LinkedIn is one of the most popular social media platforms for professionals. With over 800 million users worldwide, LinkedIn allows people to connect with colleagues, find jobs, network, and more. While many find LinkedIn invaluable for career opportunities, others wish they could remove the app from their devices. Here are some of the top reasons why you may be unable to delete the LinkedIn app.
LinkedIn Preinstall on Devices
One of the most common reasons you can’t delete the LinkedIn app is that it comes preinstalled on many devices. LinkedIn has partnerships with several smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Motorola. As part of these deals, LinkedIn’s mobile app is preloaded onto devices.
For example, if you buy a new Samsung Galaxy phone, you’ll notice LinkedIn already installed when you first boot up the device. Since it’s preinstalled by the manufacturer, regular uninstall methods like going into your app settings won’t work to remove LinkedIn.
Many users find these preinstalled apps annoying, especially if it’s for apps they don’t plan to use. With no way to uninstall it, the LinkedIn app is stuck on their phone taking up valuable storage space.
Work Requirement
Another common reason people can’t remove LinkedIn is due to work requirements. Many companies require employees to have a LinkedIn profile for networking and recruitment purposes.
Your employer may issue work smartphones that come with LinkedIn preloaded. Even with personal devices, your company might mandate having the LinkedIn app installed for easy access.
Trying to delete the LinkedIn app on a work device could get you in trouble. Unless your employer changes their policies, you’ll be stuck with the app if you want to keep the job.
Linked to Other Accounts
LinkedIn integration with other apps can also make it impossible to remove. Many services offer the option to sign-in or register using your LinkedIn account.
For example, some CRM software like Salesforce allows importing contacts and data from LinkedIn. Other sites like Eventbrite let you RSVP using LinkedIn.
Deleting the LinkedIn app would break any services you’ve connected in this manner. Unless you disconnect LinkedIn from integrated apps first, the uninstall will fail or cause errors.
It’s a good idea to check your account connections before attempting to remove the LinkedIn app. Look in your LinkedIn settings to see which third-party apps have permission to access your profile data.
Android vs iOS Restrictions
Platform limitations also play a role in being able to delete LinkedIn. On Android, device manufacturers have more control over preinstalling apps and restricting uninstalls. iOS offers users more flexibilty and control.
For example, on an iPhone or iPad, you can delete most preinstalled apps, including LinkedIn. Android users don’t have this option on devices like Samsung or LG. Even if your particular Android doesn’t come with LinkedIn preloaded, the uninstall process can be more difficult.
On iOS, apps like LinkedIn behave similar to other downloads from the App Store. Android apps, even user installed ones, have tighter integration with the OS that make them harder to remove entirely. Unless the manufacturer allows it, deleting system-level apps is impossible for the average user.
Uninstall LinkedIn on iOS
If you have an iPhone or iPad, here are the steps to uninstall LinkedIn:
- Open the App Library on your iOS device
- Long press on the LinkedIn app icon
- Tap Remove App
- Confirm you want to delete LinkedIn from your device
Uninstall LinkedIn on Android
For Android devices, you can try the following to uninstall LinkedIn:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications
- Select See All Apps
- Find LinkedIn and tap it
- Tap Uninstall
- Confirm you want to remove the app
If LinkedIn came preloaded or your device blocks uninstalls, this process won’t work. You’ll have to either root/jailbreak your phone to force delete it or disable LinkedIn if you can’t fully remove it.
How to Disable LinkedIn
If you can’t fully uninstall the LinkedIn app, restricting it can minimize distractions. Here are some ways to disable LinkedIn on your device:
- Force Stop – Go into app settings and force stop LinkedIn so it won’t run in the background.
- Disable Notifications – Turn off all LinkedIn notifications so you won’t get alerted to activity.
- Remove Shortcuts – Delete any LinkedIn shortcuts or widgets so you have to manually launch.
- Sign Out – Make sure to sign out of LinkedIn so you have to sign back in to use.
- Restrict Data/Battery – Limit LinkedIn’s data usage and ability to run in the background.
While not as good as deleting the app, these steps can help prevent constant distractions from LinkedIn. It also reduces LinkedIn passive data collection if the app isn’t actively running or submitting notifications.
Should You Delete LinkedIn?
Before attempting to delete the LinkedIn app, think about whether you really should. Here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- Frees up storage space on your device
- Prevents distracting notifications and activity
- Limits LinkedIn’s data access and battery usage
- Can focus your attention on more important tasks
Cons
- Lose easy access to networking and job opportunities
- Harder to keep profile updated and engagement high
- Miss out on relevant content from your connections
- Important business contacts may only be on LinkedIn
Evaluate whether losing LinkedIn’s benefits is worth regaining focus and storage space. In many cases, keeping the app and adjusting notifications may be a better compromise.
LinkedIn Alternatives
If you decide to remove LinkedIn entirely, here are some alternative professional social networks to consider:
| Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Popular in Europe. Focused on careers and opportunities. | |
| Viadeo | Mainly France and China users. Available in multiple languages. |
| Academia.edu | Connects researchers and academics worldwide. |
While none are as large as LinkedIn, these networks can help you maintain professional connections and find jobs in your field.
Conclusion
Deleting the LinkedIn app is difficult due to dependencies from work requirements, preinstalls, and integrated services. While you may want to remove it for reduced distractions or privacy concerns, losing access can negatively impact your career opportunities.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of deleting LinkedIn before attempting removal. On iOS devices you have the best chance of uninstalling. For Android or preloaded apps, restricting notifications and background usage may be your only options.
Before taking any action, be sure your professional network and career won’t suffer from losing LinkedIn access on your mobile device.
