LinkedIn Safety Settings

LinkedIn safety settings help parents and eligible older teenagers review privacy, messages and account security. LinkedIn is a professional network for careers, learning and recruitment. This guide explains practical controls for a first account and the limits that still matter when strangers offer connections or opportunities.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

LinkedIn’s User Agreement sets a minimum age of 16, with a higher age where local eligibility rules require it. The service is not for children under 16. A parent’s permission does not make an underage account eligible. In addition, use accurate information and your real name, as LinkedIn requires.

The Irish Apple App Store rates LinkedIn 16+. Store ratings describe the app separately from account terms. Neither a rating nor a professional appearance guarantees suitable content or safe contact.

LinkedIn offers optional checks for identity, workplace or education. Identity checks can involve a government ID and live selfie through a verification partner. Availability and document requirements vary by country. Before proceeding, read that partner’s privacy and deletion information. A badge confirms particular information, rather than the safety of a job offer or conversation. See LinkedIn verification guidance.

Restrictions Available

LinkedIn privacy settings for public profiles

Your public profile can appear in search engines and outside LinkedIn. This switch limits that exposure without making your member profile private.

• On a computer, select Me, then View Profile.
• Select the edit icon beside Public profile & URL.
• Turn Your profile’s public visibility Off.
• Alternatively, keep public visibility on and turn off each section you do not want displayed.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Edit your public profile under Visibility of your profile & network. Review the same choices.

Why it matters: These LinkedIn safety settings reduce public exposure. However, search engines can take weeks or months to refresh old results. Other members can still discover you. Public profile controls

Keep public visibility limits enabled

LinkedIn has an additional protection that can limit which eligible public fields it displays. Turning this protection off can make collection easier.

• On a computer, select Me, then View Profile.
• Open the edit icon beside Public profile & URL.
• Review Public visibility limits in the public profile controls.
• Keep this protection On if it appears. Review individual public fields separately.

Why it matters: This adds protection when a public profile remains enabled. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee that nobody can collect public information. Public visibility limits

Limit how your last name appears

After disabling your public profile, you can show only the first letter of your last name to people outside your connections.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your profile & network, open Last name visibility.
• Choose the option displaying your first name and last initial. Changes save automatically.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Last name visibility and select the shortened display.

Why it matters: A shortened display reduces casual exposure. However, connections still see your full name and other people can search using it. Use accurate account information. Last name visibility

Keep your birthday private

Birthday visibility is separate from account eligibility. Review any date entered in your contact details.

• On a computer, select Me, then View Profile.
• Open Contact info and select the edit icon.
• Beside your birthday, select Visibility, then Only you and Save.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then View Profile.
• Open More beside Add section, then Contact info. On iOS, select Edit beside Contact.
• Review the birthday field, select Done or Set if shown, then Visibility, Only you and Save.

Why it matters: This limits who sees your birthday and receives related notifications. However, it does not hide other information you publish about your age. Birthday privacy

Use private profile viewing

Profile visits can tell another member that you looked at their profile. Choose private viewing before browsing if you want to limit that disclosure.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your profile & network, select Visibility when viewing other profiles.
• Choose Private mode. Changes save automatically.

Why it matters: Private mode hides your identity in that profile visit record. However, it does not hide your own profile. With a free account, you lose access to your own viewer history. Private profile viewing

Limit profile display in other services

Permitted services can display profile information outside LinkedIn. This choice is separate from public search engine visibility.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Off-LinkedIn-visibility.
• Turn the switch Off to opt out of profile display through those services.
• Review public profile visibility separately. Also check whether you permit Page owners to export your data.

Why it matters: This limits that external display route. Nevertheless, public profiles and Page owner exports have separate controls. It cannot retrieve data already held elsewhere. Profile display outside LinkedIn

Choose who sees that you are seeking work

Open to Work can reveal your job search and preferred locations. Review its audience before enabling the feature.

• On a computer, open Jobs, then Preferences.
• Select the arrow beside Open to work.
• Review job titles, location types, locations and other preferences.
• Under Visibility, choose Recruiters only for a narrower audience or Visible only to you when you only want recommendations.
• Select Save.
• To remove an existing display, open your profile and the edit icon in the Open to Work box, then select Delete.

