LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world. As with any software, LinkedIn periodically releases new versions with updated features and design changes. However, some users may prefer using an older version of LinkedIn for various reasons.
Why Would You Want an Older Version of LinkedIn?
Here are some common reasons why you might want to use an older version of LinkedIn:
- You find the interface and features in the newer versions too complex or overwhelming.
- You don’t like certain changes or removed features in the newer versions.
- You have slow internet connection and find the newer versions too bandwidth heavy.
- You want to access features or options that are no longer available in the latest version.
- You have plugins/tools that are incompatible with the newer versions.
- You want to use LinkedIn on an older computer or operating system that doesn’t support newer versions.
In essence, sticking with an older version allows you to use LinkedIn in a way that suits your needs or preferences better.
Is it Possible to Download Old LinkedIn Versions?
Unfortunately, LinkedIn does not provide official downloads or installers for its older versions. Once LinkedIn releases a new version, the company focuses its resources on supporting and improving the latest release.
However, all hope is not lost if you still want to use an older version of LinkedIn. Here are a couple options to consider:
Use LinkedIn’s Mobile Website
LinkedIn’s mobile website version at linkedin.com/m/ resembles an older desktop version of LinkedIn. It has a simpler interface with fewer features compared to the full desktop site. If you want a more stripped down experience, the mobile site could work for you.
Downgrade Using Your Browser
Some browsers allow you to mask your user agent string to trick websites into serving you an older version designed for a different browser. For example:
- On Chrome, you can use extensions like User-Agent Switcher.
- On Firefox, you can use an extension like uASwitcher.
With these extensions, you can spoof your browser user agent to mimic an older browser version. When you visit LinkedIn, it will serve you an older design compatible with that browser/version.
Use Cached Snapshots via Web Archive
The Wayback Machine on Archive.org allows you to browse cached, historical snapshots of websites from years past. You can look for archived versions of LinkedIn from a specific year and use the cached copy which will display an older design. However, any interactive features won’t work on the archived copies.
Stay on an Older Version by Avoiding Updates
If you have an older version of LinkedIn installed or cached in your browser, avoiding software and browser updates could allow you to keep using the older version. However, this approach is not reliable long-term as eventually things could stop working properly without security updates.
Downgrading LinkedIn on Mobile
The options for downgrading LinkedIn on mobile are limited compared to desktop browsers. Here are some approaches you could try:
- Avoid updating the LinkedIn app on your device to prevent it from upgrading to a newer UI version. Disable auto-update if possible.
- If you updated and want to go back, uninstall LinkedIn and try downgrading by installing an older APK/IPA file for Android/iOS.
- Use a third-party app like LinkedIn Wrapper which emulates an older UI.
However, bypassing app upgrades long-term is not recommended since you’ll miss out on security fixes. And third-party clients likely have limited feature parity with the official app.
Potential Issues to Keep in Mind
While the methods above can help access older versions of LinkedIn, there are some downsides and risks to consider:
- Older versions may be missing security updates and fixes, making them more vulnerable.
- You’ll miss out on latest features and improvements added in newer versions.
- Some functionality/integrations may be broken on older versions as APIs/services change.
- Loading legacy interface code can slow down site performance.
- Workarounds like user agent spoofers may not always work reliably.
- LinkedIn could block older versions or user agents eventually.
So weigh the pros and cons vs trying to adapt to UI changes in newer versions through configuration tweaks and gradually relearning workflows.
Conclusion
While not officially supported, power users have some options to access older versions of the LinkedIn interface and features if needed. However, sticking to legacy versions long-term requires compromising on security, features, and reliability. For most people, trying to adjust to UI changes in new releases ends up being easier overall versus the headaches of maintaining an outdated setup. But the methods discussed above can provide temporary relief during the transition period to a new LinkedIn version that you find disruptive or overwhelming initially.