Having your LinkedIn account restricted and being asked to provide identification can be frustrating and concerning. However, there are some common reasons why this happens and steps you can take to get your account back to normal.
Common Reasons for LinkedIn Account Restrictions
Here are some of the most common triggers for LinkedIn restricting accounts and requesting ID verification:
- Suspicious activity – If LinkedIn detects suspicious or abnormal activity on your account, they may restrict it temporarily. This includes things like an unusual login location, potential hacking attempts, spamming other users, etc.
- User complaints – If other LinkedIn members report your profile or activity as inappropriate, LinkedIn may restrict your account to investigate.
- Potential copyright violations – Posting copyrighted material without permission can prompt account restrictions.
- Impersonation – Pretending to be someone else by using their name/photo violates LinkedIn’s rules and can get your account restricted.
- Multiple accounts – LinkedIn aims to keep one profile per user, so having multiple accounts under different emails can look suspicious.
Essentially, LinkedIn is trying to maintain trust and safety on their platform by investigating any account activity that seems suspicious or problematic. Getting asked for ID verification is part of their process for assessing potential policy violations.
How to Verify Your Identity on LinkedIn
If your LinkedIn account is restricted, their message will explain how to provide ID verification. Here are the steps:
- Click the “Verify your account” button on the account restriction message.
- Choose your country from the dropdown menu.
- Select the type of ID you want to provide – driver’s license, passport, national ID card, etc.
- Enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your ID document.
- Provide a photo or scan of the front and back sides of your current, non-expired ID.
- Confirm the upload of your ID and submit for review.
LinkedIn states they will not retain your ID information following verification. They use advanced technology to confirm the ID matches the account owner and will then lift the account restriction if no policy violations are found.
Tips for Speeding up ID Verification
Here are some tips for making sure the ID verification process goes smoothly and your account access can be restored quickly:
- Use a clear, high-quality photo or scan of your government ID where all text and images are visible.
- Double check that your personal details match exactly between your LinkedIn profile and ID document.
- Be sure your ID validity dates are current – expired documents may delay verification.
- If asked, provide secondary forms of ID like an insurance card or utilities bill to confirm your identity.
- Respond promptly if LinkedIn contacts you with any additional requests or questions.
- Avoid logging in repeatedly from different IPs during the review process as this can appear suspicious.
With clear ID images and accurate personal details, LinkedIn can usually verify your account within a few hours. The quicker you respond to their requests, the faster your account can be restored.
What Happens if Verification is Unsuccessful?
In some cases, LinkedIn may be unable to verify your identity based on the ID documentation provided. Some reasons this can happen include:
- ID photo is blurry or details are illegible.
- ID is expired or not an accepted government document.
- Name on account does not match ID exactly.
- ID appears manipulated or fake.
- Account activity violates LinkedIn policies.
If LinkedIn cannot verify your ID, they will communicate next steps via email. You may be asked to provide different documentation or information. If policy violations are confirmed, your account may end up permanently restricted. Failing verification multiple times can result in account deletion.
Appealing LinkedIn Account Restrictions
If you feel LinkedIn has made a mistake by restricting your account, you can submit an appeal after verification fails. Here are tips for effectively appealing account restrictions:
- Be polite and constructive in your appeal message.
- Explain in detail why you believe the restriction was unwarranted.
- Provide any evidence that supports your case like emails, screenshots, etc.
- Propose what you think would be a reasonable solution.
- Ask for clarification if you are unsure what policy was violated.
- Follow up if you do not receive a response within a week.
Keep in mind appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, so even with a compelling argument there is no guarantee the decision will be overturned. But it is worth respectfully contesting the restriction if you believe there has been an error.
Preventing LinkedIn Account Restrictions
The easiest way to avoid getting your LinkedIn access restricted is to use the platform appropriately within their user guidelines. Here are some tips:
- Only create and use one LinkedIn profile.
- Use your real identity – no pseudonyms or impersonating others.
- Don’t purchase, sell or share LinkedIn connections.
- Avoid copying and pasting content without proper attribution.
- Don’t spam users with unsolicited messages or connection requests.
- Be professional – no harassment, hate speech, violence/illegal activity.
- Report suspicious behavior from others – don’t engage.
Carefully reading LinkedIn’s User Agreement can help understand what behavior should be avoided. Being thoughtful in your interactions and posting content can help avoid issues.
Conclusion
Having your LinkedIn account restricted can be an unpleasant experience but is often just a temporary precaution as the company investigates activity. Providing valid ID promptly, appealing respectfully if needed, and avoiding policy violations moving forward can help get your account reinstated. With some patience and understanding, the restriction can be removed and you can get back to productively using LinkedIn.