Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to reconnect with someone on LinkedIn after disconnecting from them. When you disconnect from someone, you simply remove them from your network but they will still be able to find your profile and request to reconnect. As long as you accept their connection request, you will be reconnected on LinkedIn.
In Detail
LinkedIn is a professional social networking site designed to help people connect with colleagues, clients, partners, and other professionals. Making connections is a key part of using LinkedIn effectively, but sometimes circumstances change and you may wish to disconnect from some of your existing connections. Disconnecting from a connection on LinkedIn removes them from your network but does not prevent you from reconnecting in the future if desired.
What Happens When You Disconnect?
Disconnecting from someone on LinkedIn has the following effects:
- Removes the connection from your LinkedIn network
- Prevents the connection from seeing your full profile and posts
- Stops notifications about their activity being shown to you
- Removes them from your contact list in LinkedIn Messaging
Importantly, when you disconnect it does not delete the connection or block you from interacting with each other. Their profile still exists and either side can send a new connection request if wanted.
How to Disconnect on LinkedIn
To disconnect from someone on LinkedIn:
- Go to their profile page
- Click “More” next to the “Connect” button
- Select “Disconnect from [name]”
- Confirm you want to disconnect
This will instantly disconnect you from the person. It’s quick and easy to do but also easily reversible if you change your mind.
Reconnecting After Disconnecting
If you disconnect from someone but later wish to connect with them again, you can send them a new connection request just like normal. To do so:
- Go to their LinkedIn profile page
- Click the blue “Connect” button
- Write an optional note if you want
- Click “Send” to send the request
If they accept your request, you will be reconnected. The previous disconnect will not affect the new connection request.
You can also message the person explaining you previously disconnected but would like to reconnect now if circumstances have changed. Some additional tips for reconnecting include:
- Mention why you disconnected originally if relevant
- Explain why you would now like to reconnect
- Be polite and respectful in your request
- Follow up after some time if you don’t get a response
As long as the other person is open to reconnecting, you should be able to restore the connection.
Reasons for Disconnecting and Reconnecting
There are various reasons you may want to disconnect from and later reconnect with someone on LinkedIn. Some common scenarios include:
Changed jobs
You disconnected from a colleague when you or they left a company but now wish to reconnect in your new roles.
Ended business partnership
You disconnected from a former business partner after a project ended but now have a new opportunity to collaborate.
Personal differences
You disconnected due to personal differences but enough time has passed and you would like to reconnect.
Career progression
Their career has progressed and you would now benefit from having them in your network again.
New common interests
Your interests and professional focuses have changed and you now have more in common than before.
Reconnecting can make sense in many situations. The key is to be respectful and transparent in your request to reconnect.
Pros of Reconnecting
Some benefits of reconnecting with previous LinkedIn connections include:
- Renewing valuable business relationships
- Increasing your overall network reach and connections
- Interacting with contacts who have progressed in their careers
- Gaining new professional insights and opportunities
- Strengthening your connection with an industry, niche or location
Reconnecting with the right people can be very beneficial for your career and business opportunities. Evaluate carefully whether there are past connections who would now be valuable to reconnect with.
Cons of Reconnecting
Potential downsides of reconnecting on LinkedIn include:
- Rejected connection requests can be awkward
- Can seem inauthentic if you disconnected for a serious reason
- Adds clutter to your network if the connection is no longer relevant
- Renewed contact with difficult or toxic connections
- Appearing overly opportunistic in who you connect with
Use your judgment to determine if reconnecting with a specific person is appropriate or likely to be well received. Don’t force connections with people who likely do not wish to hear from you again.
LinkedIn Connections Best Practices
To manage your LinkedIn connections and requests effectively:
- Personalize connection requests with a note
- Keep your network organized by regularly reviewing connections
- Be selective about who you connect with initially
- Follow up on pending requests after about two weeks
- Disconnect from inactive or irrelevant connections periodically
- When reconnecting, be transparent about the reasons
Following LinkedIn best practices helps maintain a quality network with active and engaged contacts.
Conclusion
Disconnecting from a LinkedIn connection does not have to be permanent. You can send a new connection request to someone you previously disconnected from. This allows you to reconsider past connections and reconnect if it may now be mutually beneficial to do so. Be thoughtful about who you want back in your network and transparent in your reconnection requests. With care, reconnecting on LinkedIn can strengthen your professional community.