LinkedIn deletion removes your profile, but the process takes time
When you delete a LinkedIn account, the platform removes your profile, connections, and messages from public view. However, LinkedIn does not erase the data when ready. The account enters a 30-day waiting period during which you can reactivate it if you change your mind. After 30 days, LinkedIn begins deleting your information from their servers, though some data may remain in backups or cached versions elsewhere on the internet.
The deletion process is permanent after the 30-day window closes. You cannot recover your profile, messages, or connections once that period ends. If you think you might want to return to LinkedIn later, you have other options — you can deactivate your account instead, which hides your profile but keeps your data intact for up to one year.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your LinkedIn account takes 30 days to complete, and you can cancel the deletion anytime during that month by logging back in.
- After 30 days, your profile and all associated data are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
- Deactivation is a temporary alternative that hides your profile but preserves your data for up to one year if you want to return later.
- You must log in from a computer or the LinkedIn app to delete your account — the mobile website does not offer this option.
- LinkedIn will send you a confirmation email when deletion begins; save this email if you need to prove when your account was removed.
Steps to delete your account from a computer
Open LinkedIn in a web browser and log in with your email and password. Click your profile photo in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu appears — select Settings and privacy.
On the left side of the settings page, click Account preferences. Scroll down until you see the section labeled Account management. Click Deactivate or delete account. LinkedIn shows you two options: Deactivate account and Delete account. Choose Delete account.
LinkedIn asks you to confirm your choice and explains what happens during the 30-day waiting period. Read through this information, then click the button to confirm deletion. You will receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account. Do not click any links in this email unless you want to cancel the deletion.
How to delete your account using the LinkedIn app
Open the LinkedIn app on your phone or tablet and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen. Tap the gear icon to open settings. Scroll down and tap Sign out, then log back in — this step ensures the app has your current account information.
Return to settings and look for Account preferences or Privacy and settings, depending on your device. Tap Account management, then Deactivate or delete account. Select Delete account and confirm your choice. You will receive the same confirmation email as you would from a computer.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile disappears from LinkedIn when ready after you request deletion. Other users cannot find you through search, and your name no longer appears in their connection lists. However, your account is not yet gone — LinkedIn keeps your data in case you change your mind.
If you log back into your account at any point during the 30 days, the deletion request cancels automatically and your profile reappears. You do not need to take any action beyond logging in. After 30 days pass without you logging in, LinkedIn begins permanently removing your information from their systems. This process may take several additional weeks to complete across all of LinkedIn's servers.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
If you are unsure about leaving LinkedIn permanently, deactivation lets you step away without losing your data. When you deactivate, your profile hides from other users and you stop receiving notifications. Your messages, connections, and profile information remain stored on LinkedIn's servers.
You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime within one year by logging in again. After one year of inactivity, LinkedIn may delete a deactivated account, though you can contact their support team to request an extension. Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from LinkedIn but may return for job searching or networking later.
Downloading your data before deletion
LinkedIn allows you to read a copy of your profile data before you delete your account. This archive includes your profile information, connections list, messages, and some activity history. Having this copy is useful if you need to reference your connections or work history after your account is gone.
To read your data, go to Settings and privacy, then Data privacy. Click Get a copy of your data and select what you want to read. LinkedIn prepares a file and sends it to your email within a few hours. read and save this file to your computer before you request account deletion.
What you should do before deleting
Save any recommendations or endorsements you want to keep. Take screenshots of your profile summary, work history, and any projects or publications you are proud of. Write down the names and contact information of important professional connections if you do not have them elsewhere.
If you use LinkedIn to sign into other websites or apps, change those accounts to use a different login method first. Some services let you sign in with Google, Facebook, or an email address instead. Check any apps or websites where you clicked "Sign in with LinkedIn" and update them before deletion, or you may lose access to those accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my deletion request after I start the process?
Yes. During the 30-day waiting period, log back into your LinkedIn account and your profile will reactivate when ready. The deletion request cancels automatically — you do not need to contact LinkedIn or take any other action. After 30 days pass, cancellation is no longer possible.
Will my name and profile still appear in Google search results after I delete my account?
Your LinkedIn profile may remain in Google's search results for weeks or months after deletion because Google caches web pages. You cannot control this directly, but the cached version will eventually disappear as Google updates its index. If your profile appears in search results and bothers you, you can request removal through Google Search Console.
What happens to messages I sent to other LinkedIn users?
Messages you sent remain in other people's inboxes, but they will show as coming from a deleted account rather than displaying your name. The other person can still read what you wrote, but they cannot click on your name to view your profile. You cannot retrieve copies of these messages after deletion.
Do I need to delete my account if I just want to hide from recruiters?
No. You can adjust your privacy settings to hide from recruiters without deleting your account. Go to Settings and privacy, then Visibility, and turn off Show profile in search results and Allow recruiters to contact you. This keeps your account active while making you invisible to people searching for candidates.
How long does it take for LinkedIn to completely remove all my data?
The 30-day waiting period is when you can still cancel. After those 30 days, LinkedIn begins deleting your information, but the process may take several additional weeks to complete across all their servers and backups. There is no exact timeline — LinkedIn does not publish how long the final deletion takes.