Can you anonymously peep into someone else’s LinkedIn profile? Although the platform provides a way for people to connect with their peers, some people often prefer to remain anonymous. So, it’s not surprising if you’re curious whether LinkedIn alerts users when you go through their profiles.

So, much goes into monitoring each person that passes by another user’s LinkedIn profile. Let’s dig into this subject matter and understand how we can browse anonymously without notifying other users when you peek into their profiles.

LinkedIn Visibility Settings  

LinkedIn provides users with the professional engagement lacking on other social media platforms. Microsoft designed the platform to help users make professional connections, share their work experiences, and post and find jobs. That’s why the platform is quite avid on its visibility settings. 

You can check your recorded profile history to see all the users that visited your profile within the last ninety days. You’ll see everyone who interacted with your profile if it’s a premium account. A free LinkedIn limits you to five viewers (most recent views).

The ability to check each person that visited your profile will depend on their visibility settings. You might see specific details or just a name. If the LinkedIn user has turned on the “Your name and headline” option, you’ll see their name, location, or headline.

If the user has turned on the “Private profile characteristics” option, you’ll see specific details like job title or school. 

If they’ve set their profile to “Private mode,” you won’t see a name or other private details. The visit will be anonymous. 

Does a LinkedIn User Get a Notification For Each Profile View?

So if you visit another user’s profile, they will know you were around. They’ll get an alert. They can also view it on their profile history. Not unless you did it while in private mode.

If you want your views or visits to remain unknown, switch to private mode. But remember, even if it’s anonymous, your profile viewing still counts. The only difference is that the user will see an “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” instead of your name.

How Do You Switch on Private Mode?

On a Mobile Device

  • Launch your LinkedIn app.Tap the profile icon on the top right end of the launch screen. Select the “Settings” tab to access the Settings menu. Select “Visibility” to manage the visibility settings. Click on “Profile Viewing Options.”You’ll see three options (“Your name and headline,” “Private profile characteristics,” and “Private mode”). Tap the “Private mode” option.

On a PC

  • Open your browser, go to LinkedIn and access your account.Click your profile icon on your home page. It’s right beside the notification symbol. Tap on “Settings and privacy” to access the settings page.Go to “Visibility” and click on it. The click will lead you to the Visibility page. Go to “Profile viewing options.”Among the three options, select “Private mode” to make your profile anonymous.

Disadvantages of Private Mode on LinkedId

Any LinkedIn user can use the private mode. A premium account owner doesn’t need to use the feature. However, there are a few disadvantages of making your LinkedIn profile anonymous.    

Zero Exposure

Although private mode lets you navigate LinkedIn anonymously, it lowers your discoverability. It’s convenient if you don’t want to lay bare your details. Unless you want to spy on other people, don’t turn your profile to private mode. 

A limited Profile history

Private mode bars you from seeing your profile history or users who visited your profile.  

Also, users who check your profile may be interested in services or products. So, switching to private mode may reduce your revenue streams. 

At times, the viewers could be your competitors. It is good to know who visits your LinkedIn profile. 

Limits Interactions 

Since you’re anonymous, you’ll lose the ability to connect with others, form professional relationships, or have conversations that may be good for your professional growth. 

A Wrap 

Every view goes to the profile history on LinkedIn. The history remains intact for 90 days. So there is a high likelihood that users will know that you viewed their profiles.

You can get a premium account or switch to private mode. Remember, anonymity will limit your interaction on LinkedIn.