Having a locked LinkedIn account can be frustrating, but don’t worry – there are a few different ways to unlock your account so you can access it again. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common reasons your LinkedIn account may be locked and walk through the steps to unlock it in each scenario.
Account Locked Due to Too Many Failed Login Attempts
One of the most common reasons for having a locked LinkedIn account is simply entering the wrong password too many times. LinkedIn will automatically lock your account temporarily after a certain number of failed login attempts as a security precaution.
If this is why your account has been locked, the good news is that you just need to wait out the temporary lockout period before trying to log in again. The lockout period is usually between 30 and 60 minutes. You’ll want to be sure you’re attempting to login with the correct password when trying again after the lockout expires.
To avoid getting locked out in the future, be sure to:
- Know your password – Don’t guess or try random passwords repeatedly
- Check caps lock if your password has capital letters
- Don’t try to login from multiple devices simultaneously
Account Locked Due to Suspicious Activity
LinkedIn may also lock your account if their automated security systems detect suspicious or unusual activity that doesn’t seem like your normal usage. This is done proactively to protect you in case your account has been compromised.
Some examples of unusual activity that could trigger this type of account lock include:
- Logging in from a new device or unknown location
- Multiple login attempts from different IP addresses
- Requests to change account information such as your password or email
If LinkedIn has proactively locked your account for suspicious activity, you’ll need to go through an account recovery process to regain access:
- Request an account unlock on the LinkedIn login page – LinkedIn will send a password reset email if they can confirm your identity
- Follow the instructions in the password reset email to create a new password
- Log in with your new password
Be sure when going through the account recovery process that you’re accessing the real LinkedIn site (look for “https” in the URL). Avoid any suspicious password reset emails and use the official password reset flow through the LinkedIn login.
Account Locked Due to Inactivity
LinkedIn may also lock accounts that have had prolonged periods of inactivity. This is done as an added security measure in case an inactive account is compromised.
According to LinkedIn’s policies, accounts can become locked after periods of inactivity of 9-12 months. However, it’s a good idea to log in periodically even if you’re not actively using your account to prevent unwanted locks.
If you try to login to your inactive LinkedIn account and find it locked, use the password reset option on the LinkedIn login page to reset your password and regain access. The one downside with long-inactive accounts is that resetting your password may be more difficult if you can’t easily access the recovery email on file.
Account Restricted Due to Violations
In some cases, LinkedIn may fully restrict account access due to serious violations of their User Agreement or Professional Community Policies. Violations that can lead to restrictions include:
- Abusive or harassing behavior
- Sharing inappropriate or explicit content
- Spamming or spreading malware
- Scraping data or violating privacy
- Impersonating others
If you believe your account was restricted in error, you can submit an appeal to LinkedIn. However, restrictions are usually reserved for more serious violations vs. a simple account lockout.
Still Unable to Unlock Your LinkedIn Account?
If you’ve tried the steps above but are still unable to unlock your LinkedIn account, there are a few other things you can try:
- Request Account Support – Use LinkedIn’s direct account support options to request help unlocking your account.
- Check for Compromise – If you suspect your account was hacked, run virus/malware checks on your devices used to access LinkedIn.
- Use an Alternative Email – Try your account recovery options with an alternate email if you’re not getting password reset emails.
- Connect via Phone – LinkedIn may be able to assist you with account recovery over the phone.
As a last resort if you absolutely cannot regain access to your account through normal means, you may need to open a new LinkedIn account and start fresh. But try the tips above first – in most cases you should be able to recover and unlock your existing LinkedIn account.
Best Practices for Keeping Your LinkedIn Account Secure
Once your account is unlocked, be sure to follow these security best practices to help avoid future lockouts:
- Use a strong, unique password – Don’t reuse passwords between sites.
- Set up two-factor authentication.
- Be cautious of suspicious login emails – Reset directly on LinkedIn.com.
- Don’t use public computers to access your account.
- Monitor your account activity for unauthorized changes.
- Keep software and malware protection up to date.
Conclusion
Having a locked LinkedIn account can certainly be an inconvenience, but in most cases you can get back into your account simply by resetting your password or verifying your identity with LinkedIn’s automated tools.
Be patient and persistent in trying the various account unlock and password reset options. And be cautious of any suspicious emails – always reset your password directly through the LinkedIn website or app.
With the right steps, you should be able to use your LinkedIn account again in no time. Just be sure to implement security best practices going forward to avoid future lockout frustrations.