Can you close down your LinkedIn account without completely deleting it?

Quick Answer

Yes, it is possible to close down a LinkedIn account without completely deleting it. LinkedIn provides an option to temporarily deactivate your account, which removes your profile and information from the platform while still keeping your data stored in their system. Your connections, endorsements, and other account details will be saved but inaccessible to others during the deactivation period.

What Happens When You Deactivate Your LinkedIn Account?

Here are some key things that happen when you choose to temporarily deactivate your LinkedIn account:

• Your profile will no longer be viewable on LinkedIn to other members.
• You will stop receiving notifications, messages, and other communications from LinkedIn.
• Others will no longer be able to find or connect with you on LinkedIn.
• Your connections and network will remain intact but dormant.
• You will stop seeing updates in your LinkedIn feed from your connections and groups.
• Your account homepage will just display a message that your account is inactive.

Essentially, deactivating your account makes it seem like you no longer have a LinkedIn presence, even though your data remains in their system. Think of it like putting your account on hold or hiatus.

How to Temporarily Deactivate a LinkedIn Account

Deactivating your LinkedIn account is simple and can be done in just a few steps:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account on the website (not the mobile app).
2. Click on the profile icon at the top right and select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the left sidebar menu, click on “Account preferences.”
4. Under the “Account management” section, click on “Deactivate your account.”
5. Read the information on what happens when you deactivate your account.
6. Click on the “Deactivate your account” button and confirm again when prompted.

Once you complete the steps, your account will be immediately deactivated. LinkedIn will also send a confirmation email to verify the deactivation.

How Long Does LinkedIn Account Deactivation Last?

When you deactivate your LinkedIn account, it will remain inactive for a minimum of one week. After seven days have passed, you can choose to permanently delete your account or reactive it to restore all your info and resume normal use.

If you take no action, LinkedIn will automatically reactive your profile after 30 days of inactivity. So your deactivation can essentially last anywhere from one week to one month, depending on when you decide to restore your account.

What is the Difference Between Deactivating and Deleting Your LinkedIn Account?

Deactivating your LinkedIn account is a temporary action, while completely deleting it is permanent. Here’s an overview of the key differences:

Deactivating Your Account

• Removes profile and makes account inaccessible temporarily
• Keeps all data, connections, and account history intact
• Can be undone at any time to reactivate profile
• Lasts from one week to 30 days unless account is reactivated

Deleting Your Account

• Permanently erases profile and all account data
• All connections, network, and account history is removed
• Cannot be undone or recovered once account is deleted
• Deleted account is gone forever

So in summary, deactivating keeps your account on hold while deleting erases it completely. Deactivating offers more flexibility if you may want to use LinkedIn again in the future.

Reasons to Deactivate Instead of Deleting Your LinkedIn

Here are some common reasons to temporarily deactivate your LinkedIn instead of permanently deleting it:

• You want to take a break from LinkedIn and social media for personal reasons
• You are between jobs or careers and don’t need networking for a period
• You want to limit distractions while focused on a project or busy time
• You wish to rebrand your profile and restart fresh at a later time
• You might return to job searching or networking on LinkedIn soon
• You don’t want to lose business contacts and connections forever

The flexibility to reactivate your account makes deactivation an appealing choice if you want time away from LinkedIn without burning bridges.

How to Permanently Delete Your LinkedIn Account

If you do wish to completely erase your LinkedIn presence forever, here are the steps to fully delete your account:

1. Log in to LinkedIn and go to your account settings
2. Under account management, select “Closing your LinkedIn account”
3. Click on “Close your account” and select a reason for leaving
4. Enter your account password when prompted to confirm account closure
5. Select “Continue” then “Close Account” to permanently delete all account data

Once you complete these steps, your profile, connections, messages, and all other personal data will be removed from LinkedIn’s servers within 24 hours. The deletion cannot be reversed.

You also have the option to download an archive of your account data before closing it permanently.

Can You Reopen a Deactivated LinkedIn Account?

Yes, reactivating a deactivated LinkedIn account is simple:

1. Go to LinkedIn.com and click “Sign in”
2. Enter your email and password to log in
3. You will see a prompt confirming reactivation of your account
4. Click “Reactivate Account” and you’re done! Your profile will restored

Your account will return to active status immediately on LinkedIn. All connections, activity history, profile details, and account settings are retained after deactivation.

Conclusion

Deactivating gives you an easy way to temporarily remove your LinkedIn presence while keeping your account and data intact. It’s ideal if you need a break from the platform or will be back in the future. Permanently deleting your account is best if you are leaving LinkedIn for good and want all traces of your profile erased completely.

Overall, deactivating your account provides more flexibility if you may return to LinkedIn in the future. But deleting your profile completely ensures your online presence is removed permanently if you are certain you won’t need it anymore. Carefully consider which option aligns best with your personal circumstances and professional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still message people if I deactivate my LinkedIn account?

No, you cannot send or receive messages when your account is deactivated. All messaging capabilities are suspended until you reactivate your profile.

What happens to my email address if I deactivate LinkedIn?

Your email address will no longer be accessible or associated with your LinkedIn account during deactivation. It will not be displayed on your inactive profile.

Will people get notified if I deactivate my LinkedIn?

No, LinkedIn does not send notifications to your connections when you deactivate your account. Your profile quietly becomes inaccessible without any public announcement.

Can I still access LinkedIn Learning if I deactivate my account?

No, you cannot access any LinkedIn Learning courses or videos while your account is deactivated. All LinkedIn services become temporarily unavailable.

Will deactivating LinkedIn affect my job applications?

Possibly, since recruiters and hiring managers won’t be able to view or contact you through LinkedIn while deactivated. But you can still apply for jobs directly through company sites.

What happens if I change my mind and want to reactivate later?

You can easily reactivate your account at any time while deactivated. Just log in with your credentials and LinkedIn will prompt you to restore your profile.

Can someone else take my LinkedIn username if I deactivate?

No, your unique LinkedIn URL and public profile URL will remain reserved to you and cannot be used by anyone else.

Will my LinkedIn activity history and data be saved if I deactivate?

Yes, all your activity, connections, profile details, and account history will be saved and restored when you reactive your account.

If I don’t reactivate, will LinkedIn eventually delete my account?

If your account remains deactivated for 30 days, LinkedIn will automatically reactivate it to active status. Your account and data will not be deleted.