LinkedIn, the leading professional platform, manages 24 million accounts in France, according to a study by the Digimind blog. The sheer number of profiles means some users may experience their accounts being completely blocked. What are the reasons for this? How can you unblock your LinkedIn account? And how can you avoid being blocked? Let’s explore these questions.
Restricted Accounts on LinkedIn: The Reasons
LinkedIn enforces professional community policies to moderate discussions and user behavior on the platform. These guidelines are supported by LinkedIn’s terms of service, designed to maintain the platform’s integrity, protect its members, and ensure the accuracy of shared information. The platform also uses artificial intelligence to monitor the content of posts, professional interactions, and conversations.
An account may be restricted, or even banned, if a user has violated these core rules. Alternatively, LinkedIn might have detected suspicious activity:
- An unusually high number of profile visits or too many connection requests sent in a short time.
- A profile name that violates the terms of service.
- Inappropriate or illegal activity linked to the account.
- A history of repeated abusive behavior reported by other users.
- Suspicion that the account has been hacked.
- Use of automated tools to send mass emails or messages.
When these situations occur, LinkedIn imposes restrictions, limiting the user’s ability to interact with others. For example, messages may go directly to spam, and the user may be required to enter their email address for every connection request.
How to Recover Your LinkedIn Account
Restricted Account Due to Excessive Invitations
If your account has been restricted because you sent too many invitations, you need to work within the platform’s AI-based moderation system.
It is advisable to stop sending connection requests for at least 24 hours. This pause allows the platform’s algorithms to reassess your account activity, which may result in lifting the restriction. Once the restriction is lifted, you won’t need to enter an email address to connect with other users.
Remember, LinkedIn imposes a limit of 100 connection requests per week. To check whether your account is unblocked, log in daily and try sending a manual connection request.
Blocked Account Due to Spam
To convince LinkedIn’s algorithms that you are not spamming, you need to demonstrate responsible behavior.
Limit the number of messages you send for a while. Then, prioritize personalized messages to your contacts, ensuring LinkedIn understands you are not using prohibited automation tools.
This restriction is also an opportunity to reflect on your strategy: would you gain more by fostering genuine connections with professionals in your network? Mass messaging is often poorly received and may damage your reputation. Take the time to engage meaningfully with your contacts, even if it requires extra effort. Additionally, limit the number of messages sent each day and encourage recipients to respond, signaling to LinkedIn that your communications are relevant and beneficial.
Blocked Account Due to a Fake Profile
If LinkedIn has blocked your account because it believes your name or identity is false, you will need to verify your identity.
LinkedIn will request a valid ID for verification. Typically, the process takes a few days to complete.
If your account is legitimate, it should be reinstated within 15 days. However, if no response is received from LinkedIn after this period, you may need to consider the account permanently lost. Accounts created with false information cannot be recovered.
How to Avoid LinkedIn Restrictions
LinkedIn strives to protect its professional users and maintain a safe, respectful environment. To avoid restrictions, follow the platform’s guidelines and adopt a communication strategy that is respectful and authentic.
Limit the number of messages and connection requests you send. Personalize your messages to build trust and credibility. Avoid using automation tools, as they are quickly detected by LinkedIn’s monitoring systems.
Keep your profile up to date to confirm your identity and optimize interactions with other users. Engage actively with your network by sharing valuable content and participating in discussions. This will enhance your visibility and credibility.
Finally, respect your community by adhering to basic etiquette, abiding by the law, and sharing meaningful and lawful content.
LinkedIn’s moderation policies aim to create a professional, non-intrusive, and respectful platform. By addressing problematic behavior, the platform ensures a positive experience for all users. While restrictions can be frustrating, they serve as a reminder to reevaluate your communication strategy and prioritize genuine, respectful interactions.