Why it matters: A narrower audience reduces exposure of your search. However, LinkedIn cannot guarantee complete privacy from your employer when you share with recruiters. A recruiter account does not guarantee a safe offer. Open to Work visibility

Restrict your profile photograph

A profile photograph is optional. If you use one, choose who can see it and check the background for personal information.

• On a computer, select Me, then View Profile.
• Select your profile photograph, then the Visibility icon.
• Choose 1st-degree connections only and select Save.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo to open your profile, then tap the photograph again.
• Select View or edit profile photo, then Visibility and 1st-degree connections only. The choice saves automatically.
• If your mobile browser shows Visible To, choose Connections and select Save.

Why it matters: This narrows the photo audience. Still, viewers can save copies. LinkedIn provides separate public profile controls on desktop, so check that view too. Photo visibility

Hide your email and prevent exports

Email visibility and email downloads are separate choices. Review both before accepting new connections.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your profile & network, open Email visibility.
• Choose Only visible to me.
• Set the switch allowing connections to download your primary email address to No. Changes save automatically.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Email visibility and apply both choices.

Why it matters: This reduces direct contact and future email exports. However, it cannot retrieve copies already downloaded. Do not put your email elsewhere on the profile. Email visibility and downloads

Limit discovery by email and phone

Someone with your contact details may discover your profile through permitted services. Review the two discovery controls separately.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your profile & network, open Discoverability by email.
• Choose Nobody if available. Otherwise select the narrowest audience shown.
• Return to the same section and open Discoverability by phone number. Choose Nobody there too.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility and configure the same two controls. Changes save automatically.

Why it matters: These choices reduce contact detail lookups. Nevertheless, permitted services may still discover you by name and organisation. Public profile visibility is a separate control. Profile discovery guidance

Hide your connections list

Your network can reveal relationships that someone may use for a convincing impersonation attempt.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your profile & network, open Connections.
• Set the switch allowing connections to see your connections list to No.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Connections and turn that switch Off.

Why it matters: Hiding the list reduces exposure of your network. However, mutual connections remain visible and connected partner services can have separate visibility choices. Sales Navigator and TeamLink need additional review. Connections visibility

Hide the list of members you follow

Following someone can reveal interests and professional relationships. This control limits who sees the list of members you follow.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility, then Visibility of your profile & network.
• Open Follow visibility and choose Only visible to me.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Follow visibility and select Only visible to me.

Why it matters: This limits the list audience. However, each person you follow can still see that you follow them. The setting does not cover Groups or LinkedIn Pages. Follow visibility

Restrict connection invitations

Restricting invitations helps a new account avoid repeated approaches from strangers. Someone who already knows your email may still qualify.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Data privacy.
• Under Who can reach you, open Invitations to connect.
• Choose Only people who know your email address or appear in your “Imported Contacts” list.
• For a narrower choice, select Only people who appear in your “Imported Contacts” list, if suitable for your account.
• Review the separate Pages, Events and Newsletters invitation preferences on this screen.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Data privacy, then Invitations to connect and apply your choices.

Why it matters: Fewer invitations can reduce pressure to connect. Still, an allowed invitation does not establish trust. Verify the person independently before accepting. Invitation controls

LinkedIn safety settings for incoming messages

LinkedIn lets you turn off selected message types. It does not offer a switch that stops messages from every existing connection.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Data privacy.
• Under Who can reach you, open Messages.
• Turn the switch beside each unwanted message type Off.
• If you have Premium, review Open Profile messages too. Only Premium members can manage that option.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Data privacy, then Messages and review every switch shown.

Why it matters: These choices reduce selected approaches. However, accepting a connection creates a direct messaging route. Block a connection separately when you need contact to stop. Message control instructions

Turn off delivery and typing indicators

Delivery and typing indicators can tell other people when you read or compose a message.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Data privacy.
• Under Messaging experience, open Delivery and typing indicators and turn the switch Off.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Data privacy, then Delivery and typing indicators and turn it Off.

Why it matters: This can reduce pressure to reply immediately. In exchange, you lose those indicators from others too. InMail messages do not use read receipts. Delivery and typing indicators

Hide when you are active

Active status shows when you are using LinkedIn. You can hide it from all members.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your LinkedIn activity, open Manage active status.
• Choose No one.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Manage active status and select No one.

