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How to Export Connections from LinkedIn: A Deep Dive

So, you’re looking to export your LinkedIn connections? Excellent choice! Whether you’re backing up your network, migrating to a new CRM, or simply want a record of your professional contacts, understanding the process is crucial. Here’s the definitive guide:

The process is relatively straightforward. You can export your LinkedIn connections as a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file. This file contains essential information about your connections, such as their names, email addresses (if available), current companies, and titles. To export your connections:

Navigate to the “Settings & Privacy” section: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of your LinkedIn homepage and select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
Select “Data Privacy”: In the Settings & Privacy page, click on the “Data privacy” tab.
Download your data: Under the “How LinkedIn uses your data” section, you’ll find an option titled “Download your data.” Click on “Change.”
Choose “Connections”: You will be presented with two options. “Fastest way to get your data” (a limited selection of data) or “Want something in particular?”. Choose “Want something in particular?”
Select “Connections”: Under the “Choose data archive” section, select only the “Connections” box.
Request Archive: Click on the “Request archive” button.
Confirmation and Download: LinkedIn will send an email to your primary email address associated with your account, typically within minutes but potentially longer depending on the volume of requests. The email will contain a link to download the CSV file containing your connections.

That’s it! You’ve successfully exported your connections from LinkedIn. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to further demystify the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exporting LinkedIn Connections

1. What Information is Included in the Exported CSV File?

The CSV file typically includes:

First Name
Last Name
Email Address (if the connection has made it visible to you)
Current Company
Title
Connected On (Date)

Keep in mind that email addresses are only included if your connection has chosen to make them visible to you. Data privacy is paramount, and LinkedIn respects those settings.

2. Why Can’t I See Email Addresses for All My Connections?

As mentioned above, email addresses are only included if your connections have explicitly allowed them to be shared. This is a key aspect of LinkedIn’s privacy policy. If a connection hasn’t made their email address visible to their network, it won’t appear in the exported file.

3. How Often Can I Export My Connections?

LinkedIn doesn’t impose a strict daily limit on exporting connections. However, excessive and repeated requests in a short period might trigger a security measure. It’s best to export your connections periodically, rather than repeatedly in quick succession.

4. Is There a Limit to the Number of Connections I Can Export?

While LinkedIn doesn’t publicly state a specific limit, there technically isn’t a hard limit to the amount of connections you can export. The export process can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large network (thousands of connections). For exceptionally large networks, the download process may be slightly slower.

5. Can I Export My Connections on the LinkedIn Mobile App?

No, the ability to export connections is not available on the LinkedIn mobile app. You must use the desktop version of LinkedIn through a web browser.

6. What Do I Do if I Don’t Receive the Email with the Download Link?

First, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes, these emails can inadvertently end up there. If you still haven’t received it after a reasonable amount of time (an hour or two), try requesting the export again. If the problem persists, contact LinkedIn’s customer support for assistance.

7. Can I Export Connections From a Specific Group or Industry?

No, you can only export your direct connections – those you are personally connected with. LinkedIn doesn’t provide a feature to export connections based on group membership or industry. You could, however, filter the exported CSV file based on those criteria after the export.

8. What Software Do I Need to Open the CSV File?

A CSV file can be opened with a variety of software applications, including:

Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Numbers (for Mac users)
Any text editor (though the data will be less organized)

Excel or Google Sheets are generally recommended for easy viewing and manipulation of the data.

9. How Can I Use the Exported Data?

The exported data is incredibly versatile. You can use it for:

Backing up your network: A safety net in case you lose access to your LinkedIn account.
Importing into a CRM system: Streamlining your sales and marketing efforts.
Creating a contact list: For networking events or targeted outreach.
Analyzing your network: Identifying trends and patterns in your connections.
Updating contact information in other platforms: Keeping your contact details synchronized across various systems.

10. Is it Possible to Export Connection Data via the LinkedIn API?

Yes, but it’s significantly more complex and requires developer knowledge. The LinkedIn API (Application Programming Interface) allows developers to interact with LinkedIn’s data programmatically. However, access to the API is often restricted and requires approval from LinkedIn. For most users, the standard export method is the most practical option.

11. What are the Ethical Considerations When Using Exported Connection Data?

It’s crucial to respect the privacy of your connections. Avoid using the exported data for:

Spamming or unsolicited marketing: Only contact connections in a way that respects their preferences and expectations.
Selling or sharing the data with third parties: This is a breach of trust and potentially violates LinkedIn’s terms of service.
Any activity that could be considered intrusive or harassing.

Always act ethically and responsibly when using exported connection data.

12. What’s the Difference Between “First-Degree Connections” and the People I Follow?

First-degree connections are individuals you are directly connected with on LinkedIn – you’ve accepted their invitation or they’ve accepted yours. These are the connections you can export.

People you follow are individuals whose updates you see in your LinkedIn feed, but you are not necessarily connected with them. You cannot export information about the people you simply follow. Only your first-degree connections’ information is available for export.

In conclusion, exporting your LinkedIn connections is a valuable tool for managing your professional network. By following these steps and understanding the FAQs, you can confidently extract your connection data and use it responsibly to enhance your career and business endeavors. Remember, data privacy is paramount; always respect the preferences of your connections.