How to download LinkedIn connections: Step-by-step export guide

If you need a clean list of your network for CRM imports, segmentation, or to inform your personal branding strategy, this guide shows exactly how to download LinkedIn connections — safely, legally, and with options for both beginners and power users. You’ll get a quick export method, detailed steps for the LinkedIn UI, alternatives (Sales Navigator, CRM sync, third-party tools), a comparison table, and practical next steps to use this data to grow your professional brand.

Quick answer: fastest way to export your LinkedIn connections (2 minutes)

1. Open LinkedIn on desktop and click Me > Settings & privacy.
2. Go to Data privacy > Get a copy of your data (or How LinkedIn uses your data > Download your data).
3. Select Connections, request the archive, and click Request archive.
4. Wait for LinkedIn to prepare the file (email notification). Download the ZIP and open the connections CSV.

Why follow this method? It’s LinkedIn’s official export tool — fast, permitted by their Terms, and it returns the most up-to-date list LinkedIn stores for your account.

Why download your LinkedIn connections?

• CRM imports: Move contacts to HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, or your preferred CRM for outreach tracking.
• Audience segmentation: Build targeted lists for content personalization and message testing.
• Backup: Keep an offline backup of names and available contact fields.
• Content personalization: Use connection data to craft relevant LinkedIn posts and themes that resonate with your actual network.
• Audit network health: Identify inactive contacts, cluster by industry, or refresh relationships.

LinkedIn has more than 930 million members (LinkedIn, 2024), so knowing how to responsibly export and use your own network is an essential skill for founders, solopreneurs, and marketers.

“Always use exported contact data responsibly: respect privacy settings and only reach out in ways that comply with local laws and LinkedIn’s policies.”

Step-by-step: Export LinkedIn connections (desktop, current UI)

1) Open Settings & privacy

On LinkedIn desktop, click your profile avatar in the top-right corner, then Settings & privacy. This area contains all data export features and security controls.

2) Navigate to the data download tool

Go to Data privacy > Get a copy of your data (or similar wording depending on UI changes). You’ll see a list of selectable data types.

3) Select Connections and request archive

Tick the Connections checkbox. You can also request a broader archive (profile, messages), but selecting only connections speeds up processing and returns a concise CSV file.

4) Wait for LinkedIn to prepare the file

LinkedIn will email you when the download is ready (usually minutes to an hour, sometimes longer for larger accounts). Click the link from your account to download a ZIP containing a connections CSV file.

5) Open and inspect the CSV

The CSV typically contains columns like First name, Last name, and Email address (email addresses are only included where members have allowed LinkedIn to share them). Always inspect the file for completeness and remove duplicates before import.

What fields does LinkedIn include in the export?

LinkedIn’s official export usually includes a minimal dataset: names and available email addresses. LinkedIn does not provide full profile exports (work history, private messages) in the simple connections CSV unless you request a full data archive. For the most accurate, up-to-date details, see LinkedIn’s help center.

External reference: LinkedIn’s data export process and allowed fields are documented on their Help pages — check the LinkedIn Help Center for the exact current fields.

Alternative methods: Sales Navigator, CRM sync, and third-party tools

Not all exports are equal. Here’s a practical comparison to help you choose.

Important: Legal and LinkedIn policy considerations

• Do not scrape LinkedIn: automated scraping via bots or unauthorized extensions can violate LinkedIn Terms of Service and may lead to account restrictions.
• Privacy laws: If you use exported contacts for email marketing, comply with CAN-SPAM (US), GDPR (EU), CASL (Canada) and other local regulations — obtain consent where required.
• Store data securely: Keep exported CSVs encrypted or in a secure CRM and limit access to necessary team members only.

How to use your downloaded connections for personal branding and outreach

Exporting connections is only useful when paired with a strategy. Here are applied tactics that busy professionals can use right away:

1. Segment your list by company, role, or last interaction date to tailor content or re-engagement messages.
2. Audit conversation history — identify cold contacts you should reconnect with and high-value connections to nurture into advocates.
3. Inform content themes: use top industries and roles in your network to pick topics that resonate with your audience.
4. Personalize replies: when reposting or thanking connections publicly, reference shared experiences or mutual interests identified in your export.

If you want to automate content that speaks directly to your network, Linkesy can help. Our AI generates authentic posts matching your voice and builds a 30-day content calendar on autopilot — a fast way to turn your connection insights into consistent, strategic visibility. Try Linkesy free.

Checklist: Before and after exporting your connections

• Before export: ensure your LinkedIn email is verified, and you’re using the desktop interface for best UI visibility.
• During export: choose only the data types you need (Connections alone is usually enough).
• After export: open and clean the CSV (remove duplicates, standardize names), upload to a secure CRM, and set communication rules.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every contact includes an email — emails are only provided when members permit sharing.
• Mass-messaging your exported list without segmentation or consent.
• Relying on scraping tools that may breach LinkedIn policies and data-protection laws.

Related Linkesy resources

• Pillar: Tools & Technology for LinkedIn — deep dives on tools and best practices.
• Cluster: AI content automation for LinkedIn — how to turn audience data into consistent posts.
• Cluster: 30-day content calendar guide — plan and automate a whole month of posts.
• Cluster: Linkesy case study — real outcomes from solopreneurs using automation for LinkedIn growth.

Want a practical next step? Export your connections now, then let Linkesy build a content calendar that speaks to the people already in your network. See our plans or Try Linkesy free.

FAQ

How long does the LinkedIn connections export take?

LinkedIn typically prepares small-to-medium account exports in minutes to an hour. Large accounts or full data archives can take longer. You’ll receive an email notification when the file is ready.

Does the export include email addresses?

It can, but only for members who have chosen to allow LinkedIn to share their email address. Do not assume every contact will have an email in the CSV.

Can I download someone else’s LinkedIn connections?

No. LinkedIn only allows you to download your own connections list. Attempting to access other users’ connection lists via scraping or tools breaches LinkedIn’s Terms of Service.

How do I import the CSV into a CRM?

Most CRMs accept CSV imports. Clean and normalize the CSV columns (First name, Last name, Email, Company), then use the CRM import tool to map fields. Always test with a small batch first.

Is it legal to message people from the exported list?

Yes, but you must comply with applicable laws (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, CASL) and LinkedIn’s messaging policies. When in doubt, obtain explicit consent before sending marketing emails.

How often can I export my connections?

LinkedIn doesn’t publish a strict limit for personal data exports, but frequent requests may be rate-limited. Use exports judiciously and maintain a single secure master copy.

Conclusion — Export with purpose

Knowing how to download LinkedIn connections is a practical, low-friction step toward smarter networking, better CRM hygiene, and more targeted content. Use LinkedIn’s official export tool for safety, avoid scraping, and always follow privacy rules. Then turn that data into action: segment your network, personalize outreach, and automate consistent content that grows your personal brand. If you want help turning network insights into a full month of authentic LinkedIn posts, Try Linkesy free and see how AI can save you hours each week.