Why it matters: This reduces visibility of your routine. However, you also lose the ability to see when your connections are active. It does not stop incoming messages. Active status

Stop new mentions, tags and collaborations

This setting limits whether members can attach your identity to new posts, comments and photographs or collaborate with you on posts.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your LinkedIn activity, open Mentions, tags, and collaborations.
• Turn Allow mentions, tags, and collaborations Off.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Mentions, tags, and collaborations and turn permission Off.

Why it matters: This reduces unwanted association with new content. Nevertheless, existing mentions and tags remain. Report abusive content separately. Mentions and collaborations

Choose who can see each post

A post shared with everyone may travel beyond LinkedIn. Check the audience before posting text, pictures or a CV.

• On a computer, select Start a post.
• Open the dropdown beside your name, then Who can see your post?.
• Choose Connections only for a narrower audience.
• In the app, tap Post, then the Anyone dropdown beside your photograph. Select Connections only.
• Review your text and attachments before selecting Post. Check the saved audience again for your next post.

Why it matters: A smaller audience reduces exposure. However, people can copy what they see. You cannot change a post’s audience after sharing it. Remove unsuitable content rather than assuming another privacy switch changes old posts. Post audience instructions

Limit or turn off comments

Comment controls can reduce unwanted replies without removing the whole post. You can change them before or after posting.

• On a computer, open Start a post and the dropdown beside your name.
• Select Comment control, then Connections only or No one and Save.
• In the app, tap Post, open the dropdown beside your photograph and select Comment control.
• Choose Connections only or No one, then Done. Some current screens label the disabled option Off.
• For an existing post, select More, then Who can comment on your post? or Who can comment on this post?. Choose the audience and select Save.

Why it matters: This reduces new replies. However, switching comments off does not delete existing comments. Report harassment and review old comments separately. Comment controls

Stop broadcasting profile changes

LinkedIn can tell your network about job changes, education changes and work anniversaries.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Visibility.
• Under Visibility of your LinkedIn activity, open Share profile updates.
• Turn the switch Off. Changes save automatically.
• In the app, tap your Profile photo, then Settings or Settings & Privacy.
• Open Visibility, then Share profile updates and turn the switch Off.
• When editing on desktop, check Share with network before saving the profile change.

Why it matters: This avoids broadcasting some changes. Nevertheless, anyone viewing your profile can see the edits as soon as you save them. Profile update sharing

Remove a connection you no longer trust

Removing a connection narrows your direct network. Use blocking when you also need to stop contact.

• Open the member’s profile on desktop or in the app.
• Select More, then Remove connection.
• In the app, confirm Remove connection in the popup.
• On desktop, check that the status changes to Connection Removed.

Why it matters: The person does not receive a removal notification. However, associated recommendations and endorsements are withdrawn and are not restored by reconnecting. Removal does not erase shared copies or public content. Remove a connection

Block an unwanted contact

Blocking stops the member relationship from providing direct profile access and messages.

• Open the member’s profile.
• Select More, then Report/Block on desktop or Report or Block in the app.
• Choose Block [member name], then confirm with Block. A mobile browser may show Submit.
• To review blocked accounts later, open Settings & Privacy, then Visibility and Blocking.

Why it matters: Blocking reduces direct contact. However, public information and some shared contexts remain accessible. Unblocking requires a 48 hour wait before blocking the same person again. See Blocking limitations. Blocking instructions

Report impersonation or a fake profile

Reporting alerts LinkedIn to a possible policy breach. An incomplete profile alone does not prove fraud.

• Open the profile and select More.
• Choose Report/Block or Report or block.
• Select Report [member’s name] or entire account.
• Choose This person is impersonating someone or This account is not a real person, as appropriate.
• Select Submit report.

Why it matters: Reporting prompts a review and does not identify you to the reported member. Still, it cannot guarantee immediate removal. Block the person separately when needed. Report fake profiles

Report harmful posts, comments and messages

Report the content itself so LinkedIn can review what happened. Keep safe evidence of threats without forwarding harmful material.

• Open the message or post and select its More icon. For a comment, use the icon beside that comment.
• Choose Report this post or Report.
• When asked Why are you reporting this?, choose Harassment for harassment, or the accurate reason for the problem.
• Complete the report prompts. Block the sender separately if contact should stop.

Why it matters: This sends the specific content for review. However, reporting is not an emergency response. Seek help from a trusted adult and use local emergency services for immediate danger. Report a safety concern

LinkedIn account security for logins

Two factor authentication adds a second check to signing in. An authenticator app can supply a code without relying on a text message.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Sign in & security, then Two-factor authentication.
• Select Turn on if shown, then Set up. Complete any password, email code or app approval requested.
• Choose Authenticator App and select Continue.
• Open your authenticator app, select Add Account, then Other. Name the account LinkedIn.
• Enter the secret key supplied by LinkedIn into the authenticator app. Enter the generated six digit code in LinkedIn to verify setup.
• In the mobile app, start with your Profile photo and Settings & Privacy, then Sign in & security and Two-factor authentication.
• Keep access to your authenticator and recovery email secure.

Why it matters: A second check helps protect a stolen password. However, scammers may still ask for codes or approvals. Never approve a login you did not start. Authentication setup

End unfamiliar sign in sessions

Check which devices have access to your account. A displayed location can be approximate, so consider the device and browser too.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Sign in & security, then Where you’re signed in.
• Review active sessions. Select Sign out beside an unfamiliar session.
• Enter your password and select End session.
• To end all other sessions, select Sign out of all these sessions, enter your password and choose End session.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings, Sign in & security and Where you’re signed in.
• Tap END beside a session, enter your password and select Done. Use End these sessions for all other sessions.

Why it matters: Ending a session removes that current access. However, someone with your password can sign in again. Change an exposed password and review recovery details too. Active session instructions

Change an exposed or reused password

Use a unique password for LinkedIn. If someone has accessed the account, require other devices to sign in again.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Sign in & security, then Change password.
• Enter your current password, then enter and confirm a new unique password.
• Select Require all devices to sign in with new password.
• Choose Save password and complete any security code or app approval requested.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings & Privacy, Sign in & security and Change Password. Complete the same fields and turn the device requirement to Yes.
• If you cannot remember the password, select Forgot password on the sign in screen.

Why it matters: This reduces access through an old password. Nevertheless, protect your email account too and never share a reset code with a recruiter. Password change instructions

Keep a recovery email you control

A school or work email can disappear when you leave. Add and verify an email you will continue to control.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Sign in & security, then Email addresses under Account access.
• Select Add email address and complete any security confirmation.
• Enter the new email address and your LinkedIn password, then select Submit.
• Open that email account and follow LinkedIn’s confirmation message.
• Select Make primary beside the verified address if appropriate. Remove obsolete addresses only after securing the replacement.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings & Privacy, Sign in & security and Email addresses, then follow the same confirmation process.

Why it matters: A verified personal address can help preserve account access. However, every associated address needs protection. This does not change email visibility, which you should review separately. Manage account email

Recover access when your email is unavailable

Use LinkedIn’s official recovery route. Do not pay someone who promises to recover the account through a private message.

• Open LinkedIn’s sign in screen and select Forgot password.
• Enter an associated email address or phone number and select Next.
• Select Can’t access this email? if you cannot receive the code.
• Choose another associated recovery method if available. Otherwise select Don’t have access to any of these?.
• On desktop, scan the displayed QR code. Enter a new email address you control.
• Complete LinkedIn’s identity verification request through the official process. It may ask for an image of a government issued ID.

Why it matters: Recovery can restore legitimate access, but verification and support may take time. Check privacy information before supplying an ID and never send it to an unsolicited recruiter. Account recovery without email

Remove access from connected services

Connected services may receive profile information or broader account data. Review access you no longer need.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Data privacy.
• Under Other applications, open Permitted Services.
• Select Remove beside each service you no longer trust or use.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings and Data privacy, then Permitted Services and Remove.
• Contact the service separately if you want it to delete information already received.

Why it matters: Removing access prevents future access through that connection. However, previously received data can remain with the service. Some EEA portability connections can include messages, so read consent carefully. Connected application data

Delete contacts imported into LinkedIn

Imported address books can reveal other people’s details and influence suggestions. Avoid importing contacts unless you understand the choice.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Account preferences.
• Under Syncing options, open Sync contacts.
• Select Remove all beside Contacts.
• Confirm Continue in Remove all sources?.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings & Privacy, Account preferences and Sync contacts, then Remove all beside Contacts.

