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Home » Business » How to close and delete your LinkedIn account

How to close and delete your LinkedIn account

We have written an up to date version of how to close your LinkedIn account which can be found here.

There are always those that chose to not use the tool properly, that bemoan that it doesn’t work or aren’t prepared to invest the time to learn, and hence chose to say how difficult it is to close their LinkedIn account or that LinkedIn hide it away in some sort of grand conspiracy theory (?). There are also always some people that you simply cannot help because they either don’t want to listen, don’t want to try or simply have made their mind up one way or the other and aren’t open minded to a different viewpoint or learning.

For all those people I’d like to share with you how to close your LinkedIn account to both help you to leave and stop you being frustrated and annoyed by it any further. Of course if you’d like to learn how others are making tens of millions of new sales then perhaps a call might be an idea instead or read this blog .

Simply log in to your LinkedIn account and if you cannot remember your password then type your email address into the log in box and then hit forgotten password. LinkedIn will then email a reset to your email account associated with you on LinkedIn.

If you cannot even recall your account details you can email LinkedIn technical support for assistance on your password here.

Once you are logged in simply:-

  1. Go to the top right hand corner, put the mouse over the tiny picture of you, or the white box with the grey outline of you if you don’t have a photo on LinkedIn.
  2. Go down to privacy and settings and left click.
  3. Re-enter your password if asked.Then click on the account tab on the left (see picture below).
  4. Then click close your account, as indicated beside the large arrow.
  5. Confirm that you want to leave the biggest live database and networking session used by over 2/3 of the globes business professionals and then heh presto your account is deleted.

close account 2
No more excuses about LinkedIn making it difficult, besmirching how hard it is to leave or general moaning required and I for one wish you well with your networking going forward.



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184 thoughts on “How to close and delete your LinkedIn account”

  1. Graeme Hanssen

    Well, well, somebody who (almost) knows that they are talking about. Was (almost) impressed the quality of your info + sound writing style – except you seem to have an issue between your right and your left sides … You state “once you are logged on, go to the RIGHT hand corner” etc, yet the “see picture below” clearly illustrates the picture on the LEFT. Strangely enough … on my computer the profile pic also appears on the LEFT. Otherwise, good stuff; charming. Thanks for the effort in setting up the blog or website.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Graeme,

      Thanks for the kind comment, I an intrigued on the comment re left and right though, it might be a version of LinkedIn you have that I have yet to see.

      The privacy and settings options are always top right in all the versions I have seen but I have only worked in 71 countries so far so it might be that I will get a new experience soon.

      The tab for account is on the left though?

      Thanks for taking the time to comment.

      Best wishes,

      James

      The Linked In Man

  2. JessSayin

    Sarcasm, condescension, I can see why you’re on ‘LockedIn’. A true professional that has made millions just from that one site. Kudos to you, enjoy your retirement from the land of toil and sweat.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for your comment JessSayin, I feel I should point out that I don’t have any shares in LinkedIn, they don’t actually like me and even given that I am still there still make it work and still help others to do so.

      I believe that everyone is entitled to an opinion and the choice to do things and hence this blog so that people can see how to leave and what they could get.

      I hope you found it helpful and wish you the best from your neighbour in “the land of toil and sweat”.

      Best wishes,

      James

      The Linked In Man

    1. alison Post author

      Dear Terence,

      I am sorry but I cannot close your account for you but hope that the blog post helps you find your way to do so. As I have no connection with LinkedIn (the organisation) and even their own team would need to run you through security etcetera. I hope the blog helps you to get the outcome you’re after.

      Best wishes,

      James

      The Linked In Man

  4. Nate

    Thank you for you Help, as a school teach I do not get any added sales from Linked in so yes it is rather useless to me. I’m not sure people looking to get off linked in need your sarcasm though.

    1. alison Post author

      Dear Nate,

      I am glad that you found it useful in helping you to get the outcome you were after but the sarcasm aspect from me is not aimed at you specifically but all the sales, executive and networking people trying to use LinkedIn without learning how to use it – a bit like jumping in a car and trying to drive. In your case I cannot imagine why a profile might have been helpful to you at the outset and if we had spoken in advance I would have been asking why you wanted to use LinkedIn as opposed to helping you to leave after you joined. Good luck in the teaching, it’s a noble profession. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      Completely agree on it not being the most helpful platform for you Nate, LinkedIn is not for all and I am glad you found the post useful in that regard. Sorry you didn’t appreciate my sarcasm, the blog is all about getting sales from LinkedIn and whilst the content was useful for your role it is not aimed 100% at you. Glad the blog helped. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. Jon

        Sarcasm and a general aura of fakeness is exactly why people don’t like salesmen. You guys really think people can’t see past it – we can!

  6. Heart Of Zion

    Getting rid of the world’s greatest website was as easy as finding this page – however after reading the bitterness you garner towards anyone who may want to leave, I couldn’t delete it fast enough. You must be on the payroll.

