LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world. When setting up a LinkedIn account or making changes to your profile, LinkedIn may send a text message verification code as an added security measure.
When does LinkedIn send verification codes?
There are a few common situations when LinkedIn will text a verification code:
- Creating a new LinkedIn account – To confirm your phone number is valid
- Adding or changing your phone number on your profile – To verify the new phone number
- Enabling two-factor authentication – To help secure your account
- Resetting your password – To confirm it’s really you trying to access the account
- Making changes to settings like privacy or notifications – For account security
Essentially any time you are making important changes to your LinkedIn account, they may send a text message with a 6-digit verification code to complete the action. This helps protect your account from unauthorized changes.
Why does LinkedIn use verification codes?
LinkedIn uses text message verification codes primarily as a security measure. Here are some of the main reasons LinkedIn relies on verification codes:
- Prevent fake accounts – The codes help ensure real people are creating accounts, not bots or spam accounts.
- Confirm identity – Only the real account owner who has access to the associated phone can enter the code.
- Secure data – Verification provides extra protection for user’s personal information and activity.
- Protect accounts – Codes prevent unauthorized logins, changes, or resets from hackers.
- Stop spam – The codes block spammy or shady behavior.
In summary, LinkedIn uses verification codes as an extra layer of security to protect user accounts and personal data from misuse. The codes help confirm real users and block suspicious activity.
What to do when you get a LinkedIn verification code
When you receive a 6-digit verification code text from LinkedIn, follow these steps:
- Open the LinkedIn app or website and log into your account.
- Enter the code exactly as it appears in the text message into the verification field.
- Complete the action that requires verification such as changing your phone number.
- The code will instantly expire after it has been used to verify the action.
Things to keep in mind when getting a LinkedIn verification code:
- Codes expire quickly, usually within 10 minutes.
- Only enter the code into LinkedIn – never share it with anyone else.
- If you miss the window to enter the code, you may have to request another code.
- It’s normal to get multiple codes when making multiple changes to your account.
As long as you immediately enter the codes into LinkedIn when prompted, the verification process is quick and easy. The codes add an extra layer of protection to your account.
How to get a new LinkedIn verification code
If your LinkedIn verification code expires or you accidentally miss the text, getting a new code is easy. Here are the steps:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and navigate to the page that requires verification.
- Look for the option to resend a code. LinkedIn usually provides this below the verification field.
- Select resend code. LinkedIn will text a new 6-digit code to your phone number.
- Enter the new code into the verification field.
Alternatively, you may be able to complete the verification step later when convenient. For example, when updating your phone number, you can get a new code by going back to your profile settings later.
If you are still having trouble receiving a LinkedIn verification code:
- Make sure LinkedIn has your current, correct phone number.
- Check for text blocking settings that may prevent receipt of codes.
- Contact LinkedIn customer support for help getting a new verification code.
Getting a new LinkedIn verification code is quick and simple in most cases. Make sure LinkedIn has your number, then use the resend code option.
What to do if someone else gets your LinkedIn verification code
If someone else accidentally gets sent your LinkedIn verification code, they could potentially access your account. Here’s what to do:
- Log into LinkedIn immediately and change your password. This secures your account.
- Remove any secondary phone numbers that may have incorrectly received the code.
- Check your account security settings and enable two-factor authentication.
- Review account activity for any unauthorized changes.
- Contact LinkedIn support to report the issue if needed.
Getting a new verification code sent to your correct number will also ensure the other person can’t enter the code. Take proactive measures to lock down your account if the wrong person receives your code.
Turning off LinkedIn verification codes
LinkedIn doesn’t provide an option to completely disable verification codes. The codes are automatically sent when taking actions that require identity confirmation for security.
However, there are a couple steps you can take to potentially reduce the frequency of getting codes:
- Avoid constantly changing account settings like your phone number or email.
- Turn off two-factor authentication if enabled.
- Use the desktop site instead of mobile which may require fewer codes.
Overall, LinkedIn authentication codes are mandatory and account security benefits from using them. But unnecessary frequent changes to your profile can be avoided to potentially reduce codes.
Conclusion
LinkedIn uses verification codes to enhance account security. You’ll typically get the 6-digit codes when creating an account, updating settings, resetting your password, and enabling two-factor authentication. Entering the codes proves you own the account and prevents unauthorized access. While the codes can’t be disabled completely, minimizing profile changes reduces how often you have to verify actions. Overall, LinkedIn’s use of text message verification assures real users control their accounts while thwarting spammers and hackers.