What Is LinkedIn Private Mode and How Does It Work?

In the case of professional networking, LinkedIn stands as an unparalleled platform, connecting individuals across industries, professions, and aspirations. One feature that often sparks curiosity and debate is LinkedIn private mode, also known as anonymous or incognito mode. Let’s delve into the nuances of LinkedIn’s private mode and explore how to leverage it effectively.

LinkedIn Private Mode; How to Activate It 

LinkedIn private mode offers users the ability to browse profiles anonymously, providing a shield of privacy while exploring the vast landscape of professional opportunities. When you switch to this mode, you’re invisible to the profiles you check, appearing simply as ‘LinkedIn Member’.

For a balance between anonymity and transparency, LinkedIn Semi-private mode displays limited information like your job title and industry but keeps your name hidden. If you prefer total anonymity, LinkedIn anonymous mode is akin to an incognito mode on LinkedIn, where your profile visits leave no trace, offering complete privacy as you navigate through the network. When you’re ready to go public again, disabling the feature is straightforward, ensuring your browsing habits align with your networking strategy.

Privacy on LinkedIn

Maintaining privacy on professional platforms like LinkedIn is absolutely essential. Luckily, LinkedIn offers various browsing modes and allows users to control the visibility of their profile visits. Among these, the LinkedIn Private Mode stands out as a popular choice for discreet networking and exploration.

Understanding LinkedIn’s Browsing Modes

Before diving into the steps to activate private mode, let’s explore the different browsing options LinkedIn provides:

• Public Mode: Your full name and headline are visible when you view profiles.
• Semi-Private Mode: Only partial information like job title and company is displayed.
• Private Mode (Anonymous Mode): You browse completely anonymously, and no identifying information is shared.
• Incognito Mode LinkedIn: Similar to private mode, your visits are not disclosed, akin to a browser’s incognito function.

How to Add a Job Promotion on LinkedIn?

How to Activate LinkedIn Private Mode on Desktop?

Activating LinkedIn’s private mode is a straightforward process, whether you’re on a desktop or using a mobile device. Here’s how you can switch to private mode from LinkedIn:

• Profile Access: Click the ‘Me’ icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.

• Settings & Privacy: Choose ‘Settings & Privacy’ from the dropdown menu.

• Visibility Options: On the left side, click ‘Visibility’.

• Profile Viewing Options: In the ‘Visibility of your profile & network’ section, click ‘Change’ next to ‘Profile viewing options’.

• Choose Your Mode: Select from three browsing modes:
  • Your name and headline
  • Private profile characteristics (such as job title and industry)
  • Private mode
• Save Automatically: Your changes will be saved without any extra steps.

Note: Premium LinkedIn users can browse in private mode while still seeing who viewed their profile in the last 90 days—a feature not available to Basic account holders. However, LinkedIn respects user privacy settings, so names of viewers in private mode remain hidden even to Premium users.

Read more: What Is LinkedIn Private Mode and How Does It Work?

Enabling LinkedIn Private Mode on Your Mobile Device

Maintaining privacy while browsing on LinkedIn is straightforward with the Private Mode feature. Here’s how to activate it on your Android phone:

• Open the LinkedIn App: Start by launching the LinkedIn app on your mobile device.

• Access Settings: Tap your profile picture in the top left corner, then select ‘Settings’.
• Go to Visibility: In the settings menu, choose the ‘Visibility’ tab.

• Profile Viewing Options: Scroll to find ‘Profile viewing options’ and tap it.
• Activate Private Mode: From the options, select ‘Private mode’ to enable anonymous browsing on LinkedIn.

• To activate LinkedIn Semi-Private Mode: Tap ‘Private profile characteristics’ and you will see a preview of how other users discover you on LinkedIn.

Your settings will be saved automatically, and you can browse profiles without revealing your identity.

Setting Your LinkedIn Browsing Mode to Semi-Private

For professionals who prefer a middle ground between complete anonymity and full disclosure, LinkedIn’s Semi-Private mode offers a balanced solution. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Profile Icon: Click the ‘Me’ icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Settings & Privacy: From the dropdown, select ‘Settings & Privacy’.
3. Visibility Section: On the left menu, click ‘Visibility’.
4. Profile Viewing Options: Look for ‘Profile viewing options’ in the ‘Visibility of your profile & network’ section and click ‘Change’.
5. Select Semi-Private Mode: You’ll be presented with three options. Choose ‘Private profile characteristics’ to activate Semi-Private mode.

1. Automatic Save: Your new setting will be saved instantly.

Note: In Semi-Private mode, other LinkedIn members will see limited information such as your job title and industry when you view their profile, but not your name or full profile details.

Learn more: How To Add Open To Work On LinkedIn?

The Benefits of Private Mode on LinkedIn

Benefits of private mode include:

• Anonymous Research: Private mode is invaluable for conducting discreet research. Whether you’re scoping out potential competitors, examining the profiles of recruiters, or gathering insights on industry trends, private mode grants you the freedom to explore without leaving a digital footprint.
• Profile Viewing Privacy: By utilizing private mode, you can visit profiles without alerting the profile owners. This can be particularly advantageous when you’re exploring opportunities discreetly or conducting preliminary research before reaching out to someone.
•  Avoiding Unwanted Attention: Private mode offers a shield against unwanted attention. If you’re a high-profile individual or simply wish to maintain a low profile while browsing, private mode ensures your actions remain discreet.

FAQs About Linkedin Anonymous Mode

What is LinkedIn Private Mode?

LinkedIn Private Mode allows you to browse profiles anonymously, so your identity remains hidden from the profile owners you visit.

How do I activate LinkedIn Private Mode on a desktop?

Go to ‘Settings & Privacy’ from your profile icon, select ‘Privacy’, then ‘Profile viewing options’, and choose ‘Private mode’.

Can I see who viewed my profile in Private Mode?

No, when you’re in Private Mode, you cannot see who has viewed your profile.

Is there a difference between LinkedIn Private Mode and Incognito Mode?

No, LinkedIn’s Private Mode is similar to a web browser’s incognito mode, offering anonymous browsing without a history of profile visits.

What We Review in Incognito Mode Linkedin

LinkedIn’s private mode serves as a double-edged sword, offering anonymity and privacy while navigating the expansive world of professional networking. By understanding its functionalities and employing it judiciously, you can harness the power of anonymity to conduct research, protect your privacy, and engage with confidence in the digital realm. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding entrepreneur, mastering LinkedIn’s private mode can elevate your networking prowess to new heights.