How to Download Your LinkedIn Data Before Deleting Your Account

Before deleting or hibernating LinkedIn, request a copy of your account data through Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Get a copy of your data. LinkedIn may let you download selected categories or request a larger archive.

A data export helps preserve connections, messages, profile details and account records that may become difficult to access after account closure.

How to request your LinkedIn data on desktop

1. Sign in to LinkedIn.
2. Click Me.
3. Select Settings & Privacy.
4. Open Data privacy.
5. Select Get a copy of your data.
6. Choose specific data categories or the complete archive option.
7. Click Request archive.
8. Verify your identity if prompted.
9. Watch your LinkedIn email address for the download notice.

The download link may expire, so save the archive soon after it becomes available.

Can you download LinkedIn data on mobile?

The LinkedIn app may direct you to the same privacy settings or open a web page.

1. Tap your profile photo.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Data privacy.
4. Tap Get a copy of your data.
5. Choose the data and submit the request.

Use a desktop browser for easier file management, especially when downloading a complete archive.

What LinkedIn data can be included?

Available categories can change, but an export may contain information such as:

• Profile details
• Connections
• Invitations
• Messages
• Account history
• Search activity
• Posts, comments and reactions
• Recommendations and endorsements
• Job application information
• Saved items
• Imported contacts
• Advertising and interest data

Not every category is guaranteed to be available in every account or region.

How long does a LinkedIn data export take?

Smaller requests may be prepared relatively quickly, while a complete archive can take longer. LinkedIn generally sends a notification or email when the file is ready.

Do not close the account until:

• The archive request is complete
• You have downloaded the files
• You have opened the archive successfully
• You have stored important data securely

How to open the downloaded archive

LinkedIn commonly provides a compressed ZIP file containing CSV, HTML or other structured files.

1. Save the ZIP file to a secure device.
2. Scan it using trusted security software where appropriate.
3. Extract the folder.
4. Open the index or individual files.
5. Use a spreadsheet application for CSV files.

Some fields may be easier to understand when sorted or filtered in a spreadsheet.

Which data should you preserve before deletion?

Prioritise:

• Connection names and contact details you are allowed to retain
• Important messages
• Recommendations
• Your profile summary and experience descriptions
• Published posts or articles
• Job application records
• Billing or subscription information
• Account security history

Respect other people's privacy when storing or reusing exported information.

Does the archive contain deleted data?

A download reflects data LinkedIn makes available at the time of the request. It may not restore conversations, contacts or content you previously deleted.

Request the archive before cleaning up important account areas.

Download data before hibernating LinkedIn

Hibernation is designed as a temporary account pause, but an export is still useful. It provides a backup if you later decide to close the account permanently or cannot regain access.

Compare the options in delete vs hibernate a LinkedIn account.

Download data before deleting messages

Deleted conversations may not be recoverable through a normal recycle bin. If a thread contains important professional records, request your data first or save the necessary information securely.

Read how to delete LinkedIn messages.

How to protect your LinkedIn archive

The archive may contain personal and professional information. Protect it by:

• Storing it on an encrypted device
• Using a strong device password
• Avoiding public or shared computers
• Deleting unneeded copies from Downloads
• Not uploading the archive to unknown tools
• Checking files before sharing them
• Keeping only the data you genuinely need

What to do if the LinkedIn download link expires

Return to Get a copy of your data and submit a new request. Confirm that your account email address is current and check spam or junk folders.

What to do if the archive is incomplete

• Confirm which categories you requested
• Request the complete archive
• Check whether a second download is provided later
• Review regional availability
• Contact LinkedIn support for missing account data
• Use applicable privacy-rights request processes where necessary

Frequently asked questions

Is downloading LinkedIn data free?

LinkedIn normally provides account-data download controls without requiring a Premium subscription.

Can I download another person's LinkedIn data?

No. The export is for data associated with your own account.

Will requesting an archive notify my connections?

No. It is a private account action.

Does downloading data delete anything?

No. An export creates a copy; it does not remove the original data.

Can I import the archive into a new LinkedIn account?

The export is primarily for access and portability. LinkedIn may not provide a complete one-click restore into another account.

Final answer

Request your archive through Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Get a copy of your data. Download and verify the files before deleting or hibernating the account, then store the archive securely.