LinkedIn Guide

Hibernate your LinkedIn Account: Do You Need A Break?

Want to take a break from LinkedIn but don't want to delete your account? Hibernating your account is a great option! This article explains what hibernating your LinkedIn account means, how it differs from deleting your account, and how to do it step-by-step.

Saurav Gupta
Founder & CEO
July 5, 2024
Table of contents

Had enough of LinkedIn?

Think you need a break?

If you’re looking for ways to temporarily hibernate your LinkedIn account, don’t worry, I’ve got you.

See, I know LinkedIn can get a bit much at times.

The constant job posts, the endless career advice, the sheer number of people voicing their opinions on everything…it can be quite overwhelming.

take a break gif

So, if hitting the snooze button on LinkedIn is something you’d like, there are many ways to do it. 

But remember, though, taking a break from LinkedIn and then canceling your account permanently are two very different things.

Don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it all right from 

💥What is hibernating your LinkedIn account

💥How to hibernate in 5 easy steps,

💥How long can you stay hibernated? to 

💥The difference between hibernating and deleting your LinkedIn account permanently, and everything in between.

Let’s begin with

What is hibernating your LinkedIn account?

LinkedIn accounts that are "hibernating" have been deactivated by their owners

If the account's owner decides to reactivate their profile, LinkedIn will retain the information on file but will remove all other data.

What's the difference between hibernating and deleting your LinkedIn account?

If you hibernate or deactivate your LinkedIn account 

  • The data you've added will still be accessible, but other users won't see any of your profile information
  • Your name and photo will be replaced with the words "A LinkedIn member" and a generic logo if you have endorsed, posted comments, published posts, or made recommendations on LinkedIn. 
  • This will also apply if you have written posts. Nobody will be able to view your profile, and you won't be able to show up in any searches at all.

When a LinkedIn account is deleted, 

Any information that was not downloaded in advance is permanently removed from the platform. 

If you don't want to delete your account altogether, you may limit the information that LinkedIn can access about you by adjusting the privacy settings on your LinkedIn profile.

How to hibernate your LinkedIn account? (Step-by-step guide)

Your LinkedIn account can be "hibernated" if you don't want to use it for a while or if you just need a vacation from it. 

When you put your LinkedIn profile into hibernation, you won't lose your connections or messages. 

If you hibernate your account, it will be inaccessible until you wake up. 

Here’s the step-by-step process.

The option to hibernate your account is visible after you click Account preference
Source: LinkedIn

#1. Join LinkedIn by logging in.

Get LinkedIn up and running in your browser. 

Then simply press the "Me" circle that is located in the upper right corner of the page next to your profile image.

#2. Use the menu to get to "Privacy And Settings."

You may modify your profile's settings and level of privacy by selecting "Settings and Privacy" from the "Account" menu.

#3. Put your account into Hibernation

Then, go to "Account Preferences" on the left navigation. Under "Account management," you should look for "Hibernate account."

A notification showing you cannot hibernate your LinkedIn account
Source: LinkedIn

#4. Offer an explanation.

Next, choose the box that best explains why you’re doing this  (however, this is optional).

#5. Give your password.

The last step to hibernating your LinkedIn account is to enter your password in the corresponding box.

Have a premium LinkedIn account? 

Have you considered hibernating your LinkedIn account? Here are some things to consider 

The question that needs to be addressed here is, “Why are you hibernating your LinkedIn profile?”

Is it because 

Your profile isn’t getting enough visibility? 🤔

👍Fix it by including search terms you want people to find you for rather than phrases like "looking for possibilities" or "on hold."

👍Also, please include some info about yourself in the "Description" section.

👍Complete as much of your LinkedIn profile as you can, and make sure that it is up-to-date

This will increase your chances of being found in searches. 

Here’s a video that’ll help you make the most of your LinkedIn profile:

👍Connect with as many individuals in your existing network as possible, including co-workers, stakeholders, customers, clients, old classmates, etc.

👍Sign up for Job Alerts to make sure you are the first one in the door.

Can you put your LinkedIn profile into hibernation with the mobile app?

You may put your LinkedIn profile into hibernation from your mobile device in the following way:

  • Open the app and log into your LinkedIn account.
  • Simply tap your profile picture, located at the top left corner of the page.
  • Followed by Account preferences, tap the Settings menu.
  • Scroll to the very bottom, and then select the Hibernate account option.
  • Choose the option to hibernate your account.
  • Then, after entering your password, click the Hibernate account button.

LinkedIn account hibernation time: How long can you stay in hibernation?

LinkedIn will also take any information related to your LinkedIn account and delete any identifying features within thirty days.

LinkedIn can reopen your account if you’ve closed it less than 14 days back.  

In order to regain access to your account: 

1) Head to the LinkedIn login page, type in the email address you used to sign up, and enter your password. 

2) Or, you can use the link LinkedIn sent you in the email when you closed your account.

3) Once in, click the "Reactivate" button to get started again. 

4) LinkedIn will then send you another email to double-check that you really want your account back.

If you're still having trouble logging in please get in touch with customer care to make sure your account is safe. 

Why can't I put my LinkedIn account into Hibernation?

Is your LinkedIn account connected to a business service, group, or product? 

Before you put your account into hibernation, you are required to hand over the administrator role that you now hold to another member of the administrative staff. 

So please speak with your organization's administrator to sort it out.

A notification showing you cannot hibernate your LinkedIn account
Source: LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

Hibernating your LinkedIn account for a short period because 

  • You need to gather your thoughts,
  • You’re experiencing burnout,
  • Are going on a sabbatical, or 
  • Simply want to spend some time away from the platform

Is perfectly ok

But here’s the thing.

LinkedIn can be an excellent ally to push your career forward and crush all your goals.

So instead of deactivating or hibernating your profile, why not use a tool like Salesrobot that 

✅Sends connection request

✅Likes and comments on your prospect’s posts

✅Writes attention-grabbing hyper-personalized messages, such as:

A hyper-personalized image created by Salesrobot

and 

✅Follows-up 

On autopilot. 

While you catch up on some ZZZZs 😴 and binge-watch your favorite shows🍿?

Here’s one of our users who won deals worth $20k from LinkedIn groups.

Need some more convincing?

No problem!

You don’t need to make a financial commitment to see what Salesrobot can do for you. 

Just try our 14-day FREE trial to start using it without sharing your credit card details or phone number.

That’s all for now.

See you around!

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