How did I end up with multiple LinkedIn accounts?
There are many ways it can happen: Perhaps you created an account using a nickname and can’t find it when searching on your given name. Or after not using LinkedIn for a while, you couldn’t recall your login password and it was quicker to just create a new account. Maybe you didn’t remember creating an account and ended up creating a second (or third!) one without realizing that you already had a LinkedIn profile. Whatever caused the situation, removing duplicate accounts is a problem that can be solved in a few quick steps.
1) First, find all your accounts
Sign in to LinkedIn (if you don’t know your login credentials, retrieve them through the Forgot password link). Click within the Search box on the top left to expose the drop-down menu and select “People.” In the search box, type in your name and click the search icon. You will be presented with a list of profiles with your name or similar names. If there are more than a few, narrow the entries using the search filters below the top navigation, specifically, the Locations and Current Companies filters, which should produce a much smaller list of profiles.
The profile that you are currently logged into will show the word “You” directly after the name. Any other profiles that are yours are duplicates. Look over each of them (consider the completeness of the profile, number of connections and recommendations) to decide which one you want to retain.
2) Migrate your connections
If you have duplicate profiles, you may have some connections on each profile. Fortunately, you can transfer the connections from non-primary account(s) to the account you wish to retain. The process for merging your accounts differs slightly based on whether you have access to both accounts or not.
If you have access to both accounts, simply follow the steps to merge your accounts. Once the connections have been migrated from the non-primary account, the account will be closed.
3) Sign in or verify your identity (if needed)
In order to delete non-primary account(s), you need to sign in to those accounts. Often people use a separate email address to create profiles on social networks and don’t remember the email address used. If you don’t recall the email address used, you’ll need to verify your identity. Select the appropriate option for your situation:
- If you have access to the email address, but forgot the password, you will simply need to reset your password. LinkedIn will email a password reset link to the email address on the account; simply follow the detailed steps.
- If you have a phone number on your account, you can verify your identity via a call or text to your phone with a PIN. Note that for security reasons, these PINs are valid for a short period of time.
- If neither of the above options applies and you still cannot access your account, the process is more cumbersome, but it is still possible to verify your identity. Follow the steps in the article.
4) Avoid future login issues
To minimize such issues in the future, go to your account settings and add a phone to your account.
Make the most of your profile
Now that you have a single LinkedIn profile, ensure it’s complete and reflects you in the best possible light. Check out our complimentary LinkedIn For Business reference guide.
Want more step-by-step coaching and downloadable resources? Review additional “How to” posts, or contact us for one-on-one support.
This post was previously published on www.OnlineAmplify.com. It has been updated and refreshed for relevance.
