Not everybody you will encounter on LinkedIn is someone you will want in your network for the long term. You may find that you need to cut your connection with someone or even block them for a number of reasons.
Perhaps they are a former employee or business partner and things ended on bad terms. Maybe something about their messages rubs you the wrong way, you think they have a fake profile or they try to sell you something too often. Maybe the relationship soured. I had a LinkedIn stalker once.
I also had an ex who checked my LinkedIn profile every day for several weeks until I finally blocked him (I screenshotted each time and sent it to my lawyer because it was quite concerning to me and we were going through an acrimonious breakup).
These are times when you should cut off someone’s access to you on all social media channels – not just LinkedIn.
Blocking is another form of being self protective and managing your personal network and brand. Relationships change over time. Don’t feel bad about doing it. I regularly audit my LinkedIn connections and suggest you do the same.
There may also be times when you will want to unblock individuals, which you can also do.
When you block someone on LinkedIn:
- You won’t be able to access each other’s profiles on LinkedIn.
- You won’t be able to message each other on LinkedIn.
- You won’t be able to see each other’s shared content.
- If you’re connected, you won’t be connected anymore.
- You won’t see each other under Who’s Viewed Your Profile.
- They will never get a notification that you’ve taken this action. Sure they may figure it out eventually but at that point you won’t care.
Here’s how to easily do both.
How to Block Someone on LinkedIn
You can block a member from viewing your profile, using your desktop or mobile device. Once you’ve blocked a member, they’ll appear on your blocked list. The blocked member won’t receive any notification of this action.
- Go to the profile of the person you’d like to block.
- Click the More… button below the member’s profile picture and select Report/Block from the list.
- Select Block [member name] from the What do you want to do? pop-up menu.
- Click Block to proceed or Go back to review your options.
How to Unblock Someone on LinkedIn
- Click the Me icon at top of your LinkedIn homepage
- Select Settings & Privacy
- In the Visibility section, select Visibility of your LinkedIn activity
- Click Blocking and select Change
- From your blocked list, find the person’s name and click Unblock
To see a list of members you’ve blocked from viewing your profile:
- Click the Me icon at top of your LinkedIn homepage
- Click Settings & Privacy
- From the Visibility section on the left rail, click Change next to Blocking
You’ll then see a list of who you’re blocking and you can make changes if you’d like. Note: If you unblock a member, you won’t be able to block them for 48 hours.
Don’t hesitate to use either of these features – you have complete control over your profile and who has access to your information. I use the block and unblock features when it makes sense. In networking as in every other part of life, setting boundaries is critical.