LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 800 million members. As a professional networking platform, LinkedIn allows you to connect with colleagues, business partners, recruiters, and more. It’s important to manage your professional reputation on LinkedIn which is why the site offers a Private Mode browsing feature. Browsing in Private Mode allows you to visit LinkedIn profiles and search without leaving a trace that you were there.
What is LinkedIn Private Mode?
LinkedIn’s Private Mode allows you to browse anonymously on desktop and mobile. When Private Mode is turned on, your name and photo will not show up on someone’s “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” list. You can search for people, companies, groups, and more without anyone being notified or your activity being logged. Any changes you make to your profile or activity will be saved, but your browsing history will not be recorded.
Benefits of Using Private Mode
There are several benefits to browsing LinkedIn in Private Mode:
- View profiles discreetly – Look up colleagues, business contacts, recruiters and more without notifying them or showing up on their visitor list.
- Research competitors – Monitor job listings, employees and news from rival companies anonymously.
- Stay up-to-date – Catch up on industry trends, view group activity and stay current without anyone knowing.
- Avoid awkwardness – Connect with former co-workers and old classmates without fear they’ll know you looked at their profile.
Essentially, Private Mode allows you to use LinkedIn freely without worry that your activity will be tracked. It gives you the flexibility to connect with the platform on your terms.
How to Turn on Private Mode
Using Private Mode on LinkedIn is simple to activate on both desktop and mobile. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Desktop Instructions
- Log into your LinkedIn account on a desktop browser.
- In the top right corner, click on your profile icon and select Privacy & Settings.
- On the left sidebar menu, choose Browsing settings.
- Under the Private Mode section, toggle the button to the ON position.
- A pop-up will appear confirming you’ve entered Private Mode. Click Got it.
You can tell Private Mode is activated when the top bar of your LinkedIn homepage turns gray. This lets you know your activity is now anonymous.
Mobile Instructions
- Open the LinkedIn app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.
- Choose Privacy settings.
- Under the Browsing section, toggle the Private Mode switch to the ON position.
When browsing LinkedIn in Private Mode on mobile, the top bar will turn gray just like on desktop.
What You Can Do in Private Mode
While in Private Mode, you can:
- View other profiles without leaving a footprint
- Search for people, jobs, companies, groups
- Send InMail messages
- Save jobs and follow companies
- Preview your own profile
- Join groups
Essentially, you have full access to LinkedIn features for research, connecting and sharing while keeping your activity private.
However, there are a few limitations to be aware of:
- You cannot engage with LinkedIn’s social features like commenting, liking or sharing posts.
- Advanced filters for searching profiles are restricted.
- Sorting profiles based on who’s viewed yours is disabled.
- You will not show up as a new member if you join groups.
Despite these minor limitations, Private Mode provides extensive functionality for keeping your LinkedIn activity discrete.
Turning Off Private Mode
When you are ready to make your LinkedIn browsing public again, turning off Private Mode is easy:
Desktop Instructions
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select Privacy & Settings.
- Choose Browsing from the left sidebar.
- Under the Private Mode section, toggle the button to the OFF position.
Mobile Instructions
- Go to your profile in the top left corner.
- Tap Settings & Privacy.
- Select Privacy settings.
- Under Browsing, switch the Private Mode option to OFF.
Once disabled, your browsing activity will show up publicly on LinkedIn again.
Closing Summary
LinkedIn’s Private Mode allows you to use the professional networking platform freely without leaving a footprint. It’s great for discreet research, connecting anonymously and staying up-to-date privately. Just toggle Private Mode on when needed and any profiles you view, searches you make or groups you join won’t be logged. Remember to turn it off when you want your activity visible again. With these simple instructions, you can master browsing LinkedIn in Private Mode on desktop or mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Private Mode work on the LinkedIn mobile app?
Yes, Private Mode is available on both the LinkedIn mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Just go to your profile, select Settings & Privacy > Privacy and toggle on Private Mode.
Can I send InMail messages in Private Mode?
Yes, you can still send private InMail messages to LinkedIn members while browsing in Private Mode.
Does LinkedIn notify other users when you enter or exit Private Mode?
No, LinkedIn does not send notifications to your connections when you turn Private Mode on or off. It is completely discreet.
Can I edit my profile while in Private Mode?
Yes, any changes you make to your own LinkedIn profile will be saved as usual. Private Mode only makes your browsing history and activity private.
Will recruiters know if I view their company page in Private Mode?
No, recruiters will not get notifications or see your name if you visit their company’s LinkedIn page while in Private Mode. It keeps your browsing anonymous.
Can I join LinkedIn groups privately with Private Mode on?
Yes, you can join groups normally while in Private Mode. However, unlike normal, you won’t show up as a new member of the group. Your group activity will remain anonymous.
Is there a way to permanently browse privately without toggling it on each time?
No, LinkedIn does not currently offer a way to permanently enable Private Mode. You have to manually turn it on every time you want to browse anonymously.
Table Summary of Key Information
| Platform | How to Turn On | Limitations | What’s Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Profile > Privacy & Settings > Browsing > Toggle Private Mode to ON | – No social engagement – Restricted filters – No sorting by profile views |
– View profiles – Search – Send InMail – Save jobs & follow companies |
| Mobile App | Profile > Settings & Privacy > Privacy > Toggle Private Mode ON | – No social engagement – Restricted filters – No sorting by profile views |
– View profiles – Search – Send InMail – Save jobs & follow companies |
Conclusion
Browsing privately on LinkedIn using Private Mode is easy to activate on desktop and mobile. It allows discreet research and connecting without any activity tracked. Just remember to toggle it off when you want to engage publicly again. With these tips, you can master the art of private browsing on LinkedIn and take control of your professional networking.
