LinkedIn is all about building valuable professional connections. But sometimes, you may come across connections that no longer align with your goals or simply become irrelevant. Whether it’s due to spam, unproductive relationships, or privacy concerns, LinkedIn makes it easy to remove unwanted connections.
This guide will walk you through how to remove a connection on LinkedIn, including on desktop and mobile, while answering questions like, “What happens when you remove someone?” and “Does LinkedIn notify them?”
Additionally, we’ll share tips on refining your LinkedIn network and adopting better network management strategies.
How to Remove a Connection on LinkedIn
LinkedIn provides two main ways to remove a connection: through your network list or directly from a profile. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Remove Connections via Your Network List
- Go to “My Network”
- Log in to your LinkedIn account and click on the My Network tab at the top of your homepage.
- Access Connections
- On the left-hand sidebar, click Connections to view your full list.
- Find the Connection
- Search for the person you want to remove using the search bar or scroll through your list.
- Remove the Connection
- Click the More button (three dots) next to their name and select Remove Connection.
- Confirm Removal
- A pop-up will appear. Click Remove to confirm.
2. Remove Connections Directly from a Profile
- Visit Their Profile
- Navigate to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want to disconnect from.
- Open the Options Menu
- Click the More… button (below their profile image).
- Select Remove Connection
- From the dropdown menu, choose Remove Connection and confirm the action.
On Mobile
- The steps for removing a connection on the LinkedIn mobile app are very similar to those above. Use the person’s profile to find the More button and follow the same process.
What Happens When You Remove Someone on LinkedIn?
Removing a connection on LinkedIn comes with some important considerations:
- No Notification Sent
- LinkedIn does not inform the other person that they’ve been removed. However, they may notice if they check their connection list or see that they no longer have access to your private posts.
- Privacy Changes
- The removed connection won’t see your private updates or posts meant for 1st-degree connections.
- Endorsements and Recommendations
- All endorsements, recommendations, and tags exchanged between you and the removed connection will be permanently revoked.
- Reconnection is Possible
- The person can still send you a new connection request unless you block them.
For more insights into network privacy, check out our blog on Are LinkedIn Messages Private?.
Why Should You Remove a Connection on LinkedIn?
Decluttering your LinkedIn network is not just about keeping it professional—it’s about ensuring it’s valuable and aligned with your goals. Common reasons for removing a connection include:
- Spam or Irrelevant Content: The person sends frequent, irrelevant messages or spam.
- Unprofessional Behavior: Their conduct or posts don’t meet LinkedIn’s professional standards.
- Privacy Concerns: You feel uncomfortable with their access to your posts and updates.
- Unproductive Networking: They don’t provide value to your professional goals.
If the issue is more serious, like harassment or inappropriate behavior, you may want to block the person instead. Learn more in our article on How to Block Someone on LinkedIn.
The Difference Between Removing and Blocking on LinkedIn
While removing and blocking connections may seem similar, there are key differences:
- Removing a Connection:
- They can still view your public profile and send a new connection request.
- Useful for cleaning up your network without completely cutting ties.
- Blocking a Connection:
- They cannot view your profile, message you, or send you connection requests.
- Ideal for situations involving harassment or severe privacy concerns.
For more on privacy and LinkedIn features, explore our article on Browsing LinkedIn Profiles Anonymously.
Tips for Better LinkedIn Network Management
Managing your LinkedIn network effectively ensures you’re building professional relationships that matter.
1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Avoid connecting with people who don’t align with your goals or industry. Prioritize meaningful interactions.
2. Regularly Audit Your Network
Periodically review your connections to ensure they’re relevant to your professional goals.
3. Use LinkedIn Tags
Organize your connections into categories (e.g., prospects, colleagues, or clients) to keep track of your network.
4. Leverage Automation Tools
Tools like LeadCRM can help you automate connection requests, follow-ups, and personalized messages. Learn more in our guide on LeadCRM Integration with Popular CRMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I disconnect from someone on LinkedIn?
Follow these steps: Navigate to their profile, click More, and select Remove Connection.
2. What happens when you remove someone on LinkedIn?
They aren’t notified, but they lose access to your private updates, and endorsements are revoked.
3. Can I reconnect with someone I’ve removed?
Yes, you can send them a new connection request unless you’ve blocked them.
4. How do I block someone on LinkedIn?
Go to their profile, click More, and select Block to stop all interactions.
5. Can I bulk-remove LinkedIn connections?
No, LinkedIn currently doesn’t allow bulk removal. You’ll need to remove connections one by one.
For more FAQs, check out our article on LinkedIn Connection Limits and Strategies.
Feeling overwhelmed by managing your LinkedIn network? Use LeadCRM to automate your outreach, streamline your connections, and grow your professional network effortlessly. Sign up for LeadCRM.io’s free trial today!
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn network should reflect your professional goals and values. By learning how to remove connections and adopting better network management practices, you can maintain a meaningful and productive LinkedIn presence.
For more LinkedIn strategies, explore our guide on How Many LinkedIn Messages Can You Send Per Day?.
