education, and skills. You can add past jobs, schools you attended, and things you are good at. The more complete your profile is, the more likely recruiters and connections will find you and reach out.

Adjust your privacy settings after you sign up

LinkedIn has privacy controls that let you decide who can see your profile, send you messages, and contact you. To find these, click your profile icon and select "Settings and privacy," then click "Privacy." From there you can control whether your profile is visible to everyone or only to people you are connected with, and whether strangers can message you.

By default, LinkedIn shows your profile to everyone and allows anyone to message you. If you want more privacy, you can change these settings to limit who sees your information. You can also turn off notifications so LinkedIn does not send you as many emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fake name on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn requires you to use your authentic identity — the name you go by professionally or personally. If you use a name that is not yours, LinkedIn may ask you to verify it with a government ID or suspend your account. Using your real name also helps people find you and builds trust with your connections.

What happens if I do not verify my email?

Your account will not be fully active until you verify your email address. You will not be able to send messages, explore for jobs, or use most features. If you did not receive the verification email, go to your account settings and ask LinkedIn to send it again, or check your spam folder.

Do I have to add a profile photo?

No, but profiles with photos get more views and messages. A clear, professional headshot works best — avoid group photos, selfies, or casual pictures. You can add a photo anytime after you create your account.

Can I delete my LinkedIn account after I create it?

Yes. Go to "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then scroll down to "Account management" and click "Close account." LinkedIn will ask why you are leaving and give you a chance to read your data before the account is deleted. Deletion takes about 24 hours.

Is LinkedIn free to use?

Yes, creating an account and using basic features is free. LinkedIn also offers paid plans (LinkedIn Premium) that give you more search filters, message credits, and other tools, but you do not need to pay to create an account or use the site.