    1. alison Post author

      Dear Heart of Zion,

      I am delighted that you found the post useful but I am most definitely not on the payroll, in fact they don’t like me at all and have threatened legal action to shut me down such is my honesty about what LinkedIn does well, could or can do well and equally what it can’t. Quite often people use a little of it and then get very little back without taking to time to look into it more or to try and make it work and that was why this blog post came about to help people, like you to leave if you chose. Glad it was helpful to you and wish you the best. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      I have no bitterness to anyone wanting to leave, in fact quite the opposite hence the blog I wrote 18 months ago. LinkedIn certainly isn’t for everyone and many joined it for the wrong reasons at the outset. Love the comment on the payroll, thank you for that it made me smile ,the truth is the exact opposite LinkedIn are not fans of mine as I tell it as it is and that is often that people shouldn’t be on it and certainly shouldn’t be paying unless they have used the free stuff. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  7. Shaun

    Yeah linkedin is crap, enjoy your completely useless “networking” while others get on with doing actual work.

    1. alison Post author

      Dear Shaun,

      Thanks for taking the time to comment from your day, much appreciated you sharing your views. LinkedIn is just a tool for a job and depending on how you wield it is what you get. I would never let me loose with a scalpel as I am not a surgeon and if I ever (and I won’t no fear) wanted to use it I would learn. LinkedIn is just the same, if you learn how to make it work (and it is right for you and the world you work in) then it can give fantastic results to those that do “actual work” in some cases we have trained team in organisations (not recruitment I hasten to add) that have gone on to make millions or hundreds of thousands of dollars / pounds each year. I hope the post was helpful and wish you the very best in your work. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  8. Nick

    Haha this article sums up perfectly how LinkedIn operates; patronising and creepy. It is geared towards the worst kind of greedy corporate mentality whilst feeding you inane corporate-PC new age “philosophy”. Adds nothing to my job prospects or chosen career.

    1. Lemoutan

      It is indeed a remarkably passive-aggressive article. I feel ‘in the wrong’ for merely having had the temerity to read it.

  10. kwadd

    Somebody had created a duplicate company account that needed to be deleted. A Google search revealed this.
    There
    really isn’t any need to be so caustic; there are people – like me, who
    aren’t really leaving LinkedIn – who might have a genuine reason to
    delete the account.
    Thanks for the information. I hope you’re aware
    that the bitter attitude of your article may actually encourage people
    to leave. The vitriol you’re spewing isn’t doing LinkedIn’s reputation
    any good.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for the comment Kwadd, you need to appreciate that I am not LinkedIn, I have no relationship with them or in fact any connection to them at all. The opinions here are mine and this blog was created to enable all those people that are on LinkedIn but have struggled to leave to do just that leave. It is not for everyone (i think) and I do often encourage people to leave where it is not relevant or going to add anything to them. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

        1. James Potter

          Dear FFK, I am happy with where I am thanks and with my reputation but I appreciate you sharing your opinion here. Hope you have a fabulous week ahead. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  12. Chaz Long

    Maybe some people prefer to make “connections” with real people in real time, face to face. Maybe my “network” is something I choose to do in person rather than in cyber space. Get over yourself, maybe you need to become “open minded to a different viewpoint”. Otherwise, thanks for the help – but drop the narcissistic attitude.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for your views Chaz and like you I network in person just as much, and with the same people I do on LinkedIn. I am not on Facebook so I cannot comment on how many “friends” there might be there if I was.

      Have a great 2015, best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  13. Phil Mehr

    Once OP’s address is known, simply:-

    1. Visit address

    2. Knock on the door, claiming to be someone from Linkedin with a wad of cash

    3. Beat OP into a bloody pulp

    No more bitching toward people wanting to quit this crap.

  14. Gabriele

    Thank you. God just spoke me through your message. I asked him how to close, because I’ve got in trouble believing that someone from people invites me to join some group at linked in. I clearly see it useless and it is company that seems wanting peoples money and seems pointless thing.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Gabriele, Really pleased it was a good for you and helped you out. Like all tools LinkedIn can be good if applied well but equally it can be confusing at first. Glad the blog helped. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  15. ND1987

    There is zero need to be so rude and sarcastic about people wanting to delete their profiles. I constantly receive requests to connect and profile views from creepy old men who have no desire to actually network. I also do not like anonymous profile views – if this is a networking site, why can you stay anonymous and view profiles? There is only one positive to that – to “stalk” people. I know I do not have to approve the requests but it gets uncomfortable, not to mention all the anonymous views I get that are extra unsettling.

    Additionally, no matter how hard I’ve tried to network, and I have – it’s not simply “choosing not to use the tool properly” – in four years it has not done one thing for me despite really learning how to work it. Even the premium services I used were a giant waste of money. You may think it’s a godsend but it really isn’t for many.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for your comment and I would completely agree with your comments on paid options, as paying for it doesn’t make it work! it just enhances what you get for free. Often it is the approach that you take to your network and connections that makes a difference. As a general rule of thumb just treat it like a real life networking event, conference or convention. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. Truffy

      To be honest, I’m fed up to the back teeth with the douchebags cold calling me trying to sell me pensions and wealth management advice, despite the fact that my profile specifically asks them not to.
      That and the creepy anonymous views.

