LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking platforms, with over 800 million members worldwide. The LinkedIn mobile app allows users to access their feeds, connections, messages and other features on the go from their smartphones and tablets. However, some users find that the LinkedIn app is not compatible or unable to be installed on their devices.
Main Reasons for LinkedIn App Incompatibility
There are a few key reasons why the LinkedIn app may not be compatible with some devices:
- Older Operating Systems – The LinkedIn app requires a relatively recent version of iOS or Android to run. It may not work on older operating systems like Android 4.0 or earlier.
- Insufficient Hardware Specs – LinkedIn requires a minimum amount of RAM, processor speed, graphics capability etc. Older phones may not meet these hardware requirements.
- Country or Region Restrictions – In some countries like China, access to LinkedIn is restricted. The app itself may be unavailable in certain app stores.
- Device Manufacturer Restrictions – Some device makers do not allow installation of LinkedIn even if the OS version is recent. There may be restrictions imposed by the manufacturer.
Which Devices are Mostly Incompatible with LinkedIn App?
Here are some of the device categories that commonly face LinkedIn app incompatibility issues:
- Older Android Phones – Android phones from 2011-2013 era with OS below 4.1 and low RAM like 512MB or 1GB.
- Blackberry Phones – Most modern Blackberry devices have compatibility issues.
- Windows Phones – LinkedIn app support for Windows Phone platform is limited.
- Amazon Fire Devices – Amazon Fire tablets and TV sticks do not support LinkedIn app.
- Kindle E-Readers – Standalone Kindle e-readers lack app support including LinkedIn.
- Chromebooks – Chrome OS powered Chromebooks cannot natively install LinkedIn app.
Solutions and Alternatives
If your device is incompatible with the LinkedIn app, here are some possible solutions:
Update Device Software
Check if a software update is available for your device that upgrades the OS version or adds compatibility. This allows you to run a newer version of LinkedIn app.
Use LinkedIn Mobile Website
LinkedIn’s mobile website (m.linkedin.com) provides functionality similar to the mobile app. You can access it through your device’s browser.
Use an Alternative LinkedIn App
On some devices, you can install an alternative LinkedIn app like LinkedIn Lite which is designed for mobile networks in developing countries. It has a smaller download size and basic features only.
Change Device
Consider upgrading your device to a newer model that can support the official LinkedIn app. This ensures full app features and convenience.
Detailed Compatibility Analysis
Here is a more detailed device-by-device analysis of LinkedIn compatibility:
iOS Devices
The LinkedIn iPhone app requires iOS 10.0 or later. It works on:
- iPhone 5 and newer
- Recent iPad models (iPad Air and after)
- iPod Touch 6th generation and newer
Older iPhone and iPad models with iOS 9 or earlier will not support the latest LinkedIn app. Update to at least iOS 10 to resolve this.
Android Devices
The LinkedIn Android app needs Android 4.1 or later. It is compatible with:
- Samsung phones – Galaxy S3 and newer models
- Google Pixel and Nexus – Pixel 2 onwards, Nexus 6 and newer
- LG phones – LG G3 onwards
- Motorola – Moto X second gen and newer
- HTC – HTC One M8 and newer
Very old Android models like Galaxy S2, HTC Desire, Moto Razr will be incompatible. Update to at least Android 4.1 for LinkedIn app support.
Windows Phone Devices
The LinkedIn app has limited compatibility with Windows Phone devices. It works on:
- Lumia 640 and newer Lumia models
- Surface Phone
Older Lumia and Windows phones cannot install LinkedIn. Options are to update device if possible, or use mobile site.
Blackberry Devices
The native LinkedIn app does not work on any Blackberry phone model unfortunately. Blackberry 10 devices like Z10, Q10, Passport have known issues. Solutions are to either use mobile site, or try LinkedIn Lite app if available.
Conclusion
To summarize, LinkedIn app compatibility issues arise on older iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry devices. This is generally due to outdated operating systems or low hardware specifications. Possible solutions are updating device software, using LinkedIn’s mobile site, trying alternative apps like LinkedIn Lite, or upgrading your device. Refer to the detailed compatibility analysis to check your specific device. For full and smooth LinkedIn access on mobile, use a newer late-model smartphone or tablet running the latest OS version.