Having trouble logging into your LinkedIn account because you forgot your password? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people forget their LinkedIn passwords from time to time. The good news is that resetting your LinkedIn password is a quick and easy process.
Try logging in again
Before taking any further steps, try logging into your LinkedIn account again. Sometimes we think we’ve forgotten a password when we’ve simply mistyped it. Carefully enter your username and password again to see if you can gain access to your account.
If you still can’t log in, it’s time to take the next steps to reset your password.
Reset your password via email
The easiest way to reset your LinkedIn password is to use the “Forgot password?” link on the LinkedIn login page. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to www.linkedin.com and click the “Sign in” button in the upper right corner.
- On the sign in page, click the “Forgot password?” link below the password field.
- Enter your LinkedIn username or the email address associated with your account.
- Click the “Reset password” button.
- LinkedIn will send a password reset email to the email address on file. Open the email and click on the password reset link.
- You’ll be directed to a page to create a new password. Enter your new password twice and click “Set password.”
Following these steps will allow you to reset your password easily via email. Just make sure to enter the email address associated with your LinkedIn account, otherwise you won’t receive the password reset email.
Reset via SMS
If you have a phone number associated with your LinkedIn account, you can also reset your password via SMS text message. Here’s how:
- Go to the LinkedIn login page and click “Forgot password?”
- Enter your LinkedIn username or associated email address.
- Select the option to send a reset link via SMS.
- Enter the phone number on your LinkedIn account when prompted.
- LinkedIn will send a text with a password reset link. Click on the link to create a new password.
Resetting your password via text can be convenient if you don’t have easy access to the email on your LinkedIn account. Just remember that your phone number needs to be associated with your account in order to use this option.
Reset through account recovery
If you do not have access to the email or phone number on your LinkedIn account, you can still reset your password through account recovery. Here are the steps:
- On the LinkedIn login page click “Forgot password?”
- Enter your username and click “Reset password.”
- When it says additional verification is required, click “Recover account.”
- Enter details about your account like associated names or email addresses.
- Select “I don’t have access to these options” if you can’t verify via email or phone.
- LinkedIn will give you options like uploading an ID or having a code sent to a connected account.
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity and reset your password.
While more complicated than resetting via email or SMS, account recovery allows you to get back into your LinkedIn account even if you don’t have access to the main email or phone number. Just be prepared to provide in-depth details to confirm your identity.
Use LinkedIn’s mobile app
If you use LinkedIn’s mobile app, you can also reset your password through the app. Here’s how:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap “Forgot password?” on the login screen.
- Enter your LinkedIn username or the email on your account.
- Select to reset via email or SMS.
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity and reset your password.
Resetting your password through the LinkedIn mobile app is useful if you frequently access LinkedIn on your mobile device. Just tap through the same password reset flows as you would on the desktop site.
Contact LinkedIn customer service
If you cannot reset your password through any of the above methods, you can contact LinkedIn customer service for assistance. Here are some tips for contacting customer support:
- Go to LinkedIn’s help center and search for password issues to find options to contact support.
- Be prepared to verify your identity by answering security questions.
- Allow 1-2 business days for a response from customer service to reset your password.
- Save the new password they provide you in a secure password manager.
Contacting LinkedIn support should be your last resort for resetting your password. Try all of the self-service options first before reaching out to customer service.
Create a strong new password
Once you’ve successfully reset your LinkedIn password, be sure to create a strong new password you can remember. Follow these tips:
- Make your password long and complex – at least 8 characters, with upper/lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
- Avoid common passwords or personal info that could be guessed.
- Don’t reuse the same password on multiple websites.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
Setting a strong, unique password will help prevent you from getting locked out of your account again in the future.
Add extra security to your account
Here are some extra steps you can take to further secure your LinkedIn account after resetting your password:
- Set up two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
- Remove any unknown or unused devices that are linked to your account.
- Review all privacy and security settings to understand your account’s permissions.
- Hover over your profile photo and click “View account” to ensure your personal info is correct.
Taking these extra security precautions can prevent your account from being compromised by an unknown person if they were able to access it through your old password.
Stay vigilant against suspicious activity
Going forward, keep watch for any suspicious activity that could be a sign your account was compromised:
- Emails or notifications about changes made to your LinkedIn account that you did not authorize.
- Posts made under your name that you did not create.
- Connection requests sent from your account without your knowledge.
- Unfamiliar devices logged into your account.
If you notice any unusual activity, change your password again immediately and contact LinkedIn support if the issues persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I unable to reset my password through email or SMS?
There are a few reasons you may be unable to reset your LinkedIn password via email or text:
- The email or phone number on your account is out of date.
- Your email or phone is blocking the reset messages.
- You have the wrong email/phone number entered.
- There are issues with LinkedIn’s system sending reset messages.
Double check you are using the correct contact information and that messages are not getting blocked. If issues continue, you’ll need to go through account recovery.
What if I don’t have my old LinkedIn email or phone number?
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number associated with your LinkedIn account, go through LinkedIn’s account recovery process. You will need to provide information to verify your identity, like an ID document or details about your account history. This will allow you to regain access to your account so you can update your contact info and reset your password.
How long does it take for LinkedIn to send a password reset email or text?
LinkedIn will send the password reset message immediately after requesting it, as long as you entered the correct contact information. Reset emails and texts typically arrive within 1-5 minutes. If you don’t receive it within 15 minutes, check your spam folder or contact LinkedIn for assistance.
Is there a limit to how many times I can reset my LinkedIn password?
LinkedIn does not disclose if there is a limit to how many times you can reset your password. However, continuously resetting your password in a short period of time may trigger additional security checks to confirm your identity. Unless your account has been compromised, you should not need to reset your password frequently.
What should I do if someone else gets access to my LinkedIn account?
If someone else gains access to your LinkedIn account, take these steps immediately:
- Change your password – use a new, complex password.
- Revoke connections to any users you don’t know.
- Review posts and activity for anything suspicious.
- Check security settings and remove unrecognized devices/sessions.
- Consider enabling two-factor authentication.
Also be on the lookout for any unusual profile changes, messages sent, or other activity from the account. Report anything suspicious to LinkedIn as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your LinkedIn account can be frustrating, but resetting your password is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Try resetting via email or SMS first, and use account recovery if you’ve lost access to those contact methods. Creating a strong new password and enabling extra security controls can help protect your account going forward.
With LinkedIn being so crucial for professional networking and opportunities, it’s important to regain access to your account if you ever forget your password. Just use the password reset options LinkedIn provides or contact customer support if you run into any trouble logging back in.