      1. James Potter

        Dear Truffy,

        Sadly I hear this a lot, the best answer is to just delete everyone from your connections that you don’t know and simply don’t connect to people that you don’t know or trust. LinkedIn isn’t about the more the more the better, quite the opposite. If you want a little revenge on them then there is a blog here about how to wham the spam on LinkedIn from a little while ago with all the options to flag them as spam too. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

        1. Truffy

          Thank you, James, for your reply. In my defence, I haven’t actually connected with any of these scumbags in the first place, so I cannot remove them from my connections. They’re just trawling LI for business, following up UK ex-pats in the wake of the pensions shake-up (whatever!)

          I guess the only option other than deleting my account, is to go private. But that somewhat negates the value of a social network in the first place.

          1. James Potter

            No defence required Truffy 🙂 Sadly on any platform there will always be the idiots that abuse any access, mostly they use a premium message (paying LinkedIn $8 ish per message to spam you) or abuse a little functionality in the groups. Best to either spam the lot of them, LinkedIn takes spam seriously and starts deploying countermeasures which will make life tricky for the spammers. Some users feel a bit like door to door salesmen from the 1970’s! Best wishes, James

          2. Truffy

            Hi James, I think you misunderstood me, or I was not clear enough. I have my employer company name on my LI profile. These shysters ring up the reception and the receptionist, not knowing that this is not a genuine business call, puts them through to me. So they interrupt my work with irrelevant and unwanted cold calling. I have tried ignoring them, but they’re persistent, not taking lack of answer for lack of interest, and they never leaving a message.

            So the conversation goes along these lines:
            Them: “Hello, I’m Blah calling from Rhubarb Capital Investments…”
            Me: “Is this about pensions advice or wealth management?”
            Them: “Well, it’s about that and more…”
            Me: “If you got my details from Linked In you should have noticed that my profile states not to contact me for pensions advice or wealth management, I have that sorted. Never call this number again” CLICK $#@!

          3. James Potter

            Ahh sorry yes I did misunderstand, I have the same issue with companies house where people get my name and then call reception. It is really annoying! The spam option is good if they invite or message you for future use 😉 Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  16. John-David Longwell

    Hello – I’m in the process of a major career change. Can I delete my old profile and create a new one that reflects my new career or do I have to delete and close my Linked-in account and then re-register? Any guidance on this is much appreciated.

    1. James Potter

      I would suggest that what you do is to refocus your profile, keep the connections and account as it is. Hopefully you know all the people you are connected to and hence the profile is the “bit” that needs work and focussing more towards the new career path. Good luck with the journey. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  17. Kate

    No need to act like a bastard. Some people need to delete their accounts for other reasons, and if you could be more open-minded yourself and quit explaining this to grown adults like we’re five, it would be much appreciated. ☺

  18. Pat

    I deleted my profile yet I occasionally get emails saying a person wants to add me to their network. How can I stop this?

  20. Rodtfactor

    Basically a professional “Facebook”. Plus I’m not into sales so it was useless to me also. Thanks for the help for getting away from all the useless emails and “connections”.

    1. James Potter

      Glad it was helpful and completely agree about “connections” too! It isn’t a collection exercise 🙂 Thanks for the comment. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  22. StopMoaningYouLinkedInMupper

    It’s almost as if you wrote this blog just to moan about people that find LinkedIn crap.

    Tell you what, next time, why you don’t just give your blog a more honest title. “I resent people leaving LinkedIn because it invalidates my existence”, perhaps? That way we’ll at least know there’s ten minutes of your neuroses to wade through before we get to the 10 seconds of actually relevant information that relates to the title of the blog.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for your comment, the reality is I don’t mind people leaving LinkedIn as some people have joined to many platforms (LinkedIn being just one of over 210 right now) and hence are struggling hence this blog being created 18 months ago. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  24. David

    Thank you for the help. I enjoyed your sarcasm and should have linked up with you when I cared about networking.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for the kind comment David. Best we can all do is be ourselves I think. Interesting that I wrote this 18 months ago! Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  25. Beth

    Thank you Nate…
    I am tired of people I don’t even know endorsing me for skills they don’t know if I even have. Is that really professional, or just social media?

    1. James Potter

      They are just trying to “guilt” you into endorsing them back – don’t do it! Only endorse people for the skills you know they have otherwise it makes you look bad too. I am not a huge fan of the endorsement feature myself but you kind of have to use it, but use it well and manage the ones so you don’t show skills you don’t have and route out those that endorse you that don’t have a clue if you have the skill or not. Thanks for the comment. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    1. James Potter

      I can relate to what you’re saying Beth, we should all just be ourselves and not over egg stuff (profiles, CV’s etc) but sadly not all operate that way. Thanks for the kind comment. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    1. James Potter

      That is a really weird one Martin, never heard that before and I see some weird issues with LinkedIn. Can I suggest giving it another go and if that doesn’t work use this link https://help.linkedin.com/app/ask to request they close it down as a backup. They don’t share an easy route to contact them directly but this is the one you need. Good luck! Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  30. Heather Blackwell

    From a psychology perspective, your IOP needs to coach you on how to keep members, because guilting and shaming only works on the emotionally insecure. Having said that…Why are you preying on the emotionally insecure? Are you emotionally insecure? I offer much free advice. analyticalperspective.wordpress.com

    1. James Potter

      Dear Heather,

      Thanks for the link and the offer to share insight but I have no members, I am not LinkedIn and have no relationship with them. One of the reasons I posted this blog up around 18 months ago, before a girth of people decided to leave, was to make it easy for people to have the choice. LinkedIn definately isn’t for everyone and I would never say it is. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  32. IsItOnlyMe

    I never joined linkedIn in any shape or form. Yet I appear on their site despite my desires. How can such a rip off organization claims to be useful?

