Where to find your LinkedIn profile link

Your LinkedIn URL is the web address that takes someone directly to your profile. It looks like linkedin.com/in/yourname or linkedin.com/company/yourcompanyname if you manage a business page. You can find it in three places: in your browser's address bar when you visit your own profile, in your profile settings, or by copying the link that LinkedIn generates for you.

The easiest method is to open LinkedIn, click your profile photo in the top right corner, and select "View profile." The URL in your browser's address bar is your LinkedIn URL. Write it down or copy it — this is what you share when you want someone to find you on the platform.

If you have not customized your URL yet, LinkedIn assigns you a default one with numbers in it, like linkedin.com/in/john-smith-12345678. You can change this to something cleaner and easier to share, which we cover in the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • Your LinkedIn URL appears in the address bar when you visit your own profile, and it is the quickest way to find it.
  • Default LinkedIn URLs contain random numbers, but you can customize yours to include your name instead.
  • You can change your custom URL once every six months, so choose something professional you will keep.
  • Your LinkedIn URL is different from your profile ID number — the URL is what you share with others.

How to customize your LinkedIn URL

LinkedIn lets you create a custom URL that is shorter and easier to remember. To set this up, go to your profile and click the "Edit public profile & URL" button on the right side of your banner photo. On the right side of the page, you will see a section labeled "Public profile URL" with your current address.

Click the pencil icon next to your URL. LinkedIn will show you available options based on your name. You can use your first and last name, first initial and last name, or variations if your exact name is taken. Type the version you want and click "Save." LinkedIn will confirm the change when ready.

Keep your custom URL professional — use your actual name or a version of it rather than nicknames or numbers. This URL appears on your profile, in search results, and anywhere you share your LinkedIn link, so it should reflect how you want to be found professionally.

Copying and sharing your LinkedIn URL

Once you have your URL, you can copy it in several ways. The simplest is to highlight the address in your browser's address bar, right-click, and select "Copy." You can then paste it into emails, documents, or messaging apps.

LinkedIn also provides a built-in share button. On your profile page, look for the "Share" button (usually near the top). Click it and select "Copy link to profile." This copies your exact URL to your clipboard without you having to manually select it from the address bar.

When you share your LinkedIn URL with someone, they can click it directly to see your profile without having to search for you. This is useful for job applications, networking, or when you want someone to review your work history and skills.

Understanding LinkedIn profile IDs versus URLs

LinkedIn assigns every profile a unique ID number behind the scenes. This is different from your URL. Your ID is a long string of numbers that LinkedIn uses internally to track your account, while your URL is the human-readable web address you share with others.

You do not need to find or use your profile ID for everyday purposes. Your URL is what matters when you are sharing your profile with employers, clients, or professional contacts. The ID exists in the background and you will rarely see it unless you are using LinkedIn's developer tools or API.

What to do if your custom URL is taken

If the custom URL you want is already in use by someone else, LinkedIn will tell you when you try to claim it. You will see a message saying the URL is unavailable, and LinkedIn will suggest alternatives based on your name.

Your options are to choose one of LinkedIn's suggestions, use a middle initial or middle name if you have one, or add a number at the end. For example, if "linkedin.com/in/john-smith" is taken, you might use "linkedin.com/in/john-m-smith" or "linkedin.com/in/johnsmith2." Pick something professional that you will be comfortable sharing.

If you have a very common name, you might not be able to get the exact version you want. In that case, a middle initial or a slight variation is the next best option. Avoid numbers if possible, as they look less professional, but a single digit is better than a default URL with many numbers.

Changing your LinkedIn URL later

LinkedIn allows you to change your custom URL once every six months. This means if you set a custom URL today, you cannot change it again until six months have passed. Plan ahead and choose something you are comfortable with for at least that long.

If you do want to change it after six months, follow the same steps: go to "Edit public profile & URL," click the pencil icon next to your URL, and select a new one. LinkedIn will confirm the change and your old URL will stop working, so update anywhere you have shared it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple LinkedIn URLs?

No, you have one URL per profile. If you manage a company page, that page has its own separate URL. You cannot create multiple personal profile URLs or redirect one URL to another.

What happens to my old LinkedIn URL if I change it?

Your old URL stops working once you change it. Anyone who tries to visit the old address will get an error. Update your resume, website, and any other places where you shared the old URL with your new one.

Is my LinkedIn URL the same as my profile link?

Yes, they are the same thing. "LinkedIn URL," "profile link," and "profile address" all refer to the web address that takes someone to your profile. It is the address you see in your browser's address bar when you visit your own profile.

Can I see my LinkedIn URL on my phone?

Yes. Open the LinkedIn app, tap your profile photo, tap "View profile," and look at the address bar at the top of your browser or the share button on your profile. You can copy and share it the same way you would on a computer.

Do I need a custom URL or is the default one okay?

A custom URL is not required, but it is worth setting up. Default URLs with numbers look less professional and are harder to remember. A custom URL with your name takes two minutes to set up and makes your profile easier to share and find.