How to Delete LinkedIn Account Permanently (2026 Guide)
By Techevangelist · Updated August 28, 2026
How to delete LinkedIn account:Go to Settings & Privacy > Account management > Close account. Select a reason, enter your password, and click Done. Your account closes after a 14-day recovery period.
Before You Delete: Download Your Data
LinkedIn keeps your data even after you delete your account. Get a copy first:
- Click your profile picture > Settings & Privacy
- Go to Data privacy > Get a copy of your data
- Select all data types (connections, messages, posts, recommendations)
- Click Request archive
- Check your email for the download link (arrives within 24 hours)
How to Delete LinkedIn Account: Step by Step
On Desktop
- Click your profile picture in the top right
- Select Settings & Privacy
- Click Account management in the left sidebar
- Scroll down and click Close account
- Select a reason for leaving
- Enter your password
- Click Done
On Mobile App
- Tap your profile picture > Settings
- Tap Account preferences
- Scroll to Account management
- Tap Close account
- Select a reason, enter password, and confirm
What Happens After Deletion
- Day 0: Account closes. Profile disappears from search.
- Days 1-14: Recovery period. Log in to reactivate.
- After 14 days: Permanent deletion. Cannot be reversed.
- Within 30 days: LinkedIn removes your data from servers.
What You Lose
- All connections (500+ connections gone)
- Endorsements and recommendations
- Saved jobs and job applications
- Articles and posts you published
- Messages in your inbox
- LinkedIn Learning progress
Common Issues
Can't find Close Account button?
LinkedIn moves this option around. If you can't find it, go directly to: linkedin.com/psettings/close-account
Premium subscription still active?
Cancel Premium first: Settings > Subscriptions > Manage subscriptions > Cancel. Otherwise you may be charged after deletion.
Account locked or restricted?
If your account is restricted, you may need to verify your identity first. Contact LinkedIn support at: linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/66
Need to Download LinkedIn Videos Before Deleting?
Save your LinkedIn videos before closing your account. Our LinkedIn Video Downloader lets you download any public LinkedIn video as HD MP4. No login required.
Download LinkedIn Videos →FAQ
How do I delete my LinkedIn account permanently?
Go to Settings & Privacy > Account management > Close account. Select a reason, enter your password, and click Done. Your account will be closed after a 14-day recovery period.
What happens when I delete my LinkedIn account?
Your profile disappears from LinkedIn search. Your connections lose access to your profile. You lose endorsements, recommendations, and saved jobs. LinkedIn retains some data for legal compliance.
Can I recover my LinkedIn account after deleting it?
Yes. Within 14 days of closing your account, you can log back in to reactivate it. After 14 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.
How do I download my LinkedIn data before deleting?
Go to Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Get a copy of your data. Select all data types and click Request archive. You will receive an email with a download link within 24 hours.
Does deleting LinkedIn account cancel LinkedIn Premium?
Closing your account does not automatically cancel Premium subscriptions. Cancel Premium first in Settings > Subscriptions before closing your account to avoid being charged.
How long does it take to delete LinkedIn account?
The account closes immediately but enters a 14-day recovery period. After 14 days, the deletion becomes permanent. Your data is removed from LinkedIn servers within 30 days.