    1. jamespotter Post author

      At some point someone has used your contact details to create an account, either accidentally or on purpose, as LinkedIn cannot create accounts automatically. I have seen a couple of companies create them for all staff (wrongly I think!) but hopefully the blog will help you sort it all out. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      Dear isitme, I cannot tell you how you got a profile on LinkedIn as I don’t work for them, but I have seen companies sometimes create them for employees (which I think is so wrong for the record) and maybe you got “trapped” that way. Hopefully the blog will help you delete the account if you’re trying to. Good luck! Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    1. jamespotter Post author

      When you delete and close your account it doesn’t tell anyone, have no fear. The only way someone would know is if they went looking for you, remembered 100% connecting with you and couldn’t find you – but to be honest that is a very very very small chance as most “think” they must have forgotten to connect 🙂 Hope that helps, best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      No Brad, you are quite safe, even if you delete connections on LinkedIn it doesn’t tell people. Glad the blog helped. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    1. James Potter

      Sorry to hear it isn’t working for you Van, very odd as I have helped people do this loads of times. I will double check this when I get back to the office tonight and post an update if there is one. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  35. odanny

    Why don’t you just give directions on how to close your account? After reading the accompanying commentary you really do make it easy for those on the fence to leave.

    1. James Potter

      Dear odanny, This blog was written years ago, way before anyone had even thought about jumping out of LinkedIn and was put up to give everyone the instructions how to get out before I’d even been asked by anyone. My world of LinkedIn has always been focussed on sales and quite often consultants and sales people don’t appreciate what the toolset can do and hence the commentary at the time but I appreciate my style may not be everyones years down the line. I am not LinkedIn, I don’t represent or work for them in any way, shape or form – in fact they’re not very keen on me as is as I share things like this and tell people straight and evidenced (in the real world) answers of what works and what doesn’t :/ Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  37. Anupam Manav

    Your LinkedIn account has been temporarily restricted. it permanently stop. remove it

  38. Anjali Sharma

    Hi James! Very useful thanks. If i do close my account, is it like a deactivate? Is it permanent or can it be temporary (in case I decide to reactivate it)? Also, I was wondering if there is a way to hide my profile info not just from the public search engines, but also from LinkedIn users who are not in my connections. Is there any way to do that? Thanks!!

    1. James Potter

      You can stop it appearing on-line but removing your public profile but you can only block a certain number of users from viewing you. Search the blog for blocking and there is a post about it here. Best wishes, James

    1. admin Post author

      No sorry to disappoint, Harry is no relation 🙂 Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  41. Tess

    Thanks for your help.I had one page and credit another for me business. I deleted one. James, would love for you to follow me. Wealth and Credit Solutions.
    Regards

  42. Christi Schmidt

    Hi James – I thought I had done all of those steps a while ago but am still getting requests to connect on LinkedIn. I have retired and really don’t want any further connections or e-mail. I received another one last week so I tried to log in thinking I may not have closed it correctly. LinkedIn says it has no record of my e-mail when I tried to log in. Are people still able to see me or are they plugging in my e-mail address? I just want it to go away. Any suggestions!

    1. admin Post author

      Dear Christi,

      Unfortunately just because you have closed your account successfully it doesn’t stop others from still inviting you to join, which is what it reads like in this instance I am afraid. Sorry to say but your peers and more seem to still want to connect, even though you don’t have an account. Sorry I can’t help more. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      You cannot stop people you know sending you invites easily I am afraid, as they are trying to get you involved (or pump up their connections numbers – not a fan of that) and hence you will still get invites even after you have shut down your account. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  43. Tamasin Blake

    I am trying to delete my linked in account, I followed these instructions and under the Helpful Links, there is no option to delete account.

    1. Motley Crue

      Seriously? If you follow the steps above it’s as clear as the nose your face…in 30 seconds you can delete your LinkedIn account.

  46. Pepe Marino

    I do not find LinkedIn useful in particular when about a third of my connections are recruiters, all of them looking to staff the same position. Even companies use now LinkedIn in the same way recruiters do. Recently I was contacted through LinkedIn by a local company; I had to interviews with them, it all went well but did not get the job. In between interviews the HR representative asked to connect with me, which I accepted, even thinking it was a good sign! I accepted the connection, did not get the job and this person contacted one of my contacts… whom eventually did not get the job either! So, who LinkedIn serves? What is the benefit?

    I have to admit that I have read some good articles written by recruiters on how to carry out a good interview, options when having conflicts at work, things like that. However, one can also find the same material outside of LinkedIn.

