Is a phone number required for LinkedIn?
No, a phone number is not required to create a LinkedIn account. While LinkedIn recommends adding a phone number to your profile, it is not mandatory. There are a few different ways to sign up for LinkedIn without providing a phone number:
- Use your email address – You can create an account by entering your email address and a password. No phone number is needed.
- Sign up through Facebook – If you have a Facebook account, you can use it to quickly create a LinkedIn profile without needing to add contact information.
- Sign up through Google – Similarly, if you have a Google account, you can use it to sign up for LinkedIn without providing a phone number.
So it is completely possible to make a LinkedIn profile without adding a phone number during the signup process. Later on if you want to add increased security to your account or access certain features, you may be prompted to add a phone number, but it is not required initially.
Why does LinkedIn recommend adding a phone number?
Although a phone number is optional, LinkedIn strongly recommends adding one when you set up your account for a few reasons:
- Account security – Adding a phone number enables two-factor authentication, which gives your account an extra layer of protection from unauthorized access.
- Identity verification – A phone number helps verify your identity and that you are a real person creating an account.
- Access to features – Certain LinkedIn services may require phone verification, like applying for jobs or using premium services.
- Recover account – If you forget your password, LinkedIn can send a code to your phone to verify your identity and help you reset it.
- Contact information – Recruiters and business contacts can easily reach you at the phone number listed on your profile.
While a phone number provides useful benefits, it is not absolutely necessary. You can always add one later if you choose.
Steps to sign up for LinkedIn without a phone number
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a LinkedIn account without inputting a phone number:
- Go to LinkedIn.com or download the LinkedIn app.
- Click “Join now” to begin the signup process.
- Enter your first and last name when prompted.
- Create a unique email address to associate with your LinkedIn account.
- Create a strong password for your account.
- For the phone number field, leave it blank.
- Agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
- Click the “Join now” button to complete setup.
- Confirm your email address by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox.
- Once verified, you can begin setting up your LinkedIn profile without a phone number.
The signup process only takes a few minutes. As long as you skip over the phone number field, you can create an account and start engaging with the LinkedIn community right away.
Tips for using LinkedIn without a phone number
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of LinkedIn without adding a phone number:
- Beef up account security – Enable two-factor authentication through an authenticator app or backup email address.
- Build connections – Connect with coworkers, friends, family members, and professionals you know to start growing your network.
- Complete your profile – Add details like your background, skills, education, and work experience.
- Engage with content – Follow companies and influencers and like/comment on posts to interact.
- Join groups – Become a part of industry-related groups to establish yourself as an authority.
- Make recommendations – Offer and request recommendations to showcase your capabilities and build relationships.
- Search for jobs – Use LinkedIn’s extensive job board to find new career opportunities.
- Limit account restrictions – Certain services like LinkedIn Learning may require a phone number.
You don’t need a phone number added to benefit from LinkedIn’s networking and career building potential. Tap into LinkedIn’s many resources and connect with professionals in your industry.
Pros of having a LinkedIn without a phone number
Not adding a phone number to your LinkedIn does have some advantages:
- You maintain a higher degree of privacy and anonymity.
- You avoid unsolicited outreach via phone calls.
- Your account remains secure if your phone number ever changes.
- You sidestep potential restrictions if your country blocks VoIP or online numbers.
- You control if/when you want to add your number later on LinkedIn.
For many, keeping their phone number off of public business profiles is preferable for privacy and security reasons. While adding a number has benefits, it isn’t required.
Cons of having a LinkedIn without a phone number
However, there are some drawbacks to not adding a phone number to your profile:
- You miss out on enhanced two-factor authentication security features.
- Some services or jobs may be limited that require phone verification.
- You may miss out on networking opportunities if connections can’t call you.
- Some users perceive blank contact info as less trustworthy.
- Recruiters can’t reach you as easily for new job openings.
- It’s harder to recover your account if you forget your password.
While the risks seem minimal for most, most some job seekers and business networkers may find it beneficial to add their number to unlock full functionality.
Options if you don’t want to add your personal phone number
If you’d prefer not to add your own mobile number, there are a few workarounds:
- Use a Google Voice, Skype, or other VoIP number.
- List your work phone number instead.
- Add a virtual phone number app that forwards calls.
- Purchase a cheap prepaid SIM card to verify your account.
- Ask a family member or friend if you can verify with their number temporarily.
These options allow you to keep your everyday mobile number private but still have a phone number associated with your account for functionality and security purposes.
Can I remove my phone number after adding it?
Yes, it is possible to delete a phone number from your LinkedIn account if you initially added it but have changed your mind.
Here is how to remove a phone number from your LinkedIn profile:
- Access your account settings from the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Go to the “Contact info” tab.
- Delete the phone number that is listed (for mobile, work, etc).
- Save the changes to your profile.
Once removed, your profile will no longer display your phone number anywhere. However, be aware that some previously available services may now be limited without a listed number.
Conclusion
In summary, adding a phone number when you create a LinkedIn account is recommended but not required. It is possible to sign up and use core LinkedIn features without ever verifying a phone number. However, you may miss out on certain account security tools, networking opportunities, and access to premium services. Consider your personal preferences and career needs to decide if linking a number is right for you. With or without a listed phone, build out your professional identity and connections on the world’s top business networking platform.