How to Deactivate LinkedIn (2026)
LinkedIn has two ways to step away: hibernate (a reversible pause that hides your profile) and close (permanent deletion). Here’s the difference and how to do each.
1. Hibernate (Temporary Deactivation)
Hibernating hides your profile, name, and photo from other members and pauses notifications — but keeps your data so you can return.
- Click your photo (top right) > Settings & Privacy.
- Go to Account preferences.
- Scroll to Account management and click Hibernate account.
- Pick a reason, enter your password, and confirm.
While hibernated, your comments and likes show as “LinkedIn Member,” and you won’t appear in search.
2. Reactivate After Hibernating
Just sign back in with your email and password. Your profile, connections, and history return immediately — nothing is lost.
3. Close (Permanently Delete)
Closing erases your profile, connections, messages, and endorsements. This can’t be undone after the grace period.
- Settings & Privacy > Account preferences > Account management.
- Click Close account.
- Choose a reason, click Continue, enter your password, and confirm.
You have a short window to reopen by signing in; after that it’s permanent.
4. Before You Close: Save Your Data
If you might want your connections or posts later, export your data archive first (Settings > Data Privacy > Get a copy of your data). Closing deletes everything.
5. Troubleshooting
I still get LinkedIn emails after hibernating
Email preferences are separate. Turn them off under Settings > Communications, or unsubscribe from the email footer.
Premium is still billing me
Hibernating or closing does not auto-cancel a subscription. Cancel Premium separately under Settings > Subscriptions & payments first.
My profile still shows in Google
Search engines cache pages. It clears over time; you can request removal via Google, but allow a few weeks.
Related LinkedIn guides: How to export your contacts · How to unfollow someone · How to change your LinkedIn URL · How to download your resume. Keeping your network active instead? See Carly’s LinkedIn integration.
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