Why it matters: Removing imported contacts reduces stored address book data. Suggestions can take up to 72 hours to change. Deleting imported contacts does not cancel invitations already sent. Delete imported contacts

LinkedIn privacy settings for AI training

The AI training choice controls future training of models that generate content. It does not switch off every use of AI.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open LinkedIn’s AI training control guidance.
• Select its Data for Generative AI Improvement member setting link while signed in.
• Turn Data for Generative AI Improvement Off.
• Review the choice again when the account reaches adulthood and after significant privacy notices.

Why it matters: Opting out does not undo earlier training. It also excludes other AI uses, such as safety and personalisation, and feedback can have separate rules. LinkedIn excludes training data when it believes a member could be under 18. See AI uses and teen protections. AI training scope

LinkedIn privacy settings for advertising

Advertising controls govern different data categories. Review each one rather than assuming a single change covers everything.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Select Advertising data.
• Review Profile data, Activity and inferred data and Off LinkedIn data.
• Open each available setting, read its explanation and turn unwanted data uses Off.
• For an Irish account, check available choices such as Inferred interests and traits, LinkedIn activity data and Measure ad success.

Why it matters: This limits selected personalisation. However, you still see ads and changes can take time. In the EEA, unavailable switches may mean LinkedIn is not using that category for personalised ads. Advertising data controls

Review connected LinkedIn services in Ireland

EEA members, including Irish members, can separately connect or disconnect Jobs, Marketing Solutions and Learning from their core LinkedIn experience.

• Select your Profile photo at the top of the screen.
• Open Settings & Privacy, then LinkedIn Services.
• Review Jobs, Marketing Solutions and Learning.
• Choose to disconnect any service whose additional data connection you do not want.
• Return to Advertising data to review the remaining actionable ad choices.

Why it matters: Disconnecting limits certain data connections and does not remove access to those services. Still, some profile, security and billing data uses remain. Changes can take up to 72 hours. See How Marketing Solutions affects ad choices. Connected LinkedIn services

Reduce distracting notifications

LinkedIn notifications can encourage repeated checking. Choose which activity updates you want to receive.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Notifications.
• Review categories such as Updates from connections, Updates from people you follow and Birthdays and job anniversaries.
• Turn unwanted notification types Off. Changes save automatically.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, then Settings and Notifications. Review the same categories.

Why it matters: Fewer alerts can support agreed breaks. However, disabling notifications does not enforce a screen time limit or stop someone opening the app. Connection notifications

Stop videos playing automatically

Autoplay can make browsing harder to pause. Review this preference on each device you use.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Account preferences.
• Under General preferences, select Autoplay videos and turn the feed switch Off.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings & Privacy, Account preferences and Autoplay Videos.
• Choose Never autoplay videos.

Why it matters: This reduces automatic playback. Nevertheless, it does not filter mature content or impose a time limit. LinkedIn has no separate switch for looping videos under 30 seconds. Video autoplay settings

Limit CV data sharing with recruiters

Resume sharing can help recruiters match your profile to skills from saved CVs. It is separate from submitting an application.

• Open Jobs, then Preferences.
• Select Resumes and application data.
• Turn Share resume data with recruiters Off if you do not want this matching feature.
• Review saved CVs on the same screen. Open the icon beside an unwanted CV and select Delete.
• Check the resume sharing prompt after applying for a job and turn sharing off there too if offered.

Why it matters: This limits that discovery route. However, deleting a saved CV does not withdraw copies already sent with applications. LinkedIn cannot guarantee complete privacy from your current employer. The feature is available in English. CV sharing and removal

Cancel Premium bought directly from LinkedIn

A trial or subscription can renew into a charge. Check who bills you before choosing the cancellation route.

• On a computer, select Me, then Premium features.
• Under Plan Details, select Manage subscription.
• In LinkedIn Admin Center, open Purchases.
• Select your Active subscription.
• Under Actions, choose Cancel subscription, then Confirm cancel.
• Check the confirmation and billing date. Cancel at least one day before the next scheduled charge.

Why it matters: Cancellation stops renewal. However, cancelling a free trial ends Premium immediately, while a paid plan normally lasts until the billing cycle ends. Removing the app does not cancel billing. Direct Premium cancellation

Cancel Premium billed by Apple or Google

App store billing follows the purchase route. An iPhone purchase made through mobile web can instead be billed directly by LinkedIn.

