Your LinkedIn account contains your professional history, connections, private messages, and in many cases job application activity. A compromised LinkedIn account can be used to send phishing messages to your network, damage your professional reputation, or scrape your contact information. Two-step verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
In This Guide
How to Enable 2FA on LinkedIn
- Click your profile photo at the top right of linkedin.com and select Settings & Privacy.
- Click Sign in & security in the left menu.
- Click Two-step verification.
- Click the Set up button.
- Choose your verification method: Authenticator app or Phone number (SMS).
- For authenticator app: LinkedIn displays a QR code. Scan it with your authenticator app, then enter the 6-digit code to confirm. For SMS: enter your phone number and verify the code LinkedIn texts you.
- Click Verify and then Done. Two-step verification is now active.
LinkedIn's Two-Step Verification Methods
Authenticator App (Recommended)
LinkedIn works with any standard TOTP authenticator app. Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password, and Bitwarden all work correctly. After entering your password, LinkedIn asks for the 6-digit code currently shown in your app. The code refreshes every 30 seconds and works offline. This is the most secure option available on LinkedIn.
Phone Number (SMS)
LinkedIn can send a verification code by text message to your registered phone number. This is easier to set up but less secure than an authenticator app. If you are currently using SMS, consider switching to an authenticator app, especially if your account is connected to recruiters, clients, or has a large professional network.
Trusted Devices on LinkedIn
After successfully completing two-step verification, LinkedIn gives you the option to mark your current browser or device as trusted for 30 days. On a trusted device, LinkedIn will not ask for a verification code on every sign-in. Only mark your personal devices as trusted — never shared or public computers.
LinkedIn Premium Accounts and 2FA
If you have LinkedIn Premium, your account has access to InMail credits, recruiter tools, and premium analytics. These features make a compromised Premium account more valuable to attackers and more costly for you to deal with. Two-step verification is especially important for Premium accounts.
LinkedIn 2FA for Business and Sales Navigator Accounts
LinkedIn's Sales Navigator and LinkedIn Recruiter products operate as part of your LinkedIn account rather than as separate logins. Two-step verification on your LinkedIn account automatically applies to any Premium products associated with it. If you use LinkedIn for business prospecting or talent acquisition, securing your account with 2FA also protects your business investment.
What to Do If You Are Locked Out of LinkedIn
If you cannot access your 2FA method, click Having trouble? on the verification screen. LinkedIn provides alternative sign-in options including email verification. If you cannot access the associated email either, LinkedIn's customer support can help verify your identity, though this process may take several business days.