LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking and job searching. However, it can be awkward to view a profile when you don’t want to be seen by the owner. Fortunately, there are several ways to view a LinkedIn profile anonymously.
Use incognito mode
Private browsing mode prevents your browser from saving your browsing history, cookies and other data. When you use incognito mode, LinkedIn cannot track your activity.
To enable private browsing mode
- Google ChromePress Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac).
- Mozilla FirefoxPress Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Command+Shift+P (Mac).
- SafariPress Command-Shift-N (Mac).
Use an anonymous profile
LinkedIn allows users to create anonymous profiles, called Incognito profiles. These profiles don’t have names or profile pictures, and they can only be found by members of your groups.
To create an Incognito profile
-
Log in to your LinkedIn account.
-
Click the “You” icon in the upper right corner.
-
Select “Settings & Privacy”.
-
Under “Privacy”, click “Edit your public profile”.
-
Scroll down to the “Anonymous Profile” section.
-
Check the “Make my profile anonymous” box.
Use a third-party tool
There are several third-party tools that allow you to view LinkedIn profiles anonymously. These tools use proxies or other techniques to hide your identity.
Here are some popular tools
- LinkedIn HelperA Chrome extension that offers various features, including the ability to view profiles anonymously.
- LIONA website that allows you to view LinkedIn profiles anonymously.
- StealthVisitA Chrome extension that lets you view LinkedIn profiles anonymously.
Send a connection request
If you can’t view a LinkedIn profile anonymously, you can always send a connection request to the owner. If the request is accepted, you will be able to view their profile without being seen.
Use advanced search
LinkedIn’s advanced search allows you to filter search results by different criteria, including name, job title, and location. You can use this feature to find specific LinkedIn profiles without directly viewing their profile.
To use advanced search
-
Log in to your LinkedIn account.
-
Click the “Search” icon in the top navigation bar.
-
Click “Advanced Search”.
-
Enter your search criteria.
Conclusion
Viewing a LinkedIn profile without being seen can be very useful in certain situations. Using the methods described in this article, you can protect your privacy and view LinkedIn profiles anonymously. Remember though that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform. It is important to use these methods ethically and to respect the privacy of other users.
Read next
To relate this topic to a more concrete business workflow:
-
LinkedIn Intent Signals - to understand the signals that merit action
-
Prioritization of hot leads - to classify the prospects to be processed now
-
B2B SEO blog internal linking guide - to strengthen the editorial linking