How to Enable LinkedIn Privacy Mode to Browse Anonymously

Want to browse your LinkedIn profile without leaving a trace? LinkedIn's privacy mode allows you to browse anonymously, so other users won't see that you've viewed their profile. This is especially useful if you're researching potential connections or exploring job opportunities without drawing attention. This article will show you how to enable privacy mode on LinkedIn to browse anonymously.

How to Turn on LinkedIn Privacy Mode

We can enable privacy mode on the desktop through the Settings & Privacy section . To do this, open the browser and log in to your LinkedIn account. Expand the Me drop-down menu from the top right corner and select Settings & Privacy :

Navigate to the Visibility section and click on Profile viewing options :

Select Private Mode from the available options to enable anonymous browsing:

Now, people whose profile you viewed will see Anonymous LinkedIn Member instead of your name. However, if they have a premium LinkedIn account, they can still see limited details, like how many times their profile has been viewed, but not the identities of people in Private Mode.

Additionally, you can select Private profile characteristics on LinkedIn, which allows for semi-private browsing, where your name and profile photo will be hidden, but some details like title, company, industry, or education may still be visible to people whose profiles you've viewed:

If you’re using LinkedIn on your phone, turning on Private Mode is just as easy as it is on your computer. Open the LinkedIn app on your phone, tap your profile picture in the top left corner, and navigate to Settings from the menu:

Tap Visibility , then select Profile viewing options :

Finally, select Private Mode to browse anonymously:

Additionally, you can select Private Profile Characteristics mode to browse in semi-private mode.

How does privacy mode affect your LinkedIn experience?

Private mode allows you to browse anonymously, but it also has some limitations, such as reduced visibility and fewer opportunities to connect. When enabled, others won’t know you’ve viewed their profile, but you also won’t see who viewed yours. This can make it harder to connect, as people are less likely to reach out if they don’t know you’ve visited their profile. For job seekers, employers won’t see that you’ve viewed their profile, which can reduce your chances of getting noticed. Additionally, Private mode disables LinkedIn’s visitor insights, preventing you from seeing who’s interested in your profile.