LinkedIn is a powerful networking platform, but sometimes, you want to browse someone’s profile without leaving a digital trace. Whether you’re researching competitors, checking out potential hires, or just doing a little career curiosity scrolling, viewing profiles in private mode can give you the anonymity you need without notifying the other person.
In the YouTube video linked above, I walk you through the exact steps to switch your LinkedIn account into private mode. It’s a short tutorial, but it answers one of the most common questions people have when they start exploring how LinkedIn privacy settings work.
To access this feature, simply go to your LinkedIn homepage, click on your profile photo in the top-right corner, and navigate to Settings & Privacy. From there, choose Visibility on the left-hand menu, then click Profile viewing options. Here, you’ll be given three choices: showing your name and headline, showing a semi-private description (like “Recruiter from London”), or going fully anonymous. You’ll want to choose the last one.
One important thing to note: if you switch to private mode, LinkedIn will also disable your ability to see who viewed your profile. It’s a fair trade-off — you can remain anonymous, but in return, you lose access to the same data for your own profile. If you’re doing a lot of research and don’t need the mutual visibility, it’s a small price to pay.
There are several reasons you might want to browse in private. Perhaps you’re a recruiter checking out candidates discreetly, or a job seeker researching hiring managers before an interview. It’s also handy for journalists, researchers, or marketers trying to understand the structure of companies without signaling interest.
This setting applies to both desktop and mobile versions of LinkedIn, though the interface can be slightly different. The video walks you through both approaches, making sure no matter what device you’re using, you can confidently adjust your settings without confusion.
LinkedIn has grown far beyond its early job-seeking roots. Now, it’s a space for content creation, thought leadership, and competitive intelligence. Understanding the platform’s privacy tools gives you more freedom to navigate strategically — whether you’re growing your personal brand or just trying to stay informed.
Remember, you can toggle private mode on and off as needed. So if you do want to reach out or connect with someone later, just switch back to normal mode when appropriate. This flexibility lets you use LinkedIn on your own terms.
If you’ve ever worried about appearing in someone’s “Who’s viewed your profile” list when you were just browsing casually, this quick adjustment can save a lot of awkwardness. Give the video a watch and set your LinkedIn up for smart, stealthy usage.
Have you ever been surprised by someone who viewed your profile on LinkedIn? Or do you prefer browsing anonymously? Let me know how you use this setting!