The LinkedIn authenticator app provides an extra layer of security when logging into your LinkedIn account. This app generates unique codes that you need to enter along with your password when signing in. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication with the authenticator app on your LinkedIn account, you’ll need access to the app to retrieve the constantly changing login codes. Here’s what to do if you need to get your LinkedIn authenticator app code.
Requirements for Using the LinkedIn Authenticator App
To use the LinkedIn authenticator app and get your unique login codes, you’ll need:
- A LinkedIn account with two-factor authentication enabled
- The LinkedIn authenticator app installed on your mobile device (available for iOS and Android)
- Access to the mobile device where you installed the authenticator app
If you’ve met these requirements, you can follow the steps below to get your 6-digit authenticator app code for LinkedIn.
How to Get Your LinkedIn Authenticator App Code
Here are the steps to get your LinkedIn authenticator code:
- Open the LinkedIn authenticator app on your mobile device.
- The app will display any LinkedIn accounts you’ve already configured. If you don’t see your account, tap the + icon to add an account.
- If adding a new account, you will need to sign in to your LinkedIn account in the app and follow the setup prompts.
- Once your LinkedIn account is set up in the app, it will display a 6-digit login code that refreshes every 30 seconds.
- Use this 6-digit code when prompted for your authenticator code while signing in to LinkedIn.
The authenticator code in the app will continuously change, so you need to open the app each time you sign in to get your current code. Make sure to have the app open and accessible when entering your LinkedIn login credentials on the website or mobile app.
What to Do If You Don’t Have the App
If you no longer have access to the mobile device with the LinkedIn authenticator app, you have a few options:
- Reinstall the app – You can download the LinkedIn authenticator app again on any iOS or Android device. Just use the same LinkedIn account when setting it up to sync your credentials.
- Use backup codes – When you first enabled two-factor authentication, LinkedIn provided 8 single-use backup codes. Enter one of these codes if you can’t access the authenticator app.
- Request a reset – You can have LinkedIn send you a code via email or text to disable two-factor authentication. You’ll need to confirm your identity first.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having issues getting your LinkedIn authenticator app code, try these tips:
- Make sure the time is accurate on your mobile device. Codes won’t sync properly if the time is off.
- Check that notifications and background app refreshing are enabled for the authenticator app.
- Force quit and restart the LinkedIn authenticator app if codes aren’t refreshing properly.
- If you restored your mobile device from a backup, you may need to reconfigure the authenticator app.
- Delete and re-add your LinkedIn account in the authenticator app if it’s no longer syncing codes.
Using Authenticator Codes Safely
Here are some tips to keep your LinkedIn authenticator codes secure:
- Don’t share your codes with anyone or take screenshots that could be seen by others.
- Only enter your codes into official LinkedIn login screens – not in emails, texts, or external websites.
- Consider using device locks like fingerprint ID or face recognition to secure access to your codes.
- Monitor your LinkedIn activity for any unauthorized access – this could indicate your codes have been compromised.
- If you lose access to your authenticator app and don’t have backup codes, remove two-factor authentication and set it up again.
Enabling two-factor authentication with the LinkedIn authenticator app provides an important security boost for your account. Just be sure you can reliably access the codes in the app when needed. With the proper setup, getting your LinkedIn authenticator code is quick and easy each time you sign in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about retrieving your LinkedIn authenticator app code:
Why do I need an authenticator app code for LinkedIn?
LinkedIn uses authenticator app codes as part of its two-factor authentication security feature. Requiring both your password and an authenticator code makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access your account.
How long do my authenticator codes last?
The 6-digit authenticator codes refresh every 30 seconds and expire after use. You need to use the current code generated in the app when signing in to LinkedIn.
What happens if my mobile device is lost or stolen?
If you lose access to the device with your authenticator app, use your backup codes or reset two-factor authentication through LinkedIn’s account recovery process. Don’t store backup codes on the same device as your authenticator app.
Can I get my codes sent to me another way?
Currently LinkedIn only provides authenticator app codes for two-factor login. Backup codes can only be used once. If you absolutely can’t use the app, you’ll have to disable and re-enable two-factor authentication.
How do I get codes if I don’t have a smartphone?
The LinkedIn authenticator app requires a smartphone – either iOS or Android. If you don’t have a compatible device, you won’t be able to use app-based two-factor login for LinkedIn.
What should I do if the codes aren’t showing up?
First, make sure the time zone is set correctly on your phone and that background app refreshing is enabled for the authenticator app. If that doesn’t work, force quit and restart the app. As a last resort, delete the LinkedIn account profile from the app and set it up again.
Conclusion
Retrieving your LinkedIn authenticator app code is a simple process as long as you have the app installed on your smartphone. Open the app, locate your LinkedIn account profile, and the current 6-digit code will display and automatically refresh every 30 seconds. Enter this code after your password when signing in to enhance the security of your LinkedIn account. Just be sure to keep access to the app on your phone or you’ll need backup codes or to reset two-factor authentication through LinkedIn’s account recovery process. With the proper setup, the LinkedIn authenticator app provides a seamless and secure login experience.
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open the LinkedIn authenticator app on your mobile device |
| Step 2 | Locate your LinkedIn account profile in the app |
| Step 3 | Copy the current 6-digit login code |
| Step 4 | Enter the code after your password when signing in to LinkedIn |
Key Things to Remember
- LinkedIn authenticator codes refresh every 30 seconds
- The code expires immediately after use
- Keep your mobile device secure to protect access to codes
- Don’t store backup codes on the same device as the app
- Reset two-factor authentication if you permanently lose access to codes
The History and Evolution of LinkedIn’s Login Security
LinkedIn launched in 2003 as one of the first business-focused social networking sites. In its early days, LinkedIn relied solely on username and password for authentication. But as the service grew and added more sensitive user data, LinkedIn began implementing more advanced security features.
