LinkedIn’s private mode allows you to browse LinkedIn without others being notified or your profile being updated. When you turn on private mode, your profile photo, last seen timestamp, and view notifications won’t be updated. You can turn private mode on and off as needed. Here’s what you need to know about using private mode on LinkedIn.
What is LinkedIn private mode?
LinkedIn’s private mode allows you to browse LinkedIn anonymously without notifying your connections or updating your profile. When private mode is turned on:
– Your profile photo, last seen timestamp, and view notifications will not update. This prevents connections from seeing that you’ve viewed their profile.
– You won’t show up in “People Also Viewed” lists.
– Search history and other browsing activity isn’t saved to your account.
– You can preview profiles without the risk of accidentally connecting with someone.
Private mode essentially allows you to lurk on LinkedIn without leaving a trace. It’s useful for discreetly researching connections, competitors, or potential employees without signaling your interest.
How to turn on private mode
Turning on private mode is simple:
1. Click on your profile image in the top right of LinkedIn.
2. Select “Private mode” from the dropdown menu.
3. Confirm that you want to turn on private mode.
Once enabled, you’ll see a dark background behind your profile photo indicating that private mode is active.
Browsing privately
When private mode is on, you can browse LinkedIn normally without any profile updates occurring:
– Viewing profiles will not trigger view notifications.
– Your last seen status will not update.
– You won’t appear in “People Also Viewed” sections.
– Your public profile will not reflect any browsing activity.
Essentially, you have full access to LinkedIn’s network and information without any indication that you’ve been there. Use private mode when you want to research without revealing your interest.
Turning private mode off
To turn private mode off:
1. Click on your profile photo again.
2. Select “Turn off private mode” from the dropdown menu.
3. Confirm that you want to disable private mode.
Once disabled, your profile activity will resume updating normally. The timestamp for last seen will update, view notifications will resume, and your browsing history will once again be tracked.
Things to know about private mode
Here are some key facts about LinkedIn’s private mode:
– You can toggle it on and off anytime. It’s not permanent.
– Private mode works on LinkedIn’s mobile apps and desktop site.
– Your messages and notifications remain visible to you. You just won’t trigger new ones.
– You can still interact by liking, commenting, etc. You just do it privately.
– Searches on LinkedIn still influence algorithmic recommendations. Private mode only prevents profile updates.
– Premium account features like InMail work normally with no restrictions.
Overall, private mode gives you flexibility in how and when you want to interact with LinkedIn. Use it strategically for times when you want to fly under the radar.
Pros of Using Private Mode
Here are some of the benefits of browsing LinkedIn privately:
Research without revealing interest
Private mode allows you to explore profiles and companies without signaling your interest to connections. This is useful for discreetly researching competitors, potential employees, business partners, or advisors without prematurely tipping your hand.
Avoid awkward “You viewed my profile” notices
Ever viewed someone’s profile you didn’t intend to connect with and then felt awkward about the notification it triggered? Private mode prevents those uncomfortable “You viewed my profile” notices from being generated.
Preview content before publicly engaging
You can preview posts, articles, and profiles without risk of accidentally liking, commenting, or connecting with the author. This allows you to vet content before publicly interacting with it.
Appear fully present
Your last seen status won’t continuously update when private mode is on. This can give the appearance of being fully present and engaged on LinkedIn vs. browsing passively.
Cons of Using Private Mode
There are also some potential downsides of browsing in private mode:
Loss of browsing history
LinkedIn uses your browsing history to customize feed recommendations. Private mode prevents this data from being collected, potentially resulting in less relevant suggestions.
Can’t identify anonymous visitors
When you have a premium account, you can normally see anonymous visitors to your profile. Private mode hides your identity even from premium account holders.
Reduced advertising personalization
Advertisements may be less tailored when browsing privately since your activity isn’t being tracked and analyzed.
Malicious use
Private mode could be leveraged by bad actors to secretly research users without their knowledge. However, LinkedIn’s policies still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about LinkedIn’s private mode:
Does private mode work on mobile?
Yes, private mode can be enabled in LinkedIn’s iOS and Android apps. Simply tap your profile photo and select “Private mode”.
Do my messages show up when private?
Yes, you can still access your messages and notifications normally while browsing privately. Private mode only prevents new interactions from occurring.
Can I write posts in private mode?
Yes, you can draft and publish posts while in private mode. Others will be able to see and interact with your posts as usual.
Will people get notified if I visit their profile multiple times?
No, profile view notifications are suppressed when private mode is active. You can visit a profile as many times as you want without the user being notified.
Can I edit my profile while private?
Yes, you can make updates and edit your profile as you normally would while in private mode. Your profile changes will be publicly visible.
Does private mode affect my public profile?
Private mode only prevents certain activities like views and searches from being logged. It does not change what the public sees on your actual profile.
Use Cases for LinkedIn Private Mode
Here are some examples of situations where using LinkedIn’s private mode can be advantageous:
Researching a potential new employer
Engage in discreet reconnaissance on a company you may want to apply to work for. View profiles of employees and executives there without signaling your interest prematurely.
Connecting with old associates
Look up former colleagues, classmates, or business contacts without instantly notifying them and having an awkward conversation. Vet profiles before deciding to connect.
Following competitors
Keep tabs on what competing individuals, brands, or companies are posting without revealing that you’re watching them closely.
Exploring niches
Research different niches, specialties, and industries you may be interested in entering without building up a browsing trail.
Evaluating potential partners
Thoroughly assess the backgrounds, capabilities, and culture of potential partners before contacting them. Avoid tipping your hand early.
Connecting after meeting someone
Looked for someone’s profile after meeting them briefly at an event? Private mode allows you to find them again without an awkward notice that you searched.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s private mode gives you greater control over your browsing experience. By suppressing notifications and profile updates, it enables discreet research and lurking when desired. Just toggle it on whenever you want to explore LinkedIn privately. And you can easily disable it again and resume normal public browsing at any time.
So if you’ve ever felt hesitant about looking up certain profiles or companies on LinkedIn, private mode eliminates that friction. You can browse freely while remaining hidden until you’re ready to actively engage. It’s a useful feature for selectively managing your professional presence.
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