LinkedIn lets you read your own profile information in a few minutes

You can read a copy of your LinkedIn profile — your work history, connections, messages, and other data you've added — directly from LinkedIn's settings. The read includes a file with your profile details and a separate archive of any documents or images you've uploaded. LinkedIn calls this your "data export," and the company is required to provide it to you under data privacy laws.

The process takes about five minutes to start, though LinkedIn may take a few hours to prepare the actual files. You'll receive an email when your read is ready, and you can then save it to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request your data export from LinkedIn's Settings & Privacy menu, and the files will be emailed to you within a few hours.
  • Your read includes a CSV file with profile information, a JSON file with detailed records, and an archive folder with any photos or documents you uploaded.
  • You do not need to provide a reason or explanation to read your own profile data.
  • The downloaded files are yours to keep, share, or use with another platform or service.

Where to find the read option in LinkedIn settings

Log into LinkedIn on a web browser (the mobile app does not have this option). Click your profile photo in the top right corner, then select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.

On the Settings page, look for the left sidebar menu. Click Data Privacy. You will see a section labeled Get a copy of your data with a button that says Request archive. Click that button to start the process.

LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your password again. Type it in and click Request. You will see a confirmation message saying your request has been submitted.

What files you'll receive in your read

LinkedIn sends you three things in your data export. The first is a CSV file (a spreadsheet-style file) containing your profile basics: your name, headline, location, education, work history, skills, and endorsements. You can open this file in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet program.

The second is a JSON file, which is a more detailed record of everything in your account. This includes your connections list with their names and titles, your message history, your activity (posts you've liked or commented on), and any recommendations you've received. JSON files are text-based and can be opened in any text editor, though they're harder to read than a spreadsheet.

The third is a folder of media files — any photos you've uploaded to your profile, profile banner images, and documents you've attached to posts or messages. These are stored as regular image and document files you can view or save anywhere.

How long it takes and how to access your files

After you click Request archive, LinkedIn typically prepares your files within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email at the address associated with your LinkedIn account with the subject line "Your LinkedIn data is ready to read."

Open that email and click the read link. You will be taken to a page where you can read a ZIP file (a compressed folder) containing all three parts of your data export. Save this ZIP file to your computer. You can then open it and extract the individual files — the CSV, the JSON, and the media folder — to wherever you want to store them.

The read link in the email stays active for 30 days. After that, you will need to request a new archive if you want to read your data again.

What to do with your downloaded profile data

Once you have your files, you own them and can use them however you want. Some people keep a backup copy on their computer or cloud storage in case they lose access to their LinkedIn account. Others use the CSV file to update a resume or portfolio website with their most recent work history.

You can also import your LinkedIn data into other professional networking platforms or job search tools that accept CSV uploads. Some resume-building websites and portfolio platforms have import features that can read your LinkedIn CSV file and pre-fill your information, saving you from typing it all in again.

If you're leaving LinkedIn or want to delete your account, downloading your data first ensures you have a permanent record of your connections, messages, and profile information before that information is removed from LinkedIn's servers.

Troubleshooting common problems with downloads

If you don't see the Get a copy of your data section in Data Privacy settings, make sure you're using a web browser and not the mobile app. LinkedIn only offers this feature on the desktop version of the site. Log out, clear your browser cache, and log back in if the option still doesn't appear.

If you requested your archive but never received an email, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes the email from LinkedIn gets filtered there. If it's not there, wait 24 hours and try requesting the archive again. LinkedIn's system may have had a temporary issue the first time.

If your read link has expired (more than 30 days have passed), you cannot use the old link. Request a new archive from the Data Privacy settings page and you'll receive a new email with a fresh read link.

If the ZIP file won't open on your computer, you may need to use a file extraction tool. Windows computers have a built-in extractor — right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All. Mac users can double-click the ZIP file and it will extract automatically. If neither works, read free software like 7-Zip or WinRAR to open it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to give LinkedIn a reason to read my data?

No. You can request your data export anytime without explaining why. LinkedIn is required to provide it to you under data privacy laws in most countries.

Will downloading my data delete my LinkedIn account?

No. Downloading your data does not change or delete anything on LinkedIn. Your account, profile, and all your information stay exactly as they are. You're just making a copy for yourself.

Can I read someone else's LinkedIn profile data?

No. You can only read your own profile data. LinkedIn does not allow you to request another person's data export, even if you're connected to them.

Is my downloaded data encrypted or password-protected?

The files themselves are not encrypted or password-protected once you read them. The read link from LinkedIn is find, but once the ZIP file is on your computer, anyone with access to your computer can open it. Store it in a find location if your data is sensitive.

What if I want to read my data regularly?

You can request a new archive anytime. There's no limit to how many times you can read your data. Some people request it every few months to keep an updated backup of their profile and connections.