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. During those 30 days, you can reactivate by logging back in. After 30 days, your profile, messages, connections, and activity are gone from LinkedIn's servers. The company does not restore deleted accounts after that window closes.

Deletion is different from deactivation. A deactivated account hides your profile from search results and other members, but keeps your data intact — you can reactivate whenever you want. Deletion removes the account entirely and is meant to be permanent.

Key Takeaways

  • You can delete your LinkedIn profile through account settings on the website or mobile app, and the deletion takes effect when ready.
  • You have 30 days to change your mind and reactivate your account by logging in again — after that, the account cannot be recovered.
  • LinkedIn keeps your data for 30 days even after deletion, so messages and profile information are not when ready erased from their servers.
  • Deactivation hides your profile but keeps your account; deletion removes it entirely, so choose the right option for what you actually want.

Steps to delete your LinkedIn profile on desktop

Open LinkedIn in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click your profile photo in the top right corner, then select Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu.

On the settings page, click the Account preferences tab on the left side. Scroll down until you see Account management and click Close account. LinkedIn will ask you to confirm that you understand the account cannot be recovered after 30 days. Check the box to confirm, then click Close account again. Your profile is now deleted and will be removed permanently in 30 days.

Steps to delete your LinkedIn profile on mobile

Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo at the bottom right. Tap the gear icon to open settings. Scroll down and tap Account preferences, then tap Account management.

Tap Close account and read the warning that your account will be permanently deleted after 30 days. Check the box to confirm you understand this, then tap Close account again. The app will return to the login screen, confirming your account is closed.

What happens to your data during the 30-day window

During the 30 days after deletion, your profile is hidden from other LinkedIn members and search engines. No one can find you or send you messages. However, LinkedIn still stores your information on their servers — your messages, connections, work history, and any documents you uploaded.

If you log back in during this period using your email and password, your account reactivates completely and your profile returns exactly as it was. All your connections, messages, and activity resume. This is why the 30-day window exists — it gives you time to recover your account if you deleted it by mistake or changed your mind.

What happens after 30 days

Once 30 days have passed, LinkedIn permanently deletes your account from their servers. Your profile cannot be recovered, and you cannot reactivate it. If you want to use LinkedIn again, you must create a new account from scratch with a new email address.

Some information may persist elsewhere. If someone saved a screenshot of your profile, downloaded your resume, or copied your contact information before deletion, that data exists outside LinkedIn's control. LinkedIn itself will have no record of your account.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you are unsure about permanently deleting your account, deactivation is a safer option. A deactivated account hides your profile from other members and removes you from search results, but your data stays on LinkedIn's servers. You can reactivate at any time by logging in again — there is no time limit.

Deactivation is useful if you want to step back from LinkedIn temporarily, take a break from the platform, or keep your account but make it invisible. To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and privacy > Account preferences > Account management and look for Deactivate account instead of Close account.

Things to do before you delete

Before you close your account, read any documents or information you want to keep. LinkedIn does not automatically send you a copy of your data, so if you want your resume, recommendations, or connection list, save them yourself. You can take screenshots, copy text to a document, or ask connections to send you their contact information directly.

If you have a job or are looking for one, let your network know you are leaving. Send a message to important contacts with your email address or phone number so they can reach you outside LinkedIn. Once your account is deleted, people cannot find you through the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my LinkedIn profile and create a new one with the same email?

You must wait 30 days after deletion before you can use the same email address for a new LinkedIn account. During the 30-day window, LinkedIn reserves that email. After 30 days, you can sign up again with the same email and create a fresh profile.

Will deleting my LinkedIn profile remove me from Google search results?

Your LinkedIn profile will stop appearing in Google search results within a few days to a few weeks after deletion, but the timing varies. Google's index updates on its own schedule. You can request faster removal by using Google Search Console, but LinkedIn deletion alone does not when ready remove cached results.

What if I deleted my account by mistake?

Log back into LinkedIn within 30 days using your email and password. Your account will reactivate when ready with all your data restored. After 30 days, recovery is not possible — you would need to create a new account.

Do recruiters get notified when I delete my profile?

LinkedIn does not send notifications to recruiters or connections when you delete your account. Your profile straightforward disappears from their view. If a recruiter has already downloaded your resume or saved your information, they will still have it in their own files.

Can LinkedIn restore my account after 30 days if I contact support?

LinkedIn support cannot restore accounts after the 30-day deletion window closes. The company's policy is final — once 30 days pass, the account and all associated data are permanently removed and cannot be recovered by any means.