--- title: LinkedIn account restricted: how to get it back | Atakan Recovery url: https://atakanrecoveryservices.com/linkedin-account-restricted-hacked/ language: en updated: 2026-10-14 publisher: Atakan Recovery Services --- # LinkedIn account restricted or hacked: how to get it back LinkedIn restricts accounts for policy violations, profiles that don't match a real identity, automation tools or signs of a takeover. In most cases the way back is an identity check, not an appeal letter. Last updated: October 2026 ## In short ### How do I get a restricted LinkedIn account back? Log in and follow the steps on screen. If the restriction is about content you believe follows the rules, LinkedIn lets you ask it to review the decision. If you think it was a mistake, or LinkedIn suspects someone else took over the account, it asks you to verify your identity with a government ID through Persona, its identity verification provider. If the cause is automation software, disable it: LinkedIn says the account is then re-enabled at the time shown in the notice. ## Why LinkedIn restricts accounts - Content: some violations of LinkedIn's Professional Community Policies can lead to a permanent restriction after a single one. - Profile: repeatedly adding content that breaks the rules to your name, photos, experience or education. - Identity: a profile that is intentionally fraudulent or doesn't reflect your true identity. LinkedIn requires members to use their real identity. - Automation: third-party software or browser extensions that scrape, change the look of, or automate activity on LinkedIn. - Signs of a takeover: LinkedIn may restrict an account on its own initiative to protect your information. ## The way back depends on the reason - Content: log in and follow the prompts to ask LinkedIn to revisit its decision. It reviews the content again and tells you the outcome. - Restricted by mistake, or after a takeover: log in and follow the steps to verify your identity. - Automation tools: remove the software or extension. LinkedIn says the account is then re-enabled automatically at the time given in the suspension notice. - Too many failed sign-ins: LinkedIn may suspend the account temporarily for your protection and email you. It recommends waiting 24 hours before you try to sign in again. ## Verify your identity with Persona 1. Follow the prompts while logging in. On a computer, scan the QR code with your phone: the ID photo can only be taken on a mobile device. 2. Select the country that issued your ID and agree to Persona's terms. 3. Allow camera access, take a selfie if asked, choose the ID type and photograph a valid, unexpired government ID, driver's license or passport, with all four corners visible and no glare. 4. When Persona asks, select Yes, share. LinkedIn says it can't finish the recovery unless you let Persona share the verification result. ## What LinkedIn receives, and the alternative Library or school ID cards aren't accepted. LinkedIn says it receives the verification result, your name, year of birth, location, the ID type and a redacted copy showing only your name and photo, but not biometric data or ID numbers, and that this data is generally deleted permanently within 14 days of submission. If you don't want to share an ID with Persona and you're in Canada, the EU or the UK, you can print LinkedIn's Affidavit of Identity, sign it before a notary and attach the scan to your support case. ## No access to your email or phone 1. Select Forgot password on the sign-in screen and enter the email address or phone number on the account. 2. When asked for the code, select Can't access this email? If there are several contact details and you can reach none of them, select Don't have access to any of these? 3. Enter a new email address for the account; you can add your profile link. 4. Verify your identity with a photo of a government ID. LinkedIn processes it and contacts you. ## If your account was hacked - Submit LinkedIn's Report Unauthorized Account Access or Changes form as soon as you can, with your profile link if you have it. LinkedIn verifies that the account is yours, then helps you regain access. - If you can still log in: change the password to one you use nowhere else, turn on two-step verification, and review your active sessions to sign out of any you don't recognize. - Check the email addresses and phone numbers on the account, and secure the email accounts linked to it. - Once you're back in, LinkedIn's cleanup request can move messages the intruder sent into recipients' spam or label them, withdraw unaccepted invitations and remove posts or comments made during the takeover. ## What doesn't help - Opening a second account while you wait: LinkedIn's rules don't allow more than one profile - Keeping the automation tool installed: LinkedIn asks you to disable it before the account is re-enabled - Sending photos of your ID to someone who messages you about the restriction: verification starts from LinkedIn's own sign-in screen - Paying someone who promises to lift the restriction: recovery runs through LinkedIn's own steps ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does a LinkedIn restriction last? It depends on the reason. LinkedIn says identity restrictions can be temporary or indefinite, and that some serious violations lead to a permanent restriction after just one. A restriction for automation ends at the time in the notice once you've removed the tool, and after a suspension for failed sign-ins LinkedIn recommends waiting 24 hours. ### Is the Persona ID check safe? Persona is the identity verification provider LinkedIn names in its help pages, and you reach it from LinkedIn's own sign-in flow. LinkedIn says it doesn't receive your biometric data or ID numbers and generally deletes the verification data within 14 days. ### My contacts got strange messages from my account. Someone probably has access to it. Report it with LinkedIn's unauthorized access form, then work through our [hacked account checklist](https://atakanrecoveryservices.com/hacked-account-checklist/). Once you're back in, ask LinkedIn to clean up the messages and invitations sent in your name. ## Official sources The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them. - [**LinkedIn: Account restrictions** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1340522) - [**LinkedIn: Verify your identity to recover account access** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1342692) - [**LinkedIn: No access to email address** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1377116) - [**LinkedIn: Report a compromised account** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1340402) - [**LinkedIn: Report unauthorized account access or changes (form)** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/TS-RHA) - [**LinkedIn: Suspended account during sign in** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1340202) - [**LinkedIn: Automated activity on LinkedIn** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1340567) - [**LinkedIn: Compromised account cleanup** linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1339736) ## Related services ### [Hacked account recovery](https://atakanrecoveryservices.com/hacked-account-recovery/) Email or phone number changed by a hacker? We guide recovery through each platform's official process and help you secure the account afterwards. ## Tell us what happened. The assessment is free and there is no obligation. If we can't help, we will tell you. [Start your free assessment](https://atakanrecoveryservices.com/contact/) [Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905303799058?text=Hello%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20free%20assessment%20for%20my%20account.) We never ask for your password or verification codes.