Having trouble verifying your email on LinkedIn? You’re not alone. Many LinkedIn users encounter issues when trying to confirm their email addresses on the platform.
There are a few common reasons why email verification may fail on LinkedIn:
You’re using a role or disposable email address
LinkedIn aims to build an authentic community, so they don’t allow temporary or fake email addresses to be verified. If you’re trying to verify a role-based email like [email protected] or a disposable email like guerrillamail.com, LinkedIn will not allow it.
You’ll need to use a real, permanent email address registered under your name to verify on LinkedIn.
You’re entering the wrong confirmation code
When verifying your email on LinkedIn, they send a 6-digit confirmation code to your inbox. You need to enter this exact code on LinkedIn to confirm your address.
It’s easy to make a typo or mistake when entering this code. Double check that you’ve entered the code correctly. Also check your spam folder in case the email with the code ended up there.
You’re using an email alias
If you’re attempting to verify an email alias on LinkedIn, it may not work. For example, if your real email is [email protected] and you try to verify [email protected], LinkedIn may think it’s an invalid email.
It’s best to verify your primary email address without any aliases or forwarding.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re still having issues verifying your email on LinkedIn, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
Use a different email address
The easiest fix is to use a different email that you know works. Verify a personal email like Gmail or Outlook instead of a work email, which may have restrictions.
Double check the confirmation code
Carefully re-enter the 6-digit confirmation code sent to your email. Copy-paste the code if possible to avoid typos. Also check spam folders or other inboxes in case it went to the wrong place.
Try disabling email extensions
Some email providers like Gmail ignore everything after a + sign. Try verifying without extra tags like +linkedin.
Request a new confirmation code
If you can’t find the original confirmation code, you can have LinkedIn resend a new one. Just click the “resend code” link on the verification page.
Wait a bit and try again later
Sometimes verification emails from LinkedIn can be delayed or temporarily blocked by spam filters. Wait 15-30 minutes and attempt to verify again later.
Use an alternate email service
If your email provider is blocking LinkedIn’s verification emails, try using a different email service like your personal Gmail account instead of work email.
Contact LinkedIn support
If you still can’t verify after trying these steps, reach out to LinkedIn customer support through their help center. They can look into the issue and troubleshoot further.
Why Email Verification is Required
You may be wondering why LinkedIn requires email verification in the first place. Here are some key reasons:
Confirm users have access to their emails
Email verification proves that you actually own and control the email address associated with your LinkedIn account.
Prevent fake or disposable email abuse
Requiring real email addresses prevents spammers and bots from abusing LinkedIn with fake disposable email accounts.
Allow important notifications and security updates
A verified email means LinkedIn can send you notifications about job matches, messages, and other updates, as well as account security alerts.
Build trust and credibility on the platform
Verifying your identity via email helps build a credible network on LinkedIn based on real identities.
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Email verification assists LinkedIn in complying with laws related to knowing their users’ identities.
Alternative Verification Options
If you’re absolutely unable to verify your email on LinkedIn, there are some alternative options:
Verify via SMS text message
LinkedIn allows verifying your account via SMS text message sent to a mobile phone number instead of email.
Upload a photo ID
You can also confirm your identity by uploading a scan or photo of a government-issued ID like a driver’s license.
Provide professional or educational details
Adding detailed information about your professional background or education can also help verify your LinkedIn account.
However, email verification is the preferred method. The alternatives have limitations – for example, you won’t be able to fully use the LinkedIn platform without a confirmed email on file.
Benefits of Verifying
Here are some of the key benefits you’ll get after successfully verifying your email on LinkedIn:
Increased visibility and access
With an unverified email, your LinkedIn profile and activity is restricted. Verifying your email makes your profile visible to wider audiences.
Improved account security
Verifying your email allows LinkedIn to alert you in case of suspicious activity on your account.
Full platform functionality
An unverified email prevents you from accessing key LinkedIn features like customized job matches, messaging, and more.
Credibility and trust
A verified email adds legitimacy and trustworthiness to your LinkedIn presence, especially for business use.
Networking and communication
Verifying your email lets you connect with wider professional networks and communicate seamlessly.
Job search capabilities
Many companies won’t engage with unverified profiles. Verifying your email gives you access to more job leads and opportunities.
Ad and lead generation
Verified emails can fully access marketing, advertising, and lead gen tools to grow their audience and business.
Risks of Remaining Unverified
Choosing not to verify your email on LinkedIn has a number of downsides, such as:
Limited profile visibility
Unverified profiles only show your name, headline, and current position to the public. All other details remain hidden.
Restricted access to opportunities
You miss out on customized job recommendations, recruiting engagement, and new connections without email verification.
Lower credibility and trust
An unverified profile comes across as less legitimate, hampering relationship-building and business use cases.
No retention of network links
Any connections made before verifying will be deleted and have to be re-established after verification.
Unable to communicate freely
Unverified accounts face restrictions when communicating with others through messaging, comments, and mentions.
Limited advertising and lead generation
Marketing your business, generating leads, and running ads on LinkedIn is crippled without a verified email.
No account security alerts
LinkedIn can’t warn you about potential account hacks, password changes, or other suspicious activity without a verified email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about verifying email on LinkedIn:
Why do I need to verify my email on LinkedIn?
Email verification is required to fully access LinkedIn’s features, establish credibility, get security alerts, and unlock opportunities through the platform.
What emails can I verify on LinkedIn?
You can verify any valid personal or professional email registered under your real name, as long as it’s not disposable, temporary, or role-based.
How long does LinkedIn email verification take?
It should only take a few minutes after requesting the confirmation code. Delayed or missing emails are usually due to spam filters or incorrect entry of the code.
What if I can’t find my verification code email?
First, check spam folders. If it’s still missing, you can have LinkedIn resend a new 6-digit code again. Also try an alternate email provider.
Can I use LinkedIn without verifying my email?
You can use a limited version of LinkedIn with an unverified email, but won’t have access to key features and opportunities without verifying.
What are the risks of not verifying my email on LinkedIn?
Drawbacks include limited profile visibility, restricted access, lower credibility, inability to retain connections, lack of security alerts, and reduced marketing capabilities.
Conclusion
Email verification is an important step in fully accessing everything LinkedIn has to offer. If you’re having issues verifying, double check the confirmation code, try sending to an alternate email, or contact LinkedIn support. With a small amount of effort, you can verify your email and unlock the many benefits.
LinkedIn aims to build an authentic community rooted in real identities. While verification may seem tedious, it ultimately creates a trusted platform for establishing and advancing professional relationships. So take the time to properly confirm your email, and you’ll be set up for success!