A hibernated LinkedIn account refers to a LinkedIn profile that has been temporarily deactivated by the account owner. When an account is hibernated on LinkedIn, the profile is hidden from search results and is no longer visible to other users on the platform. However, the account and all of its data remain intact and can be fully restored whenever the owner decides to reactivate it.
Hibernating a LinkedIn account is an option for users who want to take a break from the platform without permanently deleting their profile. There are a few key things to understand about hibernated LinkedIn accounts:
Why People Hibernate LinkedIn Accounts
There are several common reasons why LinkedIn users may choose to hibernate their accounts:
- Taking a break from social media: Some people periodically want to disconnect from social media platforms like LinkedIn for a mental health break or to focus on other priorities.
- Job searching: If someone is currently employed but casually looking for new job opportunities, they may hibernate their profile to avoid alerting their current employer.
- Career change: When transitioning to a new industry, some users hibernate their old LinkedIn profile and create a new one aligned with their new career direction.
- Harassment: Unfortunately, harassment issues on social media are not uncommon. Hibernating an account is one way to temporarily stop unwanted contact from other users.
- Temporary inactivity: If someone has a major life event coming up, such as exams, military service, parental leave, etc., that will prevent them from being active on LinkedIn for a while, they may hibernate their account during that time.
Essentially, hibernating allows people to step away from LinkedIn without permanently losing their connections, endorsements, content, and other data.
How to Hibernate a LinkedIn Account
Hibernating your LinkedIn account is simple to do through the platform’s account settings:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and click on your profile photo in the top right corner.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy”.
- On the Account tab, click on “Visibility”.
- Under the “Profile visibility off LinkedIn” section, check the box for “Turn on profile visibility only to people who have your profile email or phone number”.
- Save the changes. This will immediately hide your profile from all LinkedIn members except those who already have your email or phone number.
Once hibernated, your profile will not appear in searches, you will stop receiving notifications, and all premium services will be disabled until the account is reactivated.
How Long You Can Hibernate a LinkedIn Account
There is no time limit for how long you can keep your LinkedIn account hibernated. Your profile can remain dormant for as long as you want without being deleted by LinkedIn.
Of course, the longer an account lays inactive, the more outdated your connections and profile information will become. Many experts recommend checking back in and reactivating your account at least once every 6-12 months if you intend to fully use your LinkedIn presence again in the future.
But again, LinkedIn will never automatically delete or erase a hibernated account, no matter how long it has been dormant. The choice of when to reactivate is entirely up to the account holder.
Reactivating a Hibernated LinkedIn Account
If you are ready to start engaging again on LinkedIn after a break, reactivating your hibernated account is easy:
- Log into your hibernated LinkedIn account and go back into settings.
- Under the Visibility tab, uncheck the box that limits profile visibility only to connections.
- Your profile will now be visible again on LinkedIn to all members.
Once your account is reactivated, you’ll likely want to:
- Review your profile and make any needed updates to work history, education, skills, etc.
- Check on the status of your connections and reach out to update any important contacts.
- Review previous conversations and notifications you may have missed while hibernated.
- Adjust your notification settings and privacy preferences based on how active you want to be on the platform going forward.
With your profile visibility turned back on, you can fully participate on LinkedIn again.
Benefits of Hibernating vs. Deleting a LinkedIn Account
If you are deciding between hibernating or permanently deleting your LinkedIn account, there are a few key factors to consider:
Benefits of Hibernating
- You maintain all your connections.
- Your profile content stays intact.
- You hold onto endorsements, recommendations, and contributions you’ve made to LinkedIn conversations/groups.
- You can easily reactivate the account when ready.
- No need to rebuild your network and profile from scratch if you return.
Benefits of Deleting
- You make a definitive break from LinkedIn.
- The account cannot be accessed or traced back to you in any way.
- Forces you to fully commit to leaving the platform behind.
- May be preferred if there are concerns over outdated information remaining visible.
Generally, hibernating is the best option if you think you may eventually want to use LinkedIn again. But deleting the account permanently can be the right choice if you are certain you want to move on or start fresh professionally.
Conclusion
Hibernating your LinkedIn account is a simple settings change that allows you to take a break from the platform while preserving your profile and connections for later use. It is an ideal option for anyone who needs time away from LinkedIn temporarily due to job changes, mental health needs, or other factors. Whenever you are ready to resume activity, reactivating a hibernated account is quick and easy to do. Just be sure to keep your login credentials secure so you can access the account again.