If you’ve forgotten your LinkedIn login credentials or can’t seem to access your account, don’t panic – it happens! LinkedIn accounts contain valuable information and connections, so not being able to log in can be frustrating. The good news is that LinkedIn provides several ways to recover and access your account, even if you’ve forgotten your password or email address associated with the account. Here are some quick answers to common questions about logging back into a LinkedIn account:
I forgot my LinkedIn password – how do I reset it?
If you can’t remember your LinkedIn password, you can easily reset it by going to the LinkedIn login page and clicking “Forgot password?”. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. LinkedIn will then send you an email or text with a link to reset your password. Click the link, create a new password, and you’re back in!
I don’t have access to the email associated with my LinkedIn – how do I log in?
If you no longer have access to the email account associated with your LinkedIn, go to the login page and click “Forgot password?”. Then select the option to reset your password via SMS text message. Enter your phone number, confirm the code sent to your phone, create a new password, and you should be able to log back in.
I don’t remember the email or phone number for my LinkedIn account – what now?
If you don’t remember either the email or phone number associated with your account, go to the LinkedIn help center and submit a request for account recovery assistance. You’ll need to provide details like your name, employer, location, connections, etc. LinkedIn’s support team will use this info to verify account ownership and provide you with login credentials.
My LinkedIn account has been deactivated – how do I reactivate it?
If your account was deactivated, either by you or LinkedIn, go to the LinkedIn login page and click “Reactivate your account”. Follow the prompts to reactivate your account using the email address or phone number associated with it. You may need to reset your password in the process. As long as your account wasn’t permanently closed, you should be able to reactive and access it.
I think my LinkedIn account was hacked – what should I do?
If you suspect someone hacked your LinkedIn account, go to the login page and click “Get Help”. Select the options for reporting suspicious activity or a hacked account. LinkedIn’s security team will walk you through the steps to recover and secure your account. This may include resetting your password, confirming your identity, and enabling two-factor authentication. Act quickly if you think your account has been compromised.
Resetting Your LinkedIn Password
If you can’t remember your LinkedIn password, don’t stress! Resetting it is a quick and simple process:
Step 1: Navigate to the LinkedIn Login Page
Go to www.linkedin.com/login and click the “Forgot password?” link underneath the password field.
Step 2: Enter Your Email or Phone Number
Enter the email address or phone number associated with your LinkedIn account. This allows LinkedIn to verify your identity and send you a reset link.
Step 3: Check Your Email or Text Messages
Check the inbox of the email you entered or your phone’s text messages. You should receive a message from LinkedIn with a password reset link.
Step 4: Click the Reset Link
The reset link will redirect you to LinkedIn’s password reset page. Click the link to initiate resetting your password.
Step 5: Create a New Password
On the reset page, enter and confirm your new password. Be sure to choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used elsewhere.
Step 6: Login with Your New Password
Congrats – your password has now been reset! Try logging into your LinkedIn account using your new password. You should now have access to your account again.
Verifying Account Ownership Without Password
If you don’t have access to the email or phone number associated with your LinkedIn account, you’ll need to prove you’re the account owner by providing details only you would know.
Step 1: Visit LinkedIn’s Account Recovery Page
Go to www.linkedin.com/help/account-recovery and select the form for “I don’t have my phone or email”. Start providing the requested info.
Step 2: Enter Personal Details
You’ll need to provide identifying details like your full name, location, employer, job title, connections, profile info, etc. Be as thorough and accurate as possible.
Step 3: Confirm You’re Not a Robot
For security purposes, you’ll need to complete a CAPTCHA challenge confirming you’re a real person, not a robot!
Step 4: Submit Your Request
Review your details and submit the account recovery request. LinkedIn’s support team will use this info to verify you own the account.
Step 5: Wait for LinkedIn to Confirm Your Identity
It make take LinkedIn up to 5 business days to confirm you’re the account owner based on the details provided. Be patient during this process.
Step 6: Access Your Account
Once your identity is confirmed, LinkedIn will contact you to regain access to your account. This may include resetting your password or adding a new email or phone number.
Reactivating a Deactivated LinkedIn Account
If your LinkedIn account was deactivated, follow these steps to easily reactivate it:
Step 1: Go to the LinkedIn Login Page
Navigate to www.linkedin.com/login and click the “Reactivate your account” link.
Step 2: Follow the Onscreen Prompts
Enter your email address or phone number when prompted. LinkedIn will send you a reactivation link.
Step 3: Check Your Email or Text Messages
Open the LinkedIn email or text message and click the reactivation link inside.
Step 4: Enter Your Login Credentials
On the reactivation page, you’ll need to enter your email/phone and password associated with your account.
Step 5: Reset Your Password
You may be required to reset your password as part of the reactivation process before gaining account access.
Step 6: Confirm Reactivation
Once your password is reset, your LinkedIn account should now be reactivated! Log in to confirm.
Securing Your LinkedIn Account After Being Hacked
If your LinkedIn was compromised, act quickly to secure it again:
Step 1: Report Suspicious Activity
Go to www.linkedin.com/help and select “Report suspicious activity on your account” to notify LinkedIn.
Step 2: Regain Account Access
LinkedIn will guide you through resetting your password and reactivating your account, if needed.
Step 3: Confirm Your Identity
To prove you own the account, provide personal account details only you would know.
Step 4: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Once access is restored, enable two-factor authentication for increased security moving forward.
Step 5: Reset LinkedIn Cookie
Resetting your LinkedIn cookie logs out any bad actors accessing your account on other devices.
Step 6: Review Recent Activity
Check your account’s recent activity for any posts, messages, or connections made by the hacker.
Step 7: Change Your Password
Be sure to create a new strong, unique password that you only use for LinkedIn.
Step 8: Remove Unauthorized Connections/Followers
Remove any connections or followers added without your consent during account access.
Preventing Future LinkedIn Login Issues
To avoid LinkedIn login headaches in the future, be proactive with account security:
Use a Password Manager
Tools like LastPass or 1Password generate and store strong, unique passwords for each site.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adding an extra step like an SMS code prevents unauthorized logins, even if your password is stolen.
Be Wary of Phishing Attempts
Never enter your LinkedIn credentials on unfamiliar pages – this is likely a scam.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Logins
Public networks make it easier for hackers to steal your password. Use a VPN if necessary.
Monitor Your LinkedIn Activity
Routinely check your recent account activity for anything suspicious.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Outdated software is vulnerable to security exploits. Always run the latest versions.
Use Unique Passwords
Never reuse the same password across multiple websites or accounts.
Conclusion
While being locked out of your LinkedIn account can be upsetting, the platform provides helpful ways to recover access, even without your login credentials. Take advantage of password resets via email and SMS, account recovery forms, reactivation links, and enhanced security features like two-factor authentication. With a few simple steps, you can regain access to your valuable LinkedIn profile and connections. Just be sure to take proactive measures like using a password manager and unique passwords to prevent potential login issues in the future.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I forgot my LinkedIn password – how do I reset it? | Go to the login page, click “Forgot password?”, and reset via email or SMS verification. |
| I don’t have access to my account email – what now? | Reset your password via SMS text message instead of email. |
| How do I log in without my password or email? | Submit an account recovery request proving your identity to LinkedIn. |
| My account is deactivated – how can I reactivate? | Go to the login page and click “Reactivate your account” to regain access. |
| What if I think my account was hacked? | Report suspicious activity to LinkedIn and strengthen account security settings. |