Having trouble getting the LinkedIn app to work on your device? You’re not alone. Many users run into compatibility issues, especially when trying to use LinkedIn on older or less common devices. The LinkedIn app has certain system requirements that need to be met for it to function properly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why LinkedIn may not be compatible with your device and potential solutions to get it working.
Unsupported Operating System Version
One of the most common compatibility issues with LinkedIn is having an unsupported operating system version. The LinkedIn app requires a relatively recent version of iOS or Android to run properly. Here are the minimum OS requirements according to LinkedIn:
- iOS 11 or later
- Android 5.0 or later
If your device has an older OS than what’s listed above, that is likely the reason why the LinkedIn app is not compatible. The app simply won’t run on older unsupported system software. Upgrading your device’s OS could potentially fix this issue, but that’s not always possible on older smartphones and tablets. The hardware may not support newer OS versions.
Insufficient Device Specifications
In addition to software requirements, the LinkedIn app also has minimum hardware specifications in order to operate smoothly. Even if your device technically meets the minimum OS requirements, its processor, RAM, storage, and other specs also need to be up to par. Here are some of the key device specs required to properly run LinkedIn:
- 1GB RAM (2GB or more recommended)
- Dual core 1.5GHz processor or faster
- 800 x 480 screen resolution or higher
- At least 100MB storage space
If your smartphone or tablet has lower specs than what’s listed, you’ll likely experience performance issues even if LinkedIn installs. The app may crash, freeze up, or be painfully slow. Upgrading to a newer device with better hardware could potentially fix these problems. But if upgrading is not an option, you may have to use LinkedIn’s mobile website instead of the app.
App Not Available for Your Device Type
In some cases, the LinkedIn app may not be available at all for your specific smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. LinkedIn only develops its app for the most popular modern mobile platforms. As of this writing, here are the device types supported:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS)
- Mainstream Android phones and tablets
- Some Kindle Fire tablets
If you’re using a Windows phone, Blackberry, or other less common device types, there may not be an official LinkedIn app available. Your only option would be using the mobile site. And if you have a much older device from the early smartphone era, there probably won’t be compatibility either unless someone has unofficially ported the app over.
Web View App Issues
Some mobile platforms allow apps to run using a built-in web view instead of native code. The web view basically loads a browser window within the app. This allows developers to build cross-platform apps more easily. But sometimes web view implementations have bugs or limitations that prevent complex apps like LinkedIn from working properly. Symptoms can include the app crashing repeatedly, features missing or not working, and severe performance problems.
A few platforms known to have web view issues with certain apps include:
- Fire OS – Amazon’s Android fork for Kindle Fire tablets
- Older versions of Android System WebView
- Third-party Android skins like MIUI, EMUI, etc.
If your device is running software known to have imperfect web views, that could be the reason for LinkedIn compatibility problems. A workaround is to use LinkedIn’s mobile site instead of the app in this case.
How to Fix LinkedIn App Compatibility Issues
Now that we’ve explored some of the most common LinkedIn app compatibility problems, here are a few tips that may help you get the app working properly on your device:
Update Your Operating System
If your OS is outdated, updating to the latest version can potentially fix compatibility issues. On iOS, update through Settings -> General -> Software Update. On Android, use Settings -> System -> System Update. Bear in mind your hardware must support the latest OS version.
Check Device Specifications
Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements for processor, RAM, screen resolution and storage space. If not, upgrading your hardware is the only solution.
Use the Mobile Website
If your device type isn’t supported or has web view issues, use LinkedIn.com on your mobile browser instead. While not as ideal as the app, the site is well optimized for mobile.
Clear App Cache and Data
Sometimes corruption in the app’s cached data can cause problems. Try uninstalling LinkedIn, rebooting your device, then reinstalling it to clear out old data.
Contact LinkedIn Support
If all else fails, reach out to LinkedIn’s customer support. They may be able to troubleshoot further or optimize the app for your device if enough users report the issue.
Compatibility Issues by Device Type
Certain device models and types are more prone to having compatibility problems with LinkedIn. Here is a breakdown of some of the most commonly reported issues organized by platform and manufacturer.
iOS Devices
| Device | OS Version | Issues Reported |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 | iOS 10 and earlier | App crashes, buggy performance |
| iPhone 6 | iOS 12 and earlier | Slow, laggy app |
| iPhone 6S | iOS 13 and earlier | Web view rendering problems |
| iPhone SE | iOS 12 and earlier | Crashes, missing app features |
| iPad Mini 2 | iOS 11 and earlier | Very slow performance |
| iPad Air | iOS 12 and earlier | Buggy, intermittent crashes |
Android Devices
| Device | OS Version | Issues Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S5 | Android 6 and earlier | App lag/freezing |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | Android 7 and earlier | App crashing |
| LG G4 | Android 6 and earlier | Choppy scrolling, laggy |
| LG G5 | Android 7 and earlier | Web view issues |
| Moto G3 | Android 6 and earlier | Slow, unresponsive app |
| HTC One M8 | Android 5 and earlier | App freezing/crashing |
| Nexus 7 | Android 6 and earlier | Choppy animations |
Other Device Types
LinkedIn app compatibility issues have also been reported on these less common device types:
- Kindle Fire tablets running Fire OS 5 and earlier
- Barnes & Noble Nook tablets
- Blackberry smartphones with BBOS 10 and earlier
- Windows phones with Windows 10 Mobile and earlier
- Obscure Android tablets and smartphones
For these devices, using the mobile website is recommended over attempting to get the app working. LinkedIn does not optimize the app for these less popular platforms.
Conclusion
Getting the LinkedIn app running on older or uncommon devices can be challenging. But in most cases, compatibility issues boil down to outdated operating systems, low specs, or unsupported platforms. Updating your device’s software and hardware may help resolve things. If not, using the mobile website is the best workaround option.
LinkedIn does aim to support popular iPhone, iPad, and flagship Android devices. So if you are using a relatively modern high-end device, you should encounter fewer compatibility problems. Issues are most pronounced on budget smartphones and tablets over 2-3 years old at this point.
Hopefully this overview gave you some ideas on how to troubleshoot LinkedIn app problems on your smartphone or tablet. Let us know if updating your OS, checking your hardware specs, or switching to the mobile site helps get LinkedIn working properly again.
