How to turn on LinkedIn private mode: Step-by-step guide

Private mode lets you browse LinkedIn profiles without revealing your name or headline. Use it for discreet research, recruiting, or competitive intelligence. Below are quick steps for desktop and mobile, plus tips and caveats.

Quick steps

1. Open LinkedIn (web or app).
2. Go to Settings & Privacy > Visibility > Profile viewing options.
3. Select "Private mode" or a semi-private option.

Desktop (web)

1. Sign in to linkedin.com and click your profile photo (top-right).
2. Choose "Settings & Privacy" > Visibility > Profile viewing options.
3. Select "Private mode." The change is immediate.

Mobile (iOS & Android)

1. Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo.
2. Tap the gear icon for Settings & Privacy > Visibility > Profile viewing options.
3. Choose "Private mode."

What private mode does and doesn't do

• Hides your name and headline when you view profiles.
• Prevents you from seeing names in "Who viewed your profile" while enabled.
• Does not hide actions such as likes, comments, posts, or messages.
• Browser extensions or shared tools can still leak identity; use caution.

Best practices

• Use private mode for targeted research, then switch back to public to engage.
• Disable or audit extensions that may share data with CRMs.
• Use a secure, updated browser and enable two-factor authentication.