How to Remove a Connection from LinkedIn: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve reached that moment: time to prune your LinkedIn network. Whether it’s a former colleague who’s gone completely off-grid, someone you connected with impulsively at a conference, or perhaps even a misguided relative commenting on your posts a little too enthusiastically, the need to remove a connection from LinkedIn is a surprisingly common one. Here’s the straight dope on how to do it:

How to Remove a Connection from LinkedIn:

1. Navigate to the Profile: Search for the person’s name in the LinkedIn search bar or locate them in your “My Network” section.
2. Visit Their Profile Page: Click on their name to access their full profile.
3. Locate the “More” Button: On their profile, you’ll find a button labeled “More” (usually depicted as three horizontal dots or a downward-pointing arrow). It’s generally located to the right of the “Message” button.
4. Select “Remove Connection”: Click on the “More” button. A dropdown menu will appear. Choose the option labeled “Remove connection.”
5. Confirm Your Decision: LinkedIn will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the connection. Click “Remove” to finalize the action.

And that’s it! The person will no longer be a direct connection in your network. They won’t receive a notification that you’ve removed them, but your activity might no longer be visible to them depending on their privacy settings (and vice-versa).

Understanding the Nuances of LinkedIn Connections

Removing a connection isn’t just about cleaning house. It’s about strategically managing your online presence and ensuring your network reflects your current professional goals and relationships. Before you go on a deleting spree, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions that will help you make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does removing a connection block them?

No, removing a connection is not the same as blocking them. Removing a connection simply severs your direct link. You can still view their public profile (if they haven’t blocked you), and they can view yours. Blocking, on the other hand, prevents the other person from seeing your profile, sending you messages, or finding you in searches.

2. Will the person know if I remove them as a connection?

LinkedIn does not directly notify a user when someone removes them as a connection. However, they might notice if they visit your profile and no longer see the “1st connection” badge next to your name, or if your activity disappears from their feed.

3. Can I undo removing a connection?

Unfortunately, there’s no “undo” button for removing a connection. Once you’ve removed someone, the only way to reconnect is to send them another connection request and hope they accept. This can be a little awkward, so think carefully before clicking that “Remove” button.

4. What’s the difference between removing a connection and unfollowing someone?

Removing a connection breaks your direct link within the network. Unfollowing someone simply stops their posts from appearing in your LinkedIn feed. You remain connected, but you no longer see their updates. Unfollowing is a less drastic option if you want to stay connected but find their content irrelevant or distracting.

5. How do I block someone on LinkedIn?

If removing a connection isn’t enough and you want to prevent someone from interacting with you, blocking is the answer. Here’s how:

1. Go to the person’s profile.
2. Click the “More” button (the three dots).
3. Select “Report/Block.”
4. Choose “Block [Name]” and confirm.

6. What happens when I block someone on LinkedIn?

When you block someone, they:

• Can no longer view your profile.
• Can no longer send you messages.
• Can no longer see your posts or activity.
• Can no longer find you in searches (at least, not easily).
• Are automatically removed as a connection (if they were one).

Blocking is a pretty decisive move, so use it judiciously.

7. Is there a limit to how many connections I can remove per day?

While LinkedIn doesn’t publicly state a specific daily limit for removing connections, they monitor user activity for unusual patterns. Removing a large number of connections in a short period could potentially trigger a warning or temporary restriction on your account. It’s best to space out your connection pruning efforts.

8. Can I remove multiple connections at once?

Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t offer a bulk removal feature for connections. You have to remove them one at a time using the method described above. There are some third-party tools and browser extensions that claim to offer bulk removal functionality, but use them with caution, as they may violate LinkedIn’s terms of service.

9. Can I see a list of people I’ve removed as connections?

No, LinkedIn doesn’t keep a record of the people you’ve removed as connections. Once they’re gone, they’re gone (at least from your list).

10. If I remove a connection, can they still see my posts and articles?

It depends on your privacy settings and the visibility of the post. If your posts are set to “Public,” anyone, even non-connections, can see them. If your posts are set to “Connections only,” then they will no longer be able to see them after you remove them as a connection. Pay attention to your settings!

11. Should I remove connections who are no longer relevant to my career?

This is a subjective question, but generally, it’s a good idea to keep your network focused and relevant. Having a vast but inactive or irrelevant network can dilute the value of your connections. Consider whether the connection is likely to be mutually beneficial in the future. If not, removing them might be a good move. However, think carefully about the potential value that they might provide in the future, you never know when you might need help!

12. What are some alternative strategies to removing connections?

Before resorting to removing a connection, consider these alternatives:

• Unfollowing: As mentioned earlier, unfollowing someone stops their posts from appearing in your feed without severing the connection.
• Adjusting Your Feed Preferences: LinkedIn allows you to customize your feed to prioritize content from specific connections or industries.
• Ignoring: Sometimes, the easiest solution is simply to ignore unwanted content or messages.
• Direct Communication: If appropriate, consider having a conversation with the person to address any issues directly. This is especially helpful if you think that there is a misunderstanding, or if you have something useful to say.

Removing a connection is a fairly straightforward process, but the decision to do so should be considered thoughtfully. Remember, your LinkedIn network is a valuable asset, and managing it effectively is key to maximizing its potential. Use this guide to make informed decisions and curate a network that supports your professional goals.