Updated July 2025 – Learn how to download your full LinkedIn archive and permanently close or deactivate your account the right way.
Thinking of leaving LinkedIn? Whether you’re changing careers, reducing your online presence, or just taking a break, it’s important to download your professional data before deleting your account.
This guide walks you through:
- How to back up your LinkedIn data
- What your archive contains
- The difference between deactivating and deleting
- Step-by-step instructions to close your account securely
- How to store your data long-term
✅ Step 1: Download Your LinkedIn Data Archive
Before deleting anything, download your complete archive:
Here’s how:
- Visit the official export page:
🔘 Download Your Data → - Choose “The works” to include all available data (recommended)
- Verify your password and submit the request
- Wait for the confirmation email from LinkedIn (within 10–30 minutes)
- Download the ZIP file from the link
💡 Use WinZip to extract the files and pCloud to store them securely.
📦 What You’ll Get in the Archive
Your LinkedIn archive typically contains:
- 🧑💼 Full profile data
- 👥 List of connections
- 💬 Message history
- 📄 Job applications
- 🔍 Search and ad interaction history
- 🔐 Login locations and devices
- 🧠 Skills, endorsements, education, experience
📌 For full details: What’s Included in the LinkedIn Archive →
🔄 Step 2: Deactivate vs. Delete – Know the Difference
| Action | What it means |
|---|---|
| Deactivate | Temporarily hides your profile and activity from others. You can log back in and reactivate at any time. |
| Delete | Permanently closes your account and deletes all data within 14 days. |
👉 If you’re unsure, start by deactivating. It’s reversible.
🗑️ Step 3: How to Delete or Deactivate Your LinkedIn Account
On Desktop:
- Go to Account Settings
- Scroll to Account management
- Click “Close account”
- Choose a reason, confirm your decision, and enter your password
📆 LinkedIn begins deleting your data immediately. It may take up to 14 days to complete.
On Mobile (App):
- Tap your profile → Settings
- Go to Account Preferences → Account Management
- Tap “Close Account”, select reason, and confirm
🧠 Note: You’ll lose access to all connections, messages, and job history once the deletion is complete — unless you saved it first.
🔐 Step 4: Store Your Archive Safely
Once you’ve downloaded your archive, make sure it’s backed up:
✅ pCloud
Secure cloud storage with 10 GB free. Great for resumes, job data, and message logs.
✅ WinZip
Unzip your archive and organize files into folders.
✅ [Google Sheets / Excel]
Open and sort your contacts, job applications, or activity data easily.
🧠 Final Tips Before Leaving LinkedIn
- ✅ Review your archive before closing the account
- ✅ Double-check that you’ve saved important contacts or messages
- ✅ Update your email list or CRM before deleting
- ✅ Store your data in two secure locations
📌 Summary
Leaving LinkedIn is a personal decision — but don’t leave your data behind. By downloading your archive first, you keep control over your professional history, messages, and connections — even after your profile is gone.
🔘 Request Your LinkedIn Archive →
🛡️ Extract with WinZip and back it up securely using pCloud