Have you ever felt like going incognito on LinkedIn? Want to keep a low profile and hide from nosy networkers, recruiters, or your boss? Well, fellow undercover LinkedIn user, you’ve come to the right place.
In this top-secret, step-by-step guide, we’ll explore various clever tricks and covert tactics to make your LinkedIn profile invisible. With these stealthy ninja moves, you’ll become a master of disguise on the world’s biggest professional social network.
So put on your virtual sunglasses and trenchcoat, and let’s learn how to hide your LinkedIn profile like a boss!
Table of Contents
An Introductory Warning from LinkedIn HQ
Before we embark on this confidential mission, a word of caution from LinkedIn executives:
“Our professional community relies on authentic identities. Hiding your profile is discouraged and may be seen as deceptive by your connections.”
Thanks for the concern, LHQ. But sometimes a bit of deception is necessary for maintaining a private professional life. Now, onto the top-secret stuff!
Also read: Are LinkedIn Messages Private? A Detailed Guide
How to Hide Your LinkedIn Profile
Step 1: Go to your LinkedIn profile click “me”
Step 2: Click “view profile”
Step 3: Edit Profile URL
Step 4: Click Edit public profile & URL.
How to Hide Your LinkedIn Profile on Mobile
Step 1: Tap to your LinkedIn profile picture
Step 2: Tap “Settings”
Step 3: Tap “Privacy”
Step 4: Tap Edit your public profile.
Step 5: Tap the switch to toggle it off next to “Your profile’s public visibility.“
Caution: LinkedIn Restrictions on Hiding
Before you go completely off the grid, beware that LinkedIn does limit profile hiding in some cases:
- Premium subscribers can be seen in search even with limited visibility
- Former colleagues may still see your profile in their network
- Completely blank or false-identity profiles may get flagged or removed
So use your spy skills, but don’t overdo it. Moderation is key for staying under the radar.
Also read: How to See Pending Connections on LinkedIn
Alternative Option: Create a Private LinkedIn Profile
If you want full James Bond-level anonymity, create a private second profile:
- Sign up for a new LinkedIn account with non-identifying info
- Use this profile only for lurking, with minimal activity or connections
- Switch between it and your public profile as needed
Running two separate LinkedIn lives is the ultimate way to keep your networking identity confidential. Just don’t let them talk to each other!
Use Your Newfound LinkedIn Invisibility for Good, Not Evil!
With your stealth powers, please use them responsibly. Don’t pretend to be someone else or mislead people. You’re simply maintaining some professional privacy on a public platform.
Now go forth and lay low, invisible LinkedIn ninja! Just a word of advice: watch out for fast cars, dangerous liaisons, and extortionate supervillains. All part of being an incognito agent…
Also read: How to Move Profile Sections on LinkedIn: The Complete Guide for 2023
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How do I hide my LinkedIn profile from my boss?
Change profile visibility to “Visible only to you”
Remove current employer from work experience
Turn off activity broadcasts and notifications
Use stealth mode in the mobile app -
Does hiding my profile remove all LinkedIn connections?
No, hiding your profile does not remove connections. But they will no longer be able to view your profile or activity.
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Can recruiters see my LinkedIn if my profile is hidden?
Most recruiters will not be able to see your profile if visibility is set to “Visible only to you”. But some connections may still be able to view it.
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What happens if I set my LinkedIn profile to private?
Setting your profile to private:
Removes you from public search results
Restricts viewing to your 1st-degree connections only
Limits visibility of your activity and profile viewsSo it increases privacy without being fully hidden.
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How do I permanently delete my LinkedIn account?
To fully delete your account:
Go to your account settings
Select “Closing your LinkedIn account”
Follow prompts to confirm account closure
LinkedIn will begin deleting your data after 30 days -
Can I have two LinkedIn accounts?
LinkedIn’s terms of service officially prohibit having more than one personal account. But some people do maintain two separate professional profiles. Just don’t connect them or use for deceptive purposes.
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What happens if I set my LinkedIn profile to private?
Setting your profile to private:
Removes you from public search results
Restricts viewing to your 1st-degree connections only
Limits visibility of your activity and profile views
So it increases privacy without being fully hidden. -
How do I permanently delete my LinkedIn account?
To fully delete your account:
Go to your account settings
Select “Closing your LinkedIn account”
Follow prompts to confirm account closure
LinkedIn will begin deleting your data after 30 days -
Can I have two LinkedIn accounts?
LinkedIn’s terms of service officially prohibit having more than one personal account. But some people do maintain two separate professional profiles. Just don’t connect them or use for deceptive purposes.
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Is it a good idea to hide my LinkedIn profile?
Hiding your profile can be prudent if you want increased privacy, but may also limit networking opportunities. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation.