How to Delete LinkedIn Account Permanently & Temporarily

May 29, 2026 By Nancy William No Comments 6 minutes

Social media of any kind can be a bit too much to handle. The same goes for professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Constantly keeping track of LinkedIn, where everyone is looking for jobs, landing jobs, or has lost theirs, can be a bit stressful. Or, maybe you finally found a permanent job and no longer need to network. Could the LinkedIn notifications be driving you up the wall? Regardless of the reason, this guide shows you how to delete LinkedIn account permanently or temporarily.

Tip – If you’re handling sensitive information on the LinkedIn app over public WiFi, consider using a secure VPN. With FastestVPN, your connection is automatically encrypted, preventing online threats over any network. 

Suggestions – Before Deleting LinkedIn Account

When you delete your LinkedIn account, it removes access to everything you built on that platform. You lose access to all connections, direct messages, recommendations, shared posts, and job applications; all disappear. So, before you delete your account, here are a few suggestions to pay attention to: 

1. Cancel any paid subscriptions – If you’re using LinkedIn Premium, cancel it manually before terminating your account. Go to your profile, select “Premium Features,” then manage your subscription. Now, check to see if there are cancellation options, and cancel them. 
2. Download your data before you delete – The platform lets you export your information before you delete LinkedIn account. To do that, go to “Settings & Privacy” > “Data Privacy” > “How LinkedIn uses your data” > “Get a copy of your data.” You can request to get a copy of everything or handpick specific categories. You can select either your connections list, messages, or post history. LinkedIn will email you the file when it is ready.
3. Use the reactivation window – If you delete your account, LinkedIn holds your data for about 14 days. So, if you’re having second thoughts, you can sign back in during that time and reactivate your profile. However, if you wait too long, past the given date, all your data will be gone for good. Keep in mind, there are a few things, like endorsements and group memberships, that don’t fully restore even if you do return.

How to Delete LinkedIn Account Permanently

Go with the permanent account deletion if you’re completely sure you’d like to get rid of your LinkedIn account. Here’s how to get started: 

Delete LinkedIn Account On a PC (Desktop)

• On your PC, open a browser and sign in to your LinkedIn account. 
• Click on your profile picture or icon at the top of the LinkedIn page.
• Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
• On the left side, click “Account preferences.” 
• Scroll to the bottom of the list, selecting “Account management.”
• Click “Close and delete account.”
• LinkedIn will ask you the reason for leaving. Pick a reason from the list, then click “Next.”
• Enter your password to verify your identity.
• Check the box to unsubscribe you from LinkedIn emails.
• Click “Done.”

Your LinkedIn profile is now permanently deleted. Your profile might still show up in Google search results for a day or two while cached copies update. As mentioned, you have about 14 days to sign back in if you have a change of heart. However, if there’s no login, LinkedIn will permanently erase your information.

Delete LinkedIn Account On Phone (Mobile App)

• Open the LinkedIn mobile app and sign in to your account. 
• Tap your profile picture in the top left corner.
• Select “Settings” from the menu > “Account preferences.”
• Scroll down to “Account management” and then select “Close and delete account.”
• Tap “Continue.”
• Choose your reason for leaving, and then tap on “Next.”
• Enter your password to verify your identity. 
• Check mark the “unsubscribe” box if you wish, and tap “Done.”

The app usually doesn’t immediately show a confirmation message. You will know it worked when you try to log in again, and the system tells you the account is closed.

How to Delete LinkedIn Account Temporarily

Hibernating your LinkedIn account is the perfect way to take a break, especially when you still need to use the app in the future. When you temporarily disable it, your profile becomes invisible to others. No one can find you, message you, or see your activity. Also, unlike deletion, all your data stays the same, safe, and ready for whenever you sign back in. Here’s how to get started: 

Temporarily Delete LinkedIn via Desktop or Mobile

• On either desktop or phone, sign in to your LinkedIn account. 
• Go to “Settings & Privacy” from your profile menu.
• Click or tap “Account preferences.”
• Scroll to “Account management.”
• Select “Hibernate account” instead of “Close account.”
• Read the information screen so you’re aware of what this option does.
• Click “Hibernate.”
• Select a reason why you want to hibernate. You can add an optional comment if needed.
• Enter your password and click “Hibernate account” again to confirm.

After completing these steps, LinkedIn makes your account inaccessible for 24 hours. Then it stays hidden for as long as you want. LinkedIn does not set a time limit on hibernation. Your account can stay as it is for months or even years.

To get the hibernated account active again, you simply need to sign in with your usual email and password. LinkedIn will then recognize your account and ask if you want to reactivate. Select “Confirm,” and everything comes back exactly as you left it.

LinkedIn Account Deletion vs Hibernation

You should only choose to permanently delete LinkedIn if you never plan on coming back. However, if you’re leaving, you may want to download some important data just to be on the safe side. 

For those who only need a little breather from the app, you can always choose to temporarily hibernate LinkedIn account. This way, you get to step out of the app and still have your data, connections, settings, etc., all intact. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

You now know how to delete LinkedIn account permanently and temporarily. Deleting your LinkedIn account removes you from the platform entirely after a 14-day waiting period. After that, all your data and digital footprints that were associated with the platform are deleted. So, ensure that you save some data before that, if needed. Also, make sure you cancel any Premium account subscriptions before you delete your account; this can stop you from being charged. 

 Hibernating your LinkedIn account is a temporary removal. It hides you temporarily while keeping all your data safe and preserved. 

This is best if you’re only overwhelmed by notifications or taking a career break; hibernation gives you the space and time you need.