• For an Apple App Store purchase, open LinkedIn on your Apple device and tap your Profile photo.
• Select Premium features, then Manage your subscription and Cancel subscription. Complete the confirmation prompts.
• For Google Play billing in the LinkedIn app, tap your Profile photo, then Premium features.
• Open Manage your subscription, select Cancel subscription and complete the prompts.
• Keep the cancellation confirmation. Use the billing provider’s support route for purchase or refund questions.

Why it matters: Billing routes affect cancellation and support. For an iOS mobile web purchase billed by LinkedIn, cancel on desktop. Apple handles billing support for its purchases. See Google Play cancellation. Apple billed cancellation

Download your account information

A data archive can help you review what the account holds before deciding whether to leave.

• On a personal computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Data privacy.
• Under How LinkedIn uses your data, select Download your data.
• Choose the categories you want and select Request archive.
• Use LinkedIn’s email link to download the archive when ready. A larger request can take 24 hours and the download remains available for 72 hours.
• Store the archive securely and avoid using a shared or public computer.

Why it matters: An archive helps preserve your own records. However, this feature is unavailable on mobile and does not provide every other member’s information. Download before closing the account. Download account data

Take a break by hibernating the account

Hibernation hides your profile temporarily. It retains some messages, posts and comments under a generic member identity.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• In account management, select Hibernate account.
• Choose the reason for your break.
• Enter your password and select Hibernate account.
• Resolve any listed subscription, licence or administrator issues before completing the process.
• Wait at least 24 hours before signing in again to reactivate.
• If Apple bills a subscription, cancel with Apple separately to prevent future billing.

Why it matters: Hibernation provides a break without immediately closing the account. However, it does not erase past messages or copies held elsewhere. Subscription and licence effects need separate review. Hibernate an account

Close and delete the account

Closing removes access to your profile and account records. Download what you need and resolve paid plans before proceeding.

• On a computer, select Me, then Settings & Privacy.
• Open Account preferences, then Account management.
• Select Change beside Close account.
• Choose a reason, select Next, enter your password and select Close account.
• In the app, open your Profile photo, Settings and Account preferences.
• Select Close account under Account management, then Continue. Choose a reason and select Next.
• Enter your password and select Done. Resolve any enterprise or subscription issue LinkedIn identifies first.

Why it matters: Closing can remove your member profile and access to account data. Nevertheless, search engines can retain old results temporarily. Copies already held by recipients are outside this account action. Close and delete an account

LinkedIn Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Use LinkedIn safety settings as a combination of protections. For example, restricting public visibility does not restrict messages from connections. Review privacy, contact and login security together before accepting a first invitation.

Professional networking involves meeting new people. Therefore, explain the difference between a polite approach and a trustworthy opportunity. An impressive title, shared connection or verification badge does not establish that a request is safe.

How to Use LinkedIn Safely

Alongside LinkedIn safety settings, keep home addresses, personal phone numbers and daily routines out of your profile. Use a suitable professional email address for contact. Also, check a CV before uploading it and remove unnecessary personal details.

Verify an employer using a website or telephone number you find independently. Be cautious if someone requests payment, bank details or identity documents before a genuine recruitment process. In addition, ask a trusted adult or adviser to review an unfamiliar offer.

Agree when to check messages and take breaks from job searching. Device time controls can support that routine. However, a family conversation remains useful when career comparisons or repeated rejection affect confidence.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Even with stronger LinkedIn safety settings, fake recruiters can create believable profiles and move conversations to other apps. Avoid urgency, secrecy and requests to purchase equipment through an unfamiliar supplier. Independently verify the organisation before sharing documents or money.

If contact becomes sexual, threatening or coercive, stop responding and seek help from a trusted adult. Keep safe details such as usernames and message times. Do not forward sexual images involving children.

For Irish support, use CODA’s helplines and support resources. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. The website contact form handles education and training enquiries.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

These LinkedIn safety settings cover personal accounts on the website and mobile app. Labels can differ, including Settings and Settings & Privacy. Follow the linked official guidance when your screen differs. Core privacy, blocking and account security controls do not require Premium.