    When I tried the Business account for a month, the free trial, I did not see any change, I had no hint that my money would be put to good work. Also the groups are full of spam useless comments, people asking questions that show that they have not even done a basic search. Sad.

    So, yes, I am considering closing this as well.

    1. Motley Crue

      You didn’t get the job because you don’t know how to properly use “whom”. I know you want to come-off sounding smart; however, to those of us that know to use “whom”, you sound really ignorant.

    2. Duane McMahon

      “So, who LinkedIn serves?”. This is the right question to ask, and one I have asked myself. It serves the interest of the few, including recruiters for the most part, as you have mentioned, the class of senior middle managers, as well as the ideological proponents of corporatism and capitalism. It is just another damn thing to maintain and conform to, for the majority of it’s subscribers – another Web 2.0 monstrocity.

      1. James Potter

        It is a great question Duane, I think if you separate out who pays LinkedIn bills – then it is the recruiters, then marketeers and then everyone else. If you think from who gets results out of LinkedIn then it tends to be those accidentally in the right place and the right time and those that intentionally use it (as opposed to just being present). I know that lots of companies have different perspectives on users versus clients, not just a web 2.0 issue I am afraid. Thanks for the comment. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      2. James Potter

        Interestingly Duance whilst LinkedIn makes most of its income (around 58%) from recruitment it is not the main user base. We recently did some analysis across just the UK alone and found that recruitment was not a top 3 industry in any city. In the UK the top 3 industries are construction. IT and financial services who tend to use it mostly for networking, keeping in touch, marketing and sales – as opposed to recruitment. Hope that helps a little. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  47. Tery Moyemont

    I have been trying for days to get a new password. This has been happening regularly with me for the last few years: my name or my password is suddenly no longer valid. My opinion: Linkin is run by either Robots or low IQ trolls. I wish the real culprits would come forward….but, then, they’re not likely to ever read this. Dickheads!

  50. roch

    Thanks for your guide, although I could have done without your childish rant on why people leave linkedin. Next time just post the facts and keep your weak opinions to yourself, it will make it easier to take your articles seriously.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Roch,

      This blog was written over 3 years ago, before anyone had even thought of leaving LinkedIn and hadn’t explored it fully and hence the original context. Thank you for sharing your opinion and like you I have expressed mine (most of the “stuff” here is actually based on research but not this post) but 3 years later it has given you a useful post. Time changes things but the post is still valid. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  51. watcheronthethreshold

    But how do you get REALLY out of it – like if you never even opened an account? So other people are not able to see or send you the “friend” message requests?

    1. admin Post author

      Dear Watcher (sorry I didn’t have your name),

      Unfortunately just because you have closed your account successfully it doesn’t stop others from still inviting you to join, which is what it reads like in this instance I am afraid. Sorry to say but your peers and more seem to still want to connect, even though you don’t have an account. Sorry I can’t help more. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. James Potter

      You cannot stop people you know sending you invites easily I am afraid, as they are trying to get you involved (or pump up their connections numbers – not a fan of that) and hence you will still get invites even after you have shut down your account. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  52. missbelle

    Thanks, can’t wait to get out of this. Tired of constantly getting notifications. This website is pretty useless to me plus, thanks for your sarcasm, it just made my day that much better and my decision even easier!!!!

  53. vb

    if you have 3 profiles and you want to delete 2 of them which you forgot the passwords for – how to do that

    2. James Potter

      If you search on this blog there is a post, “duplicate profiles and only one of you” that will give you all the options and instructions. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  54. Ralph Brew

    I beg your pardon. I followed those exact instructions a year ago and I still get requests to link via linked in, which means I am still appearing on the site!

    1. admin Post author

      Dear Ralph,

      Unfortunately just because you have closed your account successfully it doesn’t stop others from still inviting you to join, which is what it reads like in this instance I am afraid. Sorry to say but your peers and more seem to still want to connect, even though you don’t have an account. Sorry I can’t help more. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

    2. ChrisB

      No not really. It means *other* people have given your email address in the hope that you will join.

      1. James Potter

        Dear Ralph,

        Chris is bang on, sometimes people invite others they know or make mistake when they get a new mobile phone and invite all their contacts (eek! Bad thing to do but easy mistake to make as LinkedIn wording is very unclear – grrr) and hence even if you shut your own account you will still receive invites to join. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  55. ChrisB

    Doesn’t work. There’s no photo at the top right hand side of my home page. There’s one at the top *left*, but when I point to it there’s no “privacy and settings” anywhere that I can see.

    2. James Potter

      Hi Chris,

      If you don’t have a profile photograph (and I’d encourage you to get one as it makes a huge difference) there will be a small box with a grey outline in. It might also be that if you have an older version of explorer some web pages don’t present properly anymore (LinkedIn, Ebay etc included) and hence that might be why – try Chrome instead. Hope that helps. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. ChrisB

        Thanks James – it was that grey outline I was looking at when I talked about at top left, and I got no menus by hovering or clicking it.

