Can we use LinkedIn without app?

LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking platforms, with over 800 million users worldwide. While many users access LinkedIn via the mobile app, it is possible to use LinkedIn without downloading or installing the app. Here we’ll look at how to access the core LinkedIn features through the mobile and desktop sites.

Accessing LinkedIn on Mobile Without the App

The LinkedIn mobile website offers the core functionality of the LinkedIn app without needing to install anything. To access it:

• Go to www.linkedin.com in your mobile browser (Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android)
• Log in using your LinkedIn username and password

This will bring you to your LinkedIn feed, where you can see updates, search for connections, view profiles, send messages, and receive notifications. The mobile site navigation is located at the bottom, allowing you to switch between tabs like Home, My Network, Jobs, Messaging, Notifications, and Me.

Here are some of the key things you can do on LinkedIn through the mobile site without the app:

• View and update your profile
• Connect with others in your network
• Search for jobs
• Join groups relevant to your industry or interests
• Follow companies to receive their updates
• View the profiles and posts from your connections
• Comment on and react to posts
• Send and receive messages
• Get notifications when you have new messages, connection invites, and more

The main limitations are that some newer LinkedIn features may only be available in the mobile app. But for basic access and core functionality, the mobile site provides a simple way to use LinkedIn without installation.

Accessing LinkedIn on Desktop Without the App

Similarly, LinkedIn can be accessed on a desktop browser without needing to install the desktop app. Just go to www.linkedin.com and log in.

The desktop site gives you access to these key features:

• Edit your profile – add info about your work experience, education, skills, interests, etc.
• Find connections – search for people you know or went to school with.
• Join groups – follow industry discussions in your field.
• Follow companies – see their updates in your feed.
• Search jobs – find and apply for jobs on LinkedIn.
• Send messages – communicate with your network connections.
• See notifications – get alerts for new messages, connection requests, and more.
• Post updates – share articles, images, and views with your connections.

Some limitations of the desktop site include not having access to newer features like stories or live video. But the core LinkedIn platform can be accessed without the desktop app.

Benefits of Using LinkedIn Without the App

There are some advantages to using the LinkedIn mobile and desktop sites rather than the app:

• No installation needed – you can access LinkedIn immediately without downloading or installing anything.
• Works across devices – use any mobile browser or computer to log in to LinkedIn.
• Less data usage – the sites use less data than the app since there is no need for constant background updating.
• More privacy – the sites don’t need access permissions to phone features like camera, contacts, etc.
• Ad blocking – browser extensions can block ads that appear in the site.

The LinkedIn mobile and desktop sites offer a simple, streamlined way to access core LinkedIn functionality. While some newer features are only available in the app, the sites provide an easy way to connect, network, and engage professionally without installation.

Limitations of Using LinkedIn Without the App

However, there are some limitations to be aware of when using LinkedIn through the mobile or desktop sites rather than the app:

• Newer features like Stories or LinkedIn Live may not be available.
• Push notifications are limited compared to the app – you’ll need to check the sites manually.
• Some app-exclusive tools like Salary or Interview Prep may be unavailable.
• The sites are not optimized for larger screens like the desktop app is.
• Navigation and menus are more simplified on the sites.
• On mobile site, some features like adding profile media may be more difficult.

While the core LinkedIn platform is accessible through the mobile and desktop sites, newer features and some functionality will be limited compared to the full native app experience.

Workarounds for Missing App Features

If you want to avoid installing the LinkedIn app but still access some of the key features, here are a few workarounds:

• For Stories, view profiles directly – Stories appear at the top of user profiles.
• For articles, browser directly or use a news aggregator like Feedly.
• For Salary data, use alternative salary tools and job sites.
• For notifications, enable browser notifications from LinkedIn in settings.
• For Interview Prep tools, research common questions independently.
• For job insights, leverage resources like Glassdoor and Indeed.

While not a full replacement, these alternatives can help fill in some gaps if you want to limit use of the app.

Conclusion

LinkedIn is fully accessible and usable through the mobile and desktop websites without needing to install the native apps. While newer features may be limited, the core functionality is available for networking, connecting with others, sharing content, messaging, and searching jobs.

For those looking to reduce app usage or avoid installing more apps, using the LinkedIn mobile and desktop sites provides a streamlined professional social networking experience. With some smart workarounds, you can achieve most of what you need on LinkedIn without the apps.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn’s core features are accessible through the mobile and desktop sites without needing the app.
• Benefits include no installation, cross-device use, less data usage, more privacy.
• Limitations include lack of newer features, fewer notifications, and simpler navigation.
• Workarounds like checking profiles for Stories or using alternative tools can help fill gaps.
• For basic professional networking, LinkedIn is very usable without the apps.