Blocking People on LinkedIn: How It Works and What to Expect

Introduction

Online professional networking can be both empowering and challenging. LinkedIn, being the world’s largest professional network, offers users the ability to connect, share, and collaborate. However, there are situations where you may want to block certain individuals to maintain your privacy or avoid unwanted contact. This article explains how to block people on LinkedIn , what happens when you do so, the implications, and alternative strategies if you are not ready to block someone outright.

Why Might You Want to Block Someone on LinkedIn?

There are many legitimate reasons a user may wish to block another LinkedIn member. For example:

Receiving inappropriate or unsolicited messages, including personal advances or spam [1] .
Wanting to prevent a current or former employer from viewing your content or tracking your activities [1] .
Feeling harassed or uncomfortable with a connection’s behavior.
Simply wishing to separate your professional presence from certain individuals.

Blocking helps you maintain boundaries and control over your professional persona, which is crucial for a safe and productive networking experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Block Someone on LinkedIn

Blocking someone on LinkedIn is straightforward and can be done from both desktop and mobile devices. Here’s how:

Log in to Your LinkedIn Account: Open the LinkedIn app or website and sign in.
Navigate to the Profile: Go to the profile of the person you wish to block. You can search for them using the search bar or find them in your connections list [1] .
Click on the ‘More’ Button: On their profile, locate the ‘More’ button (typically next to the Message button).
Select ‘Report/Block’: Click ‘Report/Block’ from the dropdown menu. On some devices, you may see just ‘Block’ or ‘Report’.
Choose ‘Block [Name]’: When prompted, select ‘Block [Person’s Name]’.
Confirm Your Decision: LinkedIn will show a confirmation screen outlining what blocking entails. Confirm to finalize the block [3] .

After blocking, the user will no longer be able to see your profile, interact with your content, or contact you on LinkedIn.

What Happens When You Block Someone?

Blocking a user on LinkedIn triggers several changes to your mutual interaction:

They can no longer view your profile, posts, or activity.
You will not see their profile or activity either.
Any shared connections (such as messages or groups) will be affected; direct messages are typically deleted.
They are removed from your connections, endorsements, and recommendations.
Neither party receives a notification of the block-this process is discreet and private [2] .

It’s important to note that if the blocked user searches for you on LinkedIn, your profile will not appear in their results.

How to Unblock Someone on LinkedIn

If you change your mind, LinkedIn allows you to unblock users at any time. The unblocking process is simple:

Go to your LinkedIn account and access Settings & Privacy .
Navigate to the Visibility tab, then find Blocking .
You will see a list of all users you have blocked. Locate the person you wish to unblock and click Unblock next to their name.
Follow the prompts to confirm your choice [2] .

Once unblocked, you can reconnect or view each other’s profiles again. However, you will need to send a new connection request if you wish to reestablish a direct connection.

Alternatives to Blocking on LinkedIn

Blocking is a powerful tool, but you may not always want to take such a definitive step. Alternative privacy measures include:

Adjusting Message Settings: You can limit who can send you messages. This helps reduce unwanted messages while maintaining your network [2] .
Ignoring or Archiving Messages: If someone is being persistent but not overtly inappropriate, you can simply ignore their messages or archive the conversation.
Reporting Harassment or Spam: If you are experiencing harassment or spam, consider reporting the user to LinkedIn. Use the ‘Report’ feature on the user’s profile or in the message window.
Customizing Profile Visibility: You can control which parts of your profile are visible to others. Consider limiting your public profile or hiding your last name for added privacy.

These alternatives allow you to manage your professional boundaries without permanently cutting off access.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While blocking is effective, there are a few challenges to keep in mind:

Professional Network Impact: Blocking someone removes them from your network, which could affect shared group memberships or endorsements.
Repeat Offenders: While blocking prevents one account from contacting you, determined individuals could create new accounts. In such cases, ongoing vigilance and regular privacy reviews are advisable.
Privacy vs. Visibility: LinkedIn is designed for professional openness, so excessive blocking might limit your reach or engagement. It’s important to strike a balance based on your comfort level.

If you experience repeated or severe harassment, seek guidance from LinkedIn’s Help Center or consider legal advice for more serious issues.

Summary of Steps and Key Takeaways

To summarize, blocking people on LinkedIn is a useful feature for maintaining a safe and professional networking space.

Visit the profile of the individual you wish to block.
Click ‘More’, then ‘Report/Block’, and select ‘Block’.
Confirm your action-neither party will be notified.
You can unblock users at any time via your account settings.

Alternatives such as adjusting message settings, reporting abuse, or customizing your profile visibility are also available if you prefer a less permanent solution. Regularly reviewing your privacy preferences and being proactive about your online boundaries ensures a positive and productive LinkedIn experience.