How To Block Someone on LinkedIn: A Professional’s Guide

LinkedIn, the titan of professional networking, is a crucial platform for building connections, finding opportunities, and showcasing your expertise. However, like any digital space, it can occasionally attract unwanted attention. Knowing how to block someone on LinkedIn is an essential skill for maintaining a positive and productive online experience. Let’s dive into the process and explore everything you need to know about blocking on LinkedIn.

The Direct Answer: How to Block Someone on LinkedIn

Blocking someone on LinkedIn is a straightforward process, designed to be quick and discreet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Navigate to the Profile: Find the profile of the person you wish to block. You can do this by searching their name in the search bar or by clicking on their profile from your network connections, messages, or feed.
2. Locate the “More” Button: Once on their profile, look for the “More” button, usually represented by three dots (…), located near the “Connect” or “Message” button.
3. Select “Report/Block”: Click on the “More” button. A dropdown menu will appear. Choose the “Report/Block” option.
4. Choose “Block”: Another window will pop up, providing different options. Select “Block [Name].”
5. Confirm Your Decision: LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your decision. This is a final check to ensure you’re certain about blocking the individual. Click “Block” to finalize the process.

That’s it! The person is now blocked. They will no longer be able to view your profile, send you messages, or see your posts. The process is identical for both the desktop version and the LinkedIn mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking on LinkedIn

Let’s delve into some common questions surrounding blocking on LinkedIn to provide a comprehensive understanding of its implications and nuances.

1. What Happens When I Block Someone on LinkedIn?

When you block someone on LinkedIn, several things happen:

• They can no longer view your profile.
• They can’t send you messages.
• They won’t see your posts or articles in their feed.
• You will be automatically unconnected if you were previously connected.
• They won’t be able to find you through LinkedIn search (although this isn’t absolute – if they have your email or other specific information, they may still indirectly locate your profile via external search engines or mutual connections).
• You will no longer see their profile, posts, or activity in your feed.

Essentially, it’s a digital severance of ties on the platform.

2. Will the Person I Blocked Know That I Blocked Them?

No, LinkedIn does not directly notify the person when you block them. The process is designed to be discreet. They might realize they’ve been blocked if they try to view your profile or send you a message and can no longer do so, but they won’t receive a notification saying, “You have been blocked by [Your Name].”

3. Can I Unblock Someone on LinkedIn?

Yes, you can unblock someone on LinkedIn. Here’s how:

1. Go to Your Settings & Privacy: Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the LinkedIn homepage and select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
2. Navigate to “Visibility”: In the left sidebar, click on the “Visibility” tab.
3. Find “Blocking”: Scroll down to the “Blocking” section.
4. Unblock the Person: You’ll see a list of people you’ve blocked. Find the person you want to unblock and click the “Unblock” button next to their name.
5. Confirm Unblocking: LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your decision. You will have to verify you are indeed the account holder.
6. You will have to wait 48 hours before you are able to block them again.

Keep in mind that unblocking someone means they can once again view your profile and interact with you on LinkedIn.

4. Is Blocking the Same as Reporting?

No, blocking and reporting are different actions on LinkedIn.

• Blocking: Prevents someone from seeing your profile, messaging you, or interacting with your content. It’s a personal boundary-setting tool.
• Reporting: Alerts LinkedIn to a user’s violation of the platform’s professional community policies. This could include harassment, spam, inappropriate content, or fake profiles.

You can report someone without blocking them, and vice versa. You can also choose to both report and block someone if you believe they have violated LinkedIn’s policies and you want to prevent further interaction.

5. How Many People Can I Block on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn doesn’t publicly specify a hard limit on the number of people you can block. However, it’s reasonable to assume there’s a practical limit to prevent abuse of the blocking feature. In most cases, the average user will likely never reach any theoretical limit.

6. Can Mutual Connections Still See My Profile if I Block Someone?

Yes, mutual connections will still be able to see your profile even if you block someone. Blocking only affects the direct interaction between you and the blocked individual. Your profile remains visible to your connections and their connections, depending on your profile visibility settings.

7. Can a Blocked Person See My Content if a Mutual Connection Shares It?

Potentially, yes. While the blocked person won’t see your content directly, if a mutual connection shares your post or article, the blocked person could see it in the mutual connection’s feed. This is an indirect form of exposure, but it’s important to be aware of the possibility.

8. Does Blocking Someone Prevent Them From Seeing My Company Page?

No, blocking someone on LinkedIn doesn’t prevent them from seeing your company page. Company pages are public resources, and anyone can view them regardless of whether they are blocked by an individual associated with that company.

9. Can I Block Someone From Seeing My Articles on LinkedIn?

Yes, blocking someone will prevent them from directly viewing your articles on LinkedIn. However, as mentioned earlier, if a mutual connection shares your article, the blocked person could potentially see it in the shared context.

10. What Should I Do If I’m Being Harassed on LinkedIn?

If you’re experiencing harassment on LinkedIn, the first step is to block the person immediately. Then, report them to LinkedIn. Provide as much detail as possible in your report, including screenshots or specific examples of the harassing behavior. LinkedIn takes harassment seriously and will investigate the matter. You should also consider documenting the harassment for your records.

11. Can a Blocked Person Still See My Recommendations?

No, a blocked person will not be able to see the recommendations you’ve given or received. Blocking effectively hides your profile and associated activities from the blocked individual.

12. If I Block Someone, Will They Be Removed From My Network?

Yes, when you block someone on LinkedIn, they are automatically removed from your network. You will no longer be connected, and they will need to send you a new connection request if they are ever unblocked.

In conclusion, understanding how to block someone on LinkedIn is a vital component of maintaining a positive and professional online presence. This guide provides a clear understanding of the process and its implications, empowering you to navigate the platform with confidence and control. Remember to use the blocking feature responsibly and strategically to protect your professional boundaries and ensure a productive LinkedIn experience.