        I did eventually find the links to delete the account, but I seem to remember there was an extra step involved – details now lost in the mists of time 😉

        Since this is not something I plan to do regularly, I guess I’ll have to look it up again “as and when”. This wasn’t even my account I was trying to delete – doing a favour for a friend who was tired of the spam generated on an account that wasn’t even hers but had her email address associated (the perils of using semi-competent IT support people!)

  56. Beatriz Abbott

    Wow… someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed! I got rid of mine (with no difficulty, might I add) because it was utterly useless and I felt very uncomfortable with people being able to access my information on a page I don’t actively maintain. My parents forced me to get one in high school and I don’t need one just yet. When I do need some sort of online networking solution, I’ll look elsewhere. Additionally, every article published on LinkedIn that I’ve looked at has had very nasty, unprofessional comments by grown men and women who should know better, and the site has left a bad taste in my mouth as a result. I’m glad to see that this article only reinforces my low opinion of LinkedIn’s user base.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Beatriz, Sorry to read you’ve had a bad experience but it is interesting that a) you managed to find the exit Ok and b) that you have seen some unprofessional comments. I tend to only have seen these on advertisements but I do completely concur that some of the grown adults there are less than professional with there phraseology. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  57. Puckerbush

    “Confirm that you want to leave the biggest live database and networking
    session used by over 2/3 of the globes business professionals and then
    heh presto your account is deleted.”

    No need for the scolding sarcasm and mean spirit – I understand that you’re shilling for them and they’re probably paying you to write your so-called “blog”, nevertheless, your statements are very immature and petty – get over it and be more professional if your capable of doing so.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Pcukerbush,

      This was created way before people we’re even looking to leave LinkedIn to give everyone choice, which is what I thought was important. If you think about it why would I tell you how to leave LinkedIn if they were paying me? Thanks for your comment, actually this blog was written around 4 years ago and no LinkedIn don’t actually like me at all so sorry to dissolution you there. I hope you found it helpful to get the resolution you were after. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  58. Margaret Dolan

    Sorry, but i want to stop getting posts for my husband who died three years ago (2013). I thought I solved the problem then, but recently i got in my e-mail two requests. i don’t it funny at all and find some of the comments condescending. Just state in black and white how to get out of it and i will.

    2. James Potter

      Dear Margaret, sorry to hear of your loss. The form you need from LinkedIn themselves is here https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-rdmlp that will enable you to get the profile removed and stop getting any further reminders that are not required. Don’t hesitate to ask if I can help anymore in this instance from my side, I don’t have any relationship or connection with LinkedIn themselves as an organisation and hence cannot help from inside. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. Margaret Dolan

        Thank you for your help, James. My daughter helped me and i think that the fornmyou steered me to will reinforce this. It’s so easy to get on websites and join but so difficult to leave! Thanks, again for your time.

  59. Kong

    Thanks for the smug article – There are some who just want to delete the account because they have been made redundant (fired) and due of ageism don’t have a hope in hell of getting another job.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Kong,

      Thank you for the comment and agree that ageism is a bad thing, personally I think those experiences and often more life skills are useful, but I am not a huge corporation. Good luck with the career search. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  60. Liam Kearney

    Linkedinman, you are a snotty bugger.

    Thanks for the guidance on how to say goodbye to a company that is clearly incapable of facing up to its security challenges, a company that has become a rat’s nest of creepy sales pitches with more faux friends that facebook. Who needs it.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Liam,

      I might surprise you by agreeing on the fake friends comment, it is true. Way to many people expose themselves to significant risk and minimised opportunities (of any type) by over connecting. LinkedIn is also not for everyone, I meet lots of people who shouldn’t be there and have companies enquiring about how when if would be a better question. Glad you found the blog helpful and it helped you to move away. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  61. sundug

    I followed the instructions, get to the last page, and the “close account” button is not highlighted. I have tried repeatedly, always the same thing. Please help.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Sundug,

      They recently updated the settings, so once you are in settings, to go subscriptions on the choices on the left and then close account is right at the bottom after you’ve clicked on that. Hope that helps, best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  62. trudy erl

    I no longer need to use Linkedin. I’m not PC savvy, could someone please tell me, very simply, how to get out of this account. Many thanks!!

    1. James Potter

      Dear Trudy,

      Follow the instructions above until you get to step 3, they recently updated the settings, so once you you get to the settings, go to subscriptions on the choices on the left (left click) and then close account option is right at the bottom after you’ve clicked on that if you scroll down, then left click that and confirm and you’re done. Hope that helps, best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  63. kasajian

    I have been unhappy with LinkedIn for quite a while and glad I found this post quickly and easily to learn how to delete my account. I admit I was a bit on the fence about doing it — that is, I wasn’t 100% sure if I was making the right decision. But, the service really seemed like it’s run by hacks. I’m glad I took the time to read the first paragraph of this blog-post and the rude manner in which the customers are addressed. It solidified in my mind that I am, in fact, making the right decision to close my account, along with my Premium status, which I have still paid, for the next 6 months. I want out of there that bad.

