How to Hide Connections on Linkedin

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Keep your Linkedin connections private with this user-friendly guide
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LinkedIn’s default settings allow your 1st-degree connections to view your full list of connections. You can hide your connections from the "Privacy and Settings" menu. This setting is not accessible from the LinkedIn mobile app but by changing the setting on desktop you can hide your connections on mobile as well. This may be ideal if you're connected with your competitors but want to keep your clients a secret! [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Hiding Your Connections

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    This square icon is found at the very top, right corner of the page. It is located to the right of the search bar, “Message” icon, “Notification” icon, and “Grow my network” icon.
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    [2]
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    It is located below the top banner, in between the “Account” and “Communications” tabs. [3]
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    It is the second option from the top of the list. [4]
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    “Your connections” is the default option. When selected, only your first degree connections may view your contacts. Those who you are not connected with do not have access to this list. [5]
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    Selecting this option prevents your first degree connections from viewing your full contact list.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Viewing Other People’s Connections

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    Searching works on either desktop or mobile. You can also select "My Network" menu, then "Connections" in the dropdown or near the top of your screen on the LinkedIn mobile app. Scroll through your connections and click on the connection’s name or profile picture to access their page. [6]
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    To the far right of the “Send Message” button, you will see a blue number above the word “Connections.” Click on the number to view their connections list. [7]
    • On the mobile app, scroll past the “Highlights” section to the “Connections” section and Click “See all connections.”
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    The tabs at the top of the connections list allow you to customize and limit your search.
    • Select “All” to view all of their connections. If they’ve chose to hide their connections, you will not have the option to view all of their connections.
    • Click “Shared” to browse the connections you have in common. If they’ve chose to hide their connections, you will only be able to see mutual connections.
    • Tap “New” to preview any recent connections they made. [8]
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Common Questions: LinkedIn Privacy Settings

Why can't I see someone's connections on LinkedIn?

They've likely adjusted the visibility settings on their LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows users to toggle off their "Connection visibility" so their connections list is only accessible to them. [9]

How do I hide the "Connect" button on LinkedIn?

You can hide the "Connect" button on your profile by switching it to the "Follow" button. Hit the "Me" icon on the main LinkedIn page, followed by "Settings & Privacy," "Visibility," and "Followers." Then, toggle "Make follow primary" to "Yes." [10]

Can everyone see my connections on LinkedIn?

Yes, but that can easily be changed in your settings. Go to the "Visibility" page, followed by "Connections." Toggle the "Connection visibility" option to "Off" if you don't want people to be able to see your connections. [11]

Should I hide my LinkedIn connections?

That's really up to you! While there are pros and cons to having your connections visible, it really depends on what you're hoping to get out of your LinkedIn experience. For instance, if you work in sales and are worried about losing clients, it could be worth hiding your connections. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.linkedin-makeover.com/2014/04/30/hide-linkedin-connections-competitors/
  2. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/connections-visibility
  3. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/connections-visibility
  4. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/connections-visibility
  5. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/connections-visibility
  6. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/4820
  7. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/4820
  8. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/4820
  9. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a545948?hcppcid=search
  1. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a528011
  2. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a545948?hcppcid=search
  3. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-you-hide-my-linkedin-connections-leave-them-display-hodgson/

About This Article

Article Summary X

1. Hold the mouse over your profile icon.
2. Click Manage next to "Privacy and Settings."
3. Click Privacy .
4. Click Who can see your connections .
5. Select "Only you" from the menu.

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