Removing a connection on LinkedIn can be a bit confusing when it comes to what the other person will see or have access to. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens when you remove someone as a connection:
They will no longer show up as a connection
The most basic impact is that once you remove someone as a connection, they will no longer show up in your connections list. And you will no longer show up in their list of connections.
They can no longer see your full profile
When someone is connected to you on LinkedIn, they have access to view your full profile. This includes being able to see your work history, education, skills, accomplishments, recommendations and any other information you have added to your profile.
However, when you remove someone as a connection, their access becomes limited. They will only be able to see your public profile, which includes your name, headline, current position and profile photo.
They can still follow you
Even if you remove someone as a connection, they can still follow your public updates and posts. Following someone is different than connecting, in that it’s a one-way connection. When you follow someone, you can see their public posts and updates in your feed.
So when you remove a connection, while they won’t have access to your full profile anymore, they will still be able to keep up with your professional updates and posts if they choose to continue following you.
You can block them from viewing your profile
If you want to completely restrict someone from viewing your LinkedIn profile after removing them as a connection, you can block them. Just go to your settings, select “Blocked Accounts” and add their profile to your blocked list. This will prevent them from viewing your profile or posts.
They may still show up as a suggested connection
LinkedIn’s algorithm tries to recommend connections for you based on shared networks, employers, groups or other factors. So even if you remove someone as a connection, LinkedIn may still suggest reconnecting with that person down the line based on your shared connections.
You can choose to ignore those suggested connections. Or if it’s someone you never want to reconnect with, you can block them which should prevent LinkedIn from recommending them again.
You can still message them
While removing a connection limits their access to your profile, it does not prevent you from messaging them through LinkedIn. You can still send direct messages to anyone on LinkedIn, whether they are a connection or not.
The only exception is if you block someone. Blocking prevents any contact on LinkedIn, including messaging.
They will be notified that you disconnected
When you remove a connection on LinkedIn, they will receive a notification indicating that you disconnected. However, unlike other social networks, they will not receive a specific notification if you block them.
You can reconnect in the future
Removing a connection does not have to be permanent. You can always send a new connection invitation in the future if you want to reconnect with that person. As long as you have not blocked them, reconnecting works the same as connecting with any member.
Conclusion
In summary:
- They will no longer show up as a connection
- They will have limited profile access
- They can still follow your public activity
- You can block them to restrict all access
- LinkedIn may still recommend reconnecting
- You can message them unless they are blocked
- They are notified if you disconnect
- You can send a new invitation to reconnect in the future
Removing a LinkedIn connection does not completely sever the tie. Unless you block them, they can still view your public profile and posts. But it does limit their access to your full profile details. Reconnecting works the same as connecting with any member. So use your best judgment when removing connections, keeping in mind their future access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone tell if you disconnect from them on LinkedIn?
Yes, when you remove someone as a connection on LinkedIn, they will receive a notification alerting them that you disconnected. The notification will include your name and profile photo.
What happens when you disconnect LinkedIn without blocking?
If you disconnect from someone without blocking them, they will no longer show up as a connection. But they can still view your public profile and follow your activity updates. They will have limited access compared to when they were connected.
Can someone on LinkedIn see your profile if you disconnect?
If someone is disconnected from you, they can still see your public profile on LinkedIn which includes your name, photo, headline and current position. But they will no longer have access to view your full profile details.
Can disconnected LinkedIn contacts message you?
Yes, even if you disconnect from someone on LinkedIn, either of you can still send direct messages to each other. The only exception is if you choose to block them – that prevents any contact including messaging.
Should I remove or block disconnected LinkedIn?
If you want to completely restrict someone from viewing your profile or contacting you, block them. Just removing the connection still allows them some access. Blocking cuts off all access and contact on LinkedIn.
Can someone follow you if you disconnect LinkedIn?
Yes, even if you disconnect from someone, they can still follow your public profile and see your posts and updates in their feed. To prevent this, you would need to block them on LinkedIn after disconnecting.
Can disconnected contacts see your LinkedIn activity?
If someone is disconnected but not blocked, they can still follow your public updates and activity on LinkedIn. They would see your posts in their feed. Blocking them would prevent this access.
Can you readd disconnected LinkedIn contacts?
Yes, you can reconnect with someone you previously disconnected from. Unless you’ve blocked them, you can send them a new connection invitation just as you would any member. Reconnecting works the same as connecting.
The Pros and Cons of Removing a LinkedIn Connection
Deciding whether to remove a LinkedIn connection can be a tough call. Here are some potential pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- Limits their access to your full profile
- Prevents awkwardness if you no longer want to be connected
- Keeps your connections list focused on active relationships
- Reduces clutter and irrelevant updates in your feed
- Sends a clear message you wish to discontinue the relationship
Cons
- May cause offense or confusion
- Could lead to uncomfortable conversations
- Potentially loses access to their network
- Appears passive aggressive compared to blocking
- They can still follow your public activity
How to Remove a LinkedIn Connection
If you decide it’s best to remove a connection, here is how to do it:
- Go to your LinkedIn connections list
- Find the person’s name you wish to remove
- Hover over their name and click “More”
- Select “Remove connection”
- Confirm you want to remove the connection
The person will immediately disappear from your connections list. And you will no longer show up in their list either. They will also receive a notification you disconnected.
Sample Message to Disconnected Contact
If you want to explain why you removed the connection, you can send them a message. Here is a sample template:
Dear [name],
I wanted to let you know that I recently removed you as a connection on LinkedIn. This was not an easy decision, but I felt it was necessary for [explain reasoning in positive way].
I appreciate the opportunity we had to connect professionally. I wish you all the best in your future career endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Customize this message template to fit the specific situation. Keep the tone polite and supportive to end the relationship on a professional note.
Alternatives to Removing a Connection
If you are hesitant about removing a LinkedIn connection outright, here are a few alternative options:
- Mute updates: You can mute their posts so their activity doesn’t show up in your feed.
- Hide from profile viewers: Prevent them from knowing you viewed their profile.
- Limit profile access: Adjust your settings to limit what connections can see.
- Politely decline requests: If they ask for introductions or favors, say you cannot help.
- Gradually respond less: Slowly communicate less over time to naturally disconnect.
Removing the actual connection is the most direct approach. But these alternatives allow you to distance the relationship gradually.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a LinkedIn connection limits profile access but doesn’t completely restrict it.
- They will be notified you disconnected but cannot tell if you block them.
- You can still message and follow each other’s public activity.
- Reconnecting works the same as connecting with any member.
- Think carefully before removing connections as it can cause offense.
- Alternatives like muting or limiting access allow for gradually disconnecting.
The impact of removing a LinkedIn connection falls somewhere between connecting and blocking. It reduces access and sends a message, but does not completely sever the tie. Consider both the professional implications and interpersonal dynamics before disconnecting.