  64. Rich mc

    I’d love to access my account…hell, Id love to leave!..Linkedin says my email address in already being used and then says it can’t find the email address in its files. Effectively, linkedin has blocked me from accessing my account, from registering for a new account (unless I wish to make up yet another email address )and from leaving…If your ability to correct issues was as sharp as your sarcasm we all might be a bit better off.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Rich,

      What you need to do is Google you own LinkedIn profile, copy the linked.com/name/character reference from it and then go here https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask and fill in the form to talk to LinkedIn themselves directly and heh presto. Don’t fall into a trap of another account that is just a route to hassle later and more problems. Hope that helps. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. Rich mc

        Thanks Jim: Linkedin sent me a followup email on this mess advising “You put a block on messages from Linkedin and that is why you cannot access the account” and asking me if I wanted them to unblock the email addresses…and all of a sudden the light bulb went on as to ‘why’ I placed linkedin on a blocked list…I had email up the wazoo from linkedin every day. I think I’ll just simply and quietly walk away from this…:o)

        1. James Potter

          I know what you mean, they had a mission to reduce email around a year ago, but you will still get invites from other people which can be annoying if you are not there. I would suggest persist and leave if you aren’t getting the value from it otherwise you will just get more email or junk mail somewhere later :/ Good luck whichever path. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  65. Alton Lord

    Thank you for the write up. Although you could have done so without the condescending tone, the information is accurate and helpful. I have a feeling this will be a very popular article over the next 12 months or so.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Alton,

      Glad you found the article helpful, although to be fair it was written around 3 1/2 years ago before anyone had fully explored LinkedIn and in many cases that is still the case as even LinkedIn said 3 years ago that 95% of users didn’t understand it (and I’d include most of LinkedIn staff in that too!). Glad you found the article useful. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  66. N_H

    Now that Microsoft is in the process of acquiring LinkedIn there’s some motivation to close the ties with LinkedIn. At least for those of us that are paranoid.

    1. James Potter

      Dear N_H,

      I sometimes worry about the extent to which large corporations can “see” what we’re doing I confess and glad you found the article helpful. Personally I worry more about Apple, Amazon and Google than I do about LinkedIn / Microsoft but glad I helped. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  67. Jeff F.

    Thanks for the info. I’m not sure why I even ever had Linked in profile. I was never much for networking, but I was not in sales either. The company where I worked for 20 years went under in 2013 and I haven’t bothered to work much since then. Again, thanks for the help.

  68. Philip Russell

    You could also add that if you are closing the account using a device such as a mobile phone you need to find and use the “full site” option otherwise your profile picture is not on the menu bar and no amount of tapping your other likenesses is going to work. Best to use a proper PC.

    1. James Potter

      Thanks Philip that is a good point! We are about to redo this blog so I will make sure that gets a mention, thanks and have a great week. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  69. Rafferty Funksmith

    yup, thanks for helping me close the account. LinkedIn was utterly and completely useless for me. I realize there are those who find it very helpful and good for them. The passive-aggressive sarcastic tone is unnecessary and irritating, and seems compensatory, as do your cheerful unapologetic responses to the comments below. Have an enchanting 2016

    1. James Potter

      Dear Rafferty,

      Thanks for your comment and I am glad you found the article helpful.

      You are right in that I don’t apologise for the blog as it was written around 3 years ago to help those that hadn’t even thought about leaving or what they could do to leave LinkedIn as users were finding it difficult or hadn’t really understood what to do with it to make it work. There will actually be a new version later this year as LinkedIn have subsequently changed the process hence it needs an update. I wish you a fabulous 2016. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  70. dd80

    Thank you, just what I needed to know. At least they didn’t obfuscate closing accounts like some other sites I could name.

  71. Melissa Kidd

    Thank you thank you thank you! I couldn’t give a rats ass about your “tone” or “sarcasm”. Im just happy I found out how to close the account which I was trying to do through the app and couldn’t.

    Commentors….just accept that people are all different and his approach doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

    Did you need to get your account closed? Did you need to figure out how to do so? Did you find out through this article? Yes? Well GOOD!

    You don’t have to communicate with him….you don’t have to do business with him…so close your account and move on!

    Sheesh! Everyone so touchy!

    1. James Potter

      Thanks Melissa, you are most kind and I would have to completely concur with your views. Anybody would think I wasn’t helping people to solve a problem they have for free sometimes but heh we all have opinions and that’s ok by me. Thankfully (I think) we are all different or life would be terribly tedious. Glad you found it helpful. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. Angela

        Meanwhile, Melissa ,does it not bother you that because you had the audacity to not need LinKevin, that he thinks you are a moron and a loser? That you:
        “don’t want to try or simply have made their mind up one way or the other and aren’t open minded to a different viewpoint or learning.” OR that you’re too stupid or lazy to figure it out so you want out……”are always those that chose to not use the tool properly, that bemoan that it doesn’t work or aren’t prepared to invest the time to learn, and hence chose to say how difficult it is to close their LinkedIn account or that LinkedIn hide it away in some sort of grand conspiracy theory”

    1. James Potter

      Hi Randy, LinkedIn is just like any tool for a purpose, the challenge is that there are so many approaches and so much functionality that we sometimes struggle to know what to do for the best. I hope the blog proved helpful for you. Best wishes, James – The linked In Man

