LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for networking, job hunting, and building your professional brand. But not everything you do on the platform needs to be visible to others. Whether you’re researching competitors, checking out potential employers, or simply browsing profiles without leaving a trace, LinkedIn private mode can be a useful tool.
In this article, you’ll learn what linkedin private mode really is, how it works, when you should use it, and how to make LinkedIn private step by step. We’ll also explore the pros, cons, and common mistakes users make when switching on this feature.
What is LinkedIn private mode?
LinkedIn private mode is a browsing setting that lets you view other users’ profiles without your name, photo, or headline being visible in their “Who viewed your profile” list. When private mode is enabled, the person whose profile you visited will only see one of the following:
- “Anonymous LinkedIn Member”
- “Someone on LinkedIn”
- A generic description such as “Viewer from the Internet industry”
In other words, you become invisible while browsing.
How LinkedIn normally displays your profile views
By default, LinkedIn shows the following information when you view someone’s profile:
- Your full name
- Your profile picture
- Your headline
- Sometimes your location and employer
This transparency has benefits — it encourages networking and helps people discover each other. However, many professionals want more privacy when researching companies, recruiters, or competitors. That’s where LinkedIn private mode comes in.
Why you might want to use LinkedIn private mode
There are several legitimate reasons to use private mode. It’s not only for “snooping” — it’s a strategic tool that can support your professional goals.
Researching job opportunities quietly
Maybe you’re preparing for an interview. Maybe you’re thinking of switching careers but don’t want your employer to notice. Private mode lets you look up hiring managers, recruiters, and company teams without alerting anyone.
Conducting competitive research
If you work in sales, marketing, or recruitment, you might often look at competitor profiles. Private mode ensures you can do it without giving away your company or intentions.
Keeping your browsing habits confidential
Not everyone wants to show each profile they click on. Some people simply prefer a more private online experience.
Avoiding awkward interactions
Let’s be honest — sometimes you view the same profile multiple times. Private mode prevents accidental misunderstandings, especially when you’re comparing multiple candidates, researching new clients, or scanning alumni lists.
How to make LinkedIn private (step-by-step guide)
Turning on linkedin private mode is easy, but many users don’t know where to find the setting. Follow these steps:
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy.
- Navigate to Visibility in the left-hand menu.
- Click Profile viewing options.
- Choose Private mode
That’s it — you’re instantly anonymous.
Important limitation: Private mode removes your viewer history
There’s one catch most people don’t know. When you switch to LinkedIn private mode, you lose access to your own “Who viewed your profile” data. In other words, you can either:
- See who visits your profile
OR - Stay hidden while visiting others
…but not both at the same time. If tracking your viewers is important to your networking strategy, consider switching private mode on only when needed.
Common mistakes people make with LinkedIn private mode
Even though the feature is simple, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
Forgetting to turn it off
Users often switch it on, browse for hours, then forget it’s enabled. Later, they get confused about why they no longer see who viewed their profile.
Using private mode during active networking
If you’re trying to build relationships, connect with founders, or pitch services, private mode works against you. People won’t know you visited, reducing your visibility and hurting outreach efforts.
Assuming it works retroactively
Private mode only applies going forward. If you viewed a profile publicly earlier, switching to private mode doesn’t erase your previous visit.
When you should avoid private mode
There are times when using LinkedIn private mode is not recommended:
- When applying for jobs and wanting recruiters to notice you
- When trying to grow your professional visibility
- When networking with alumni or industry professionals
- When building a personal brand
In these cases, being visible helps more than hiding.
Is linkedin private mode worth using?
Yes — LinkedIn private mode is a powerful feature when used strategically. It gives you control, protects your privacy, and allows you to research confidently without showing your identity. However, the key is balance. Use it when you want to browse quietly, but switch it off when you need visibility and active networking.