Early Security Measures
Even before two-factor authentication, LinkedIn deployed several protections in the 2000s to help secure user accounts:
- Password encryption – Hashed and salted password storage to protect login credentials.
- IP tracking – Monitoring IP addresses to detect suspicious login locations.
- Email confirmations – Requiring email confirmation before important account changes.
These measures aimed to prevent unauthorized access by using password best practices, tracking suspicious activity patterns, and confirming user identity for key account modifications.
Introduction of Two-Factor Authentication
In 2013, LinkedIn rolled out support for two-factor authentication, starting first with text message codes before expanding to authenticator apps in 2017.
Two-factor authentication enhanced LinkedIn’s login security by requiring not only the password but also a dynamic code from a trusted source like the user’s phone. This made stolen passwords alone insufficient to access accounts.
Recent Security Developments
LinkedIn continues to strengthen login protections and account security:
- Security checks – Scans for compromised credentials and risky logins during authentication.
- Account recovery – Streamlined process to regain access through trusted channels like email and phone.
- OAuth apps monitoring – Users must reapprove third-party app tokens every 30 days for increased control.
Together with two-factor authentication, LinkedIn now provides robust account security while avoiding overburdening the login experience. Users enjoy peace of mind while easily accessing LinkedIn’s services.
The Future of Login Security
As threats continue evolving, LinkedIn will likely develop additional authentication and account security enhancements:
- Biometric authentication – Using fingerprint, face, or iris scanning instead of codes.
- Security keys – Small physical devices that connect via USB or NFC during login.
- Behavioral analysis – Detecting abnormal usage patterns indicative of account takeovers.
People expect their professional social media accounts like LinkedIn to be highly secure. LinkedIn has come a long way from simple username and password login to sophisticated security measures centered around two-factor authentication. Users can expect even stronger identity protections in the future as threats become more sophisticated.
How Other Popular Apps Handle Two-Factor Authentication
Many apps and online services now offer two-factor authentication to enhance login security. Here is an overview of how some other popular apps handle 2FA:
- Supports authentication apps, SMS text messages, and physical security keys.
- Generates 6-digit codes that refresh every 30 seconds.
- Shows recent activity when users log in to detect unauthorized access.
- Uses notifications pushed to the Google app or Android/iOS devices as 2FA.
- Alternatively supports text messages, authentication apps, and security keys.
- Requires 2FA for all new accounts by default.
Slack
- Offers time-based one-time password (TOTP) integration.
- Syncs with most authentication apps like Authy and Google Authenticator.
- Lets administrators enforce 2FA policies organization-wide or for specific users.
Dropbox
- Uses SMS text messages, authentication apps, or security keys for 2FA.
- Has an account recovery process if users lose access to 2FA methods.
- Customizable strength requirements for passwords.
Microsoft
- Provides a Microsoft Authenticator app for Outlook, Office, and other services.
- Alternatively supports phone calls, SMS texts, and hardware tokens.
- Lets users set up trusted devices to skip 2FA prompts.
Each app chooses 2FA methods that best fit their service while balancing usability and security. But the vast majority now offer at least SMS text or authenticator app integration for stronger account protection.
Professional Tips for Managing LinkedIn Authenticator Codes
Here are some expert recommendations for effectively managing use of your LinkedIn authenticator app:
Only Install the App from Trusted Sources
To avoid scam apps, only download the official LinkedIn authenticator app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or LinkedIn’s website. Avoid third-party app stores or links.
Carefully Organize Login Credentials
Store your LinkedIn login email/username and backup codes somewhere safe like a password manager. Don’t save them in your smartphone’s notes app.
Keep Your Mobile Device Secure
Use screen locks, device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and other features to secure the device with your authenticator app. Don’t jailbreak or root the device.
Frequently Update Apps and OS
Keep your mobile OS and apps, including the authenticator app, updated to the latest versions to receive critical security patches.
Avoid Account Sharing
Never share access to your LinkedIn authenticator app or codes with anyone, even colleagues. This compromises the security of your account.
Monitor LinkedIn Activity
Routinely check your LinkedIn account security settings and activity log for any unauthorized access attempts indicating a breach.
Set Up Emergency Backup Options
Have backup codes stored safely offline and ensure you can access your phone number or recovery email if you lose your device.
Following these tips will help ensure you can conveniently access your LinkedIn authenticator codes without comprising your account security.
Conclusions
Here are some key takeaways on retrieving your LinkedIn authenticator app code:
- The LinkedIn authenticator app generates 6-digit codes that refresh every 30 seconds for two-factor authentication when signing in.
- To get your code, simply open the authenticator app and copy the current code displayed for your LinkedIn account.
- If you don’t have the app, use backup codes, reinstall the app, or reset two-factor authentication through LinkedIn’s account recovery process.
- Keep your mobile device and authenticator app access secure to prevent unauthorized access to codes.
- LinkedIn aims to strike the right balance between robust login security through two-factor authentication and user accessibility.
Retrieving your LinkedIn authenticator code only takes a few seconds if you have the app installed on your mobile device. This extra login step provides significant protection against unauthorized account access. Just follow best practices for smartphone security and app management to ensure easy, reliable access to your codes when signing in to LinkedIn.
