LinkedIn is the professional networking platform where you build connections with colleagues, industry peers, and potential business partners. While networking is essential, you might prefer to keep your connections list private for various reasons.
Whether you're protecting client relationships, maintaining competitive advantage, or simply valuing your privacy, LinkedIn gives you control over who can see your professional network.
Why Control Your Connection Visibility
Many professionals choose to limit connection visibility for strategic reasons. If you work with confidential clients or want to prevent competitors from accessing your network, hiding your connections can be a smart move.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manage Connection Visibility
Follow these simple steps to control who can see your LinkedIn connections:
- 1.Log into LinkedIn - Visit LinkedIn.com and sign in to your account
- 2.Access Settings - Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown menu
- 3.Navigate to Visibility - In the left sidebar, click on "Visibility" to expand the privacy options
- 4.Find Connection Settings - Scroll down to "Visibility of your profile & network" section and click on "Who can see your connections"
- 5.Choose Your Preference - You'll see two options:
- Your connections (default) - All your first-level connections can see your full network
- Only you - No one else can see your connections list
- Save Changes - Your selection is automatically saved
What Others Can Still See
Even when you choose "Only you" for connection visibility, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Mutual connections will always be visible to people who share them with you
- Endorsements and recommendations remain visible
- Shared connections appear when someone views your profile
- People can still see if you're connected to them
When to Consider Hiding Your Connections
Hiding your connections might be beneficial if:
- You work with confidential clients and want to protect those relationships
- You're in sales and want to prevent competitors from accessing your network
- You're job hunting and don't want current colleagues to notice changes
- You simply prefer to keep your professional network private
Changing Your Mind Later
Your connection visibility settings aren't permanent. If you decide to make your connections visible again later, simply follow the same steps and choose "Your connections" instead of "Only you."
Remember that LinkedIn is designed as a networking platform, so the default setting allows your connections to see your network. However, taking control of your privacy settings ensures your professional relationships remain exactly how you want them.