    1. James Potter

      Thanks for the comment Conor. This particular blog was written around 4 years ago it is very out of date now. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  74. Oreally

    Linkedin is just another instrument of individual narcissism and social networking.
    I grew extremely tired of emails I considered spam about linked in contacts in my network.
    Working with highly skilled professionals I found none of them that found Linked In
    useful and they also pulled the plug

    1. James Potter

      Dear Oreally, Thanks for the comment. Glad the blog was helpful. I think any online platform can be taken down that ego driven / narcissistic path, particularly if the personalities of the people concerned head that way before they get online anyhow. Quite often the success or failure of any networking (face to face or online) is around the people you relate to, network with and how you communicate with them. The same is true of LinkedIn but sadly some people seem to forget that there is only one of each of us and our actions online reflect on real life and vice versa. LinkedIn is just a bit of software at the end of the day and the way it is used defines the outcomes. As in your example for some it hasn’t worked and we have others that have made significant commercial gains but rarely with the types of approaches you mention. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

      1. Oreally

        Linked In would serve its users and its original intent much better by requiring users to verify their qualifications (Not association with) and limit irrelevant emailings to account holders.

        Engineers and professionals have organizations that qualify and verify users that then allow them to engage in productive relevant correspondence.

        Canceling ones account was straight forward and typical,I find it hard to understand how anyone would find it difficult to have unsubscribed, if they have had any experience with the various web sites on the modern web.

        1. James Potter

          LinkedIn is trying to go that way 0Really with some of its accredited providers but I don’t think they make enough of it. Great thinking and either non repudiation to source (such as this) or a simple interaction on the telephone will always eradicate those less than scrupulous people. You can also change (in the settings top right) all the emails you recieve or don’t want to from about 9 months ago when they changed it as they did send way to many originally and I have turned most of mine down or indeed off. Thanks again for the comment. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  75. T.j. O'Connor

    I hope you can help, I just left my employer and I’m trying to get their website off of my profile. When I tap “remove website”, it takes me back to the edit page and the site URL is still there.

    1. James Potter

      No worries at all. Simply click profile in the top menu, then click edit, then hit the small business card symbol underneath the number of connections (on the pc / mac) and then click the small cog next to the website you want to remove, remove all the text or replace with the one you want and heh presto done 🙂 Hope that helps. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  77. Alan

    Yeah.. except it won’t allow me to leave, as it claims I have a “balance” for advertising which I’ve never used (and they’ve never asked for this “balance”)

    1. James Potter

      Sorry Alan, I have no relationship with LinkedIn and often advise against advertising so I suggest contacting them direct. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  78. Sue Smith

    So, James, think of how long it took you to write this piece. Now think of how much time and energy you put into smugly responding to every indignant comment in this thread. Really, was your childish and amateurish attempt at sarcasm worth all the backlash? I’m quite sure you’re still an obnoxious and embittered malcontent, but I hope this experience has at least served as a lesson to write with some modicum of balance and professionalism from now on. Thanks all the same for reminding me how insular you LinkedIn zealots are—and for inadvertently reinforcing my decision to close my account.

    1. James Potter

      Dear Sue, I respond to every comment as I think any online forum is a bit like talking to someone face to face. For your information I am not a LinkedIn zealot, in fact LinkedIn don’t like me as I keep telling people not to buy upgrades and often advise people (if they ask me in advance) to not join LinkedIn if it is not relevant for them or their role (as it is not appropriate for everyone) – so perhaps you assume too much? I am a polymath, so I constantly learn and evolve sometimes through academic experience, sometimes life experience but we can all always learn more. I am pleased it helped you to make the decision. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  79. Chi

    Hello
    Thanks for this but I need help. I want my linked in to display only the headlines for all my previous roles but at the moment it displays all d details. My friends have it that way and even as theor 1st degree contact I can’t see the it details except the job titles

    1. James Potter

      Simple answer to this one I suspect, it sounds like your friends only have job titles not the details within LinkedIn and hence you cannot see any detail. If you don’t want to share the details of any role simply remove it but I would think carefully as the detail is often what gets attention in SEO and by people interested in you and what you do. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  80. Myrna Rivera-Stovel

    That’s a pretty narrow-minded viewpoint..how about people who are retired and are not interested in networking? …people who just don’t want their personal info out there in cyberspace…
    I think you should consider taking a vacation and learn that there are people out there who are done with the rat race…
    Thanks for the info. On getting off..hope it works

    1. James Potter

      Sorry Myrna but this blog is now quite old, in fact over four years old now. To delete your account you will now need to go to your settings (top right under small photo of you) and then scroll to the bottom the option is there to close your account. Hope that helps. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

  81. Angela

    I don’t appreciate being condemned by a stranger just because I didn’t find LinkedIn useful to me, or helpful in my life or career. Your sarcasm and belittling of total strangers who happen upon your blog while searching for answers is not only not appreciated but offensive and self indulgent.

    1. James Potter

      Sorry John but this was written quite a few years ago and hence the recent changes have negated its relevance. However, if you go to your settings (top right under small photo of you) and then scroll to the bottom the option is there to close your account. Hope that helps. Best wishes, James – The Linked In Man

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