LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking platforms, with over 810 million members worldwide as of 2022. With such a massive userbase, it’s common for people to wonder if they can create more than one LinkedIn account using the same email address. The short answer is no, you cannot have two LinkedIn accounts with the same email address. LinkedIn’s Terms of Service explicitly forbid users from creating multiple accounts for the same individual. However, there are some workarounds that people attempt in order to have two LinkedIn profiles tied to the same email. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about having multiple LinkedIn accounts with one email, including:
Why You Can’t Have Two LinkedIn Accounts with the Same Email
LinkedIn’s Terms of Service state that “You agree that you will not use the Services to create an account for anyone other than yourself.” This means each individual is only allowed one LinkedIn account associated with their personal email address. Here are some of the main reasons why LinkedIn enforces this rule:
- Preventing fraud and fake profiles – Having multiple accounts makes it easier for scammers and bots to create fake profiles, which damages LinkedIn’s credibility.
- Maintaining accurate data – Allowing duplicate accounts can skew LinkedIn’s data about how many real members they have.
- Avoiding spam and abuse – People could use second accounts to send more unwanted messages and connection requests.
- Fairness – Everyone gets one account per person to keep the platform equitable.
In summary, LinkedIn wants each person to have just one account tied to their real identity. This helps build trust in the platform and ensures members have a consistent professional identity.
What Happens If You Try to Create a Second Account
If you attempt to create a second LinkedIn account using an email that’s already associated with another account, here’s what will happen:
- Registration blocked – During signup, LinkedIn will recognize the duplicate email and prevent account creation.
- Account restriction – If you slip through registration, once detected LinkedIn will restrict the second account.
- Account deactivation – After multiple policy violations, LinkedIn may fully deactivate the extra account.
- Main account impacted – Your original profile could also get restricted or banned for duplicity.
The bottom line is trying to make a second account generally won’t work, and only risks getting both accounts penalized by LinkedIn. Any sign of policy evasion or misrepresentation can result in account restrictions.
Can You Have Two LinkedIn Accounts with Different Emails?
While you can’t use the same email for two accounts, is it possible to have two separate LinkedIn profiles using different email addresses? Technically, yes this is allowed by LinkedIn’s policies. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Use legitimate emails – Both addresses should be real emails you actively use and control.
- Different purposes – The accounts should serve clearly distinct purposes relevant to you.
- Fully fleshed out – Each profile should be completed in full, with no missing info.
- No overlap – Keep the accounts and content separate with no duplicity.
- Real name – Use your real identity on both profiles.
As long as you follow LinkedIn’s rules, having two fully completed accounts with valid reasons can be permitted in some circumstances. For example, a person might have one profile for their current executive job, and a second for nonprofit volunteer work. But the accounts must be clearly distinguished and not used to mislead.
Steps to Try to Create Two LinkedIn Accounts with One Email
Despite LinkedIn’s rules against it, some users still attempt to find ways to get two accounts with a single email. Here are some of the techniques people try, though success is not guaranteed:
- Create first account normally with your email.
- Sign up for a new email alias through a service like AnonAddy.
- Use the alias to register for a second LinkedIn account.
- Only access the alias email when using the second profile.
- Build out both accounts completely and use them for valid purposes.
- Don’t connect the accounts or overlap their content/connections.
Using an email alias can sometimes work to get two fully operational LinkedIn profiles, but there’s always the risk of account restrictions if detected. And maintaining two robust, separate accounts with one email can be challenging.
Pros of Having Two LinkedIn Accounts
Why might someone want to have two LinkedIn profiles tied to the same email in the first place? Here are some potential advantages:
- Separate professional and volunteer profiles
- Distinguish between current and former jobs
- Differentiate leadership vs. individual contributor roles
- Keep work connections separate from personal ones
- Limit what certain connections can see
- Additional profile views and messaging ability
The main motivations relate to controlling how you present yourself to different audiences on LinkedIn. For example, volunteering while employed at a corporation. However, these goals can usually be achieved through careful curation of one profile.
Cons of Having Two LinkedIn Accounts
On the other hand, here are some drawbacks to watch out for with trying to maintain two LinkedIn profiles:
- Tedious to manage two separate accounts
- Risk of restriction or deactivation by LinkedIn
- Diluted personal brand and professional identity
- Appearance of dubious behavior
- Connections may be confused or turned off
- Hard to keep accounts completely separate
It takes a lot of effort to properly develop and run two distinct yet compelling LinkedIn profiles representing yourself. And you still have to worry about account penalties. Overall, the costs tend to outweigh the benefits for most LinkedIn users.
Best Practices If You Have Two LinkedIn Accounts
If you decide to maintain two separate LinkedIn profiles, tread very carefully. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Use your real name and photo on both accounts
- Fully complete both profile sections in detail
- Ensure the accounts serve non-overlapping purposes
- Don’t connect the accounts or share connections
- Craft unique content and media for each profile
- Engage actively and positively on both accounts
- Be fully transparent if asked about your two accounts
The keys are ensuring everything you do on both accounts is legitimate, honest, and adds value. Avoid any signs of deception, overlap, or misuse at all costs.
Expert Tips for Managing Two LinkedIn Accounts
If you want to explore having two separate LinkedIn profiles, make sure you follow these pro tips:
- Use different profile photos to avoid recognition
- Customize your public profile URLs for easy separation
- Switch between accounts on different browsers or devices
- Link to both accounts on your website or resume
- Monitor both profiles daily and interact consistently
Staying on top of both accounts by checking in daily and posting regularly is key. Also be transparent about having two accounts to avoid any perceived deception.
Alternative Options to Multiple LinkedIn Accounts
Before attempting to have two LinkedIn profiles with your email, explore these alternative options:
- Showcase different roles in your summary section
- Use LinkedIn Groups for specific topics
- Create an Organization Page for your company
- Establish a presence on other networks like Twitter
- Curate your connections and content sharing carefully
With some strategic profile management, you can accomplish most goals with one strong LinkedIn account. Multiple accounts often cause more problems than they solve.
Can You Merge Two LinkedIn Accounts?
If you end up creating a second LinkedIn account but want to consolidate back to one profile, account merging is possible in some cases. Here is how to merge two LinkedIn accounts:
- Go to LinkedIn Help and search for “merge accounts”
- Complete the form to request account merge
- Provide details on both accounts and why you want to merge
- Wait for LinkedIn to review your request
- If approved, LinkedIn will handle merging everything
- You’ll have one profile with data combined from both
Merging accounts requires LinkedIn’s explicit approval based on your provided justification. If you violated any policies with your duplicate account, merging may not be permitted.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn strictly prohibits creating multiple accounts with the same email address. Attempting to skirt this rule can result in account restrictions or bans. In very limited cases, you can potentially maintain two fully fleshed out LinkedIn profiles using separate email addresses for non-overlapping purposes. But extreme caution is required. Your best option is to thoughtfully curate one robust LinkedIn presence to showcase all your professional dimensions. With strategic profile management, you can achieve most goals with a single account. Carefully evaluate whether the risks and effort of having two accounts are worth any potential rewards.