How to close (delete) your LinkedIn account in 2026
At a glance
- Platform LinkedIn
- Company LinkedIn (Microsoft)
- Grace period Reopen possible within 14 days; information generally removed from production systems within 24 hours and closed-account info de-identified within 30 days
- Official page www.linkedin.com
What you need to know first
LinkedIn offers Hibernation (temporary, reversible — profile hidden, data kept) versus Closing (permanent deletion of profile and data).
Step-by-step: delete your data from LinkedIn
- Step 1: Log in at linkedin.com
- Step 2: Click profile photo > Settings & Privacy
- Step 3: Go to Account preferences > Account management
- Step 4: Click Close account
- Step 5: Select a reason and click Next
- Step 6: Enter password and click Close account
On mobile
- Tap profile photo > Settings
- Account preferences > Close account
- Continue, choose a reason, Next
- Enter password and tap Done
Separate data request
Get a copy of your data (Settings > Data privacy); Data Processing Objection/Restriction form; 'Delete your data' requires closing the account
Key gotchas
- Resolve Premium subscriptions, owned Groups, and license seats before closing
- Recommendations/endorsements are lost even if you reopen within 14 days
- Unlink third-party (Google/Apple) sign-in to avoid duplicate-account recreation
- Download data first
What this doesn't cover
LinkedIn profiles are heavily scraped; recruiters, B2B data brokers, and cached search results keep copies long after closure even though LinkedIn deletes its own quickly.
LinkedIn is a top source for people-search and B2B broker sites; closing your account doesn't remove those scraped profiles.
See what personal data is exposed about you beyond LinkedIn.
Run a free scan →Frequently asked questions
Does LinkedIn delete my data immediately?
Reopen possible within 14 days; information generally removed from production systems within 24 hours and closed-account info de-identified within 30 days
Can I opt out of LinkedIn using my data for training?
Check LinkedIn's data controls settings for a training opt-out option.
Does deleting my LinkedIn account remove my data from the internet?
LinkedIn profiles are heavily scraped; recruiters, B2B data brokers, and cached search results keep copies long after closure even though LinkedIn deletes its own quickly.
What are common mistakes when deleting LinkedIn data?
Resolve Premium subscriptions, owned Groups, and license seats before closing. Recommendations/endorsements are lost even if you reopen within 14 days.
Sources
Steps and URLs reflect the platform documentation as of the date above. Platforms may change their settings layout at any time. This guide is informational and not affiliated with LinkedIn (Microsoft).