LinkedIn’s AI guidance says it excludes content generating model training when it has reason to believe a member could be under 18. Review the choice again as the account reaches adulthood. Irish members should not assume a blanket EU exclusion. The rules for sharing data with affiliates are separate. See LinkedIn’s current AI FAQs.

Premium is an optional subscription. Before starting a trial, check the billing route, renewal date and cancellation terms. Removing the app does not cancel a subscription. A paid plan does not make strangers or job offers safer.

For parents, review an eligible teenager’s own account together. These instructions do not establish a linked parent dashboard or enforced bedtime control. Agree who will help with unwanted contact. Device screen time tools and permissions need separate setup. Restrict unnecessary contacts, location, camera and microphone access in the device settings, and keep the app and operating system updated.

Safety Checklist

• Confirm the account holder meets the minimum age.
• Use accurate information and a real name without unnecessary personal details.
• Review public profile, photo, email visibility, exports and contact discovery.
• Restrict Messages and invitations, then check post audiences and mentions.
• Enable Two-factor authentication, review sessions and protect a verified recovery email.
• Review Data for Generative AI Improvement, advertising, connected services and CV sharing.
• Verify recruiters independently and check subscription renewal dates.
• Practise Block and Report and agree whom to ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child under 16 use LinkedIn with permission?

No. LinkedIn’s account terms exclude users under 16. Parental permission does not override that minimum. Check any higher local eligibility requirement too.

Does turning off a public profile make the account private?

No. It reduces visibility outside LinkedIn. Other members can still find a profile, subject to specific controls and blocking. Therefore, remove unnecessary information from the profile itself.

Does a verification badge make a recruiter trustworthy?

No. It confirms a particular identity, workplace or education check. It cannot guarantee behaviour or the legitimacy of an offer. Verify the organisation and recruitment process independently.

Do families need Premium for safety settings?

The core controls described here are available without Premium. However, Open Profile messaging is a Premium feature. Review paid subscriptions separately and do not purchase one as a safety guarantee.

Related CODA Guides

• Resources for Parents for family guidance.
• Instagram safety settings for privacy on another social platform.
• Helplines and support resources for further help.

References

These official resources appear in the order first used in the guide. LinkedIn’s Help Centre explains its controls and limits. The Irish App Store listing provides a separate regional age rating.

Eligibility and profile controls

• User Agreement. Minimum age, accurate identity and subscription terms.
• Irish Apple App Store: LinkedIn. Regional app rating.
• Verification. Checks, regional availability and data handling.
• Public profile. Visibility outside the member network.
• Public visibility limits. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Last name visibility. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Birthday privacy. Official instructions and limits for this control.
• Private profile viewing. Official instructions and limits for this control.
• Profile display outside LinkedIn. Official instructions and limits for this control.
• Open to Work visibility. Official instructions and limits for this control.
• Photo visibility. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Email visibility and downloads. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Profile discovery guidance. Official instructions and limitations for this control.

Contact and content controls

• Connections visibility. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Follow visibility. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Invitation controls. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Message types. Controls and existing connection limits.
• Delivery and typing indicators. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Active status. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Mentions and collaborations. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Post audience instructions. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Comment controls. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Profile update sharing. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Remove a connection. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Blocking limitations. Public information can remain visible.
• Blocking. Device instructions.

Account access and data choices

• Report fake profiles. Reporting suspicious accounts.
• Report a safety concern. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Authentication. Authenticator setup and login checks.
• Active session instructions. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Password change instructions. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Manage account email. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Account recovery without email. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Connected application data. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Delete imported contacts. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• AI training control. Opt out scope and exceptions.
• AI FAQs. Teen protections and regional differences.
• Advertising data controls. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• How Marketing Solutions affects ad choices. Official instructions and limitations for this control.

Billing and leaving the service

• Connected LinkedIn services. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Connection notifications. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Video autoplay settings. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• CV sharing and removal. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Direct Premium cancellation. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Google Play cancellation. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Apple billed cancellation. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Download account data. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Hibernate an account. Official instructions and limitations for this control.
• Close and delete an account. Official instructions and limitations for this control.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age supports families, schools and communities through online safety education, training and practical guidance. Our guides help you discuss online experiences and build safer habits alongside platform controls.

Send a message

Contact Children of the Digital Age to enquire about online safety education, training or guidance for your family, school or organisation.

Last updated: 10 October 2026