What to do if LinkedIn account is permanently restricted?

Having a LinkedIn account permanently restricted can be very frustrating. LinkedIn is an important platform for building connections and advancing careers. If your account is permanently restricted, it likely means LinkedIn has determined your account violated their User Agreement policies. While getting your account back can be difficult, there are some steps you can take to appeal the restriction and hopefully regain access to your account.

Understanding LinkedIn Account Restrictions

LinkedIn has the right to restrict accounts that violate their User Agreement and Professional Community Policies. These policies prohibit things like spamming, scraping data, and fake accounts. If LinkedIn determines your account crossed the line, they may impose a temporary or permanent restriction. Here are some key things to understand about LinkedIn account restrictions:

• Temporary restriction – Account is blocked for a set period, such as 24 hours. You can regain full access after the time expires.
• Permanent restriction – Account is blocked indefinitely. Very difficult to get access back.
• Common reasons for permanent restriction: Spam messaging, scraping member data, fake accounts, abusive behavior.
• LinkedIn will notify you if your account is restricted, citing the policy violated.
• Restricted accounts cannot interact on the platform and profile is hidden.

If your account has been permanently restricted, LinkedIn has likely determined your account activity went directly against their policies. This makes overturning the restriction very difficult in most cases.

Appealing a Permanent LinkedIn Account Restriction

If your LinkedIn account has been permanently restricted, you do have the option to appeal the decision. However, LinkedIn states upfront that most permanent restrictions are upheld on appeal. Still, going through the appeals process is likely your only option to potentially get your account reinstated. Here are some tips for appealing a permanent restriction:

1. Submit an appeal through the LinkedIn Help Center – This is typically the first step. LinkedIn reviews the initial appeal and contacts you with a decision.
2. Provide a detailed explanation – Clearly explain why you believe the restriction was made in error and why your account should be reinstated.
3. Highlight good faith efforts – Demonstrate any steps you’ve taken to follow LinkedIn policies moving forward.
4. Accept responsibility for any policy violations – Admit fault for any improper account activity that may have led to restriction.
5. Be patient and persistent – The appeals process can take weeks. Follow up politely if you do not hear back.

The appeals process is not easy, but carefully following the proper steps provides the best chance of getting your account reinstated. However, you have to proceed with the expectation that the permanent restriction will likely stand.

Steps to Take While Account is Restricted

While going through the LinkedIn appeals process, there are some steps you can take in the meantime as your account remains restricted. Having a restricted account prevents you from accessing your connections and profile. Here are some things you can do:

• Inform close connections – Let coworkers, close colleagues and clients know about the restriction. They will be unable to contact you on LinkedIn.
• Provide alternate contact channels – Give connections another way to reach you such as email or phone number.
• Build connections off of LinkedIn – Focus on networking through other channels, events, etc.
• Update your resume – Without access to your LinkedIn profile, update your resume to share your background when needed.
• Consider other professional platforms – Research alternatives like XING to build connections if restriction continues.

Essentially, find professional networking alternatives while your LinkedIn account is restricted. Rely on other channels to communicate and build relationships.

Best Practices to Avoid LinkedIn Restriction

The best way to avoid having your LinkedIn account restricted is to understand and closely follow their user policies. While restrictions do happen accidentally at times, in most cases restricted accounts were engaging in prohibited behavior. Here are some best practices to avoid account restrictions:

• Never buy, sell or scrape LinkedIn member data.
• Avoid spam messaging LinkedIn members.
• Do not create fake member profiles.
• Only create one LinkedIn account that represents the real you.
• Use LinkedIn messaging thoughtfully and avoid over-messaging.
• Follow all LinkedIn guidelines for advertisements and sponsored content.
• Report any scam messages or fake accounts you see to LinkedIn.

Additionally, keep your account information and privacy settings up to date. Give LinkedIn no reason to suspect your account is fake, compromised or engaged in suspicious activity. While your account could still be restricted in error, following these best practices significantly reduces that risk.

Create a New LinkedIn Account

If your appeals are denied and your restrictions upheld, creating a new LinkedIn account may seem like your only option to regain access to the platform. However, LinkedIn expressly prohibits creating a new account after restriction – and they actively detect these attempts. Any new account risks being promptly restricted again if discovered.

In special cases, LinkedIn may provide guidance on a timeframe after which you can create a new account that will not be flagged. For example, if they determine your account was restricted in error. But typically you cannot simply create a new LinkedIn profile to bypass a restriction.

Use an Alternative Professional Network

If your LinkedIn appeals are unsuccessful, the last resort may be moving to an alternative professional networking platform. While LinkedIn is the dominant choice, other sites like XING, Viadeo and InterNations cater to business networking and recruiting. These sites allow you to:

• Build an online resume and portfolio
• Connect with professionals in your industry
• Join specialized career and networking groups
• Follow companies and business leaders
• Search for job opportunities

While these sites have fewer members than LinkedIn, they can still be helpful for connecting with professionals in your field and building your online reputation. However, use caution as some also impose strict rules and account restrictions.

Conclusion

Having your LinkedIn account permanently restricted cuts off your main networking pipeline. While the appeals process is challenging, carefully following the proper steps provides a chance at reinstatement. However, you may need to accept the restriction is permanent and find alternative professional platforms. With patience and persistence, you can rebuild online connections and continue advancing your career – with or without LinkedIn.