Losing access to your LinkedIn profile can be frustrating and concerning, especially if you rely on LinkedIn for networking and job searching. Fortunately, in most cases it is possible to recover your account and restore access to your profile. Here are some tips on how to get your LinkedIn profile back if you’ve lost access to it.
Determine why you lost access
The first step is understanding why you no longer have access to your LinkedIn account. Some common reasons include:
- You forgot your LinkedIn password
- Your account was hacked
- LinkedIn suspended your account
- You can’t access the email address associated with your account
Identifying the underlying issue will help determine the appropriate next steps to take.
Try resetting your password
If you simply forgot your LinkedIn password, you may be able to regain access by resetting it. Go to the LinkedIn login page and click “Forgot password?” You’ll be prompted to enter the email address associated with your account. LinkedIn will send a password reset link to that email if it’s on file. Click the reset link to create a new password and log back in.
However, this won’t work if you no longer have access to the email on your LinkedIn account. In that case, move on to the next options below.
Recover Your Account if You Lost Access to Your Email
Losing access to the email address on your LinkedIn account makes it more challenging to recover your profile. Here are some steps to try in this situation:
Update the email on your LinkedIn account
If you have another email address that you can still access, try adding it as a secondary email on your LinkedIn account:
- Go to LinkedIn and click “Forgot password?”
- Enter your primary email address when prompted.
- On the next page, click “Try another way”.
- Choose the option to add another email address to your account.
- Enter and confirm your new, accessible email address.
- Check your email inbox for a confirmation code from LinkedIn and enter it on LinkedIn.
Once you confirm the new email, you should be able to reset your password using that alternate email.
Use your mobile number
If you added a mobile phone number to your LinkedIn account, you may be able to use it to regain access:
- On the LinkedIn login page click “Forgot password?”
- Select the option to reset via text message.
- Enter your phone number when prompted.
- LinkedIn will text you a verification code to enter.
- Once verified, you can reset your password.
Enlist help from connections
Reach out to people in your LinkedIn network to see if they can help you get back into your account. They may be able to use LinkedIn’s settings to send you a connection invitation which could help you regain access.
Recover a Hacked or Suspended Account
If you believe your LinkedIn account was compromised or suspended, take the following actions:
Secure your other accounts
A hacked LinkedIn account often indicates your other online accounts may also be compromised. Take action to secure your email, bank accounts, and any other services using the same username and password combination. Change the passwords everywhere to prevent further unauthorized access. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Run antivirus software
Run a scan using updated antivirus software to check for any malware or keylogging programs on your devices that could have captured your login credentials. Remove anything suspicious that is detected.
Contact LinkedIn
Notify LinkedIn that your account has been hacked or suspended. Send an email to customer service explaining the situation and requesting that they restore your access. Provide as many details as possible to verify your identity and ownership of the account.
File a report
You can file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center if your account was hacked. While they may not be able to take direct action, the information helps identify trends and prevent future crimes.
Prevent Future Lockouts
Once you regain access to your LinkedIn profile, take proactive steps to avoid getting locked out again in the future:
Strengthen your password
Create a long, unique password for your LinkedIn account that would be difficult for hackers to guess. Avoid re-using the same password on multiple sites.
Set up two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter a code from your mobile device when logging in.
Check your security settings
Review your LinkedIn account settings and switch on any additional security options available, such as alerts about unrecognized logins.
Keep your information current
Make sure your email address, phone number, and other contact details are always up-to-date in your LinkedIn profile. This gives you multiple recovery options if you ever get locked out again.
Be cautious of scams
Watch out for suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from LinkedIn and asking for your personal information. LinkedIn will generally never ask for your password.
Get Help from LinkedIn
If you’ve exhausted all self-service options and still can’t access your account, you can contact LinkedIn directly for further assistance:
- Use LinkedIn’s online form to submit a request for help recovering your account.
- Call LinkedIn Customer Service at 1-866-539-3879 for account support. International numbers are also available.
When contacting LinkedIn, have specific details about your account ready, such as:
- Full name
- Email or phone number on the account
- Company name
- When the account was created
- Location where account was created
This information will assist LinkedIn in verifying your identity and restoring your profile access.
Consider Starting a New LinkedIn Profile
If you are unable to recover your original LinkedIn account after exhausting all options, creating a brand new profile is an alternative approach. Here are some tips if you need to start over:
Choose a new email and password
Sign up with a fresh email address and a strong password you haven’t used elsewhere. This improves security on the new account.
Reconnect with your network
Search for former connections and send new connection requests. Message them to explain you lost access to your old profile and created a new one.
Revamp your profile
Recreate your profile by adding your work history, education, skills and accomplishments. Export data from your resume or LinkedIn to speed this up.
Request recommendations
Ask former managers, colleagues and clients to write new LinkedIn recommendations to validate your credentials and background.
Update profile links
Anywhere you previously published your LinkedIn URL, like your website or business cards, update it to your new profile link.
Conclusion
Losing access to your LinkedIn can significantly impact your networking and career opportunities. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to recover or recreate your account if you get locked out. With password resets, account recovery options, contacting LinkedIn, or starting fresh, you can regain access to your important professional connections and resume details. Be proactive about account security going forward to avoid winding up locked out again.
