LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional networking platforms in the world, used by job seekers, recruiters, business owners, and professionals alike. With over a billion users as of 2025, it’s the go-to place to connect, collaborate, and discover opportunities. But what if you want to view LinkedIn profiles anonymously—without revealing your identity?
Whether you’re a recruiter doing stealth research, a job seeker checking out potential employers, or just curious, there are legitimate ways to browse profiles discreetly.
Let’s dive in!
Why Would You Want to View LinkedIn Profiles Anonymously?
There are many valid reasons why someone might want to remain anonymous on LinkedIn:
- Recruiter or Hiring Manager Research
If you’re reviewing potential candidates, staying anonymous can help you avoid alerting them too early in the hiring process. This lets you quietly evaluate profiles before deciding to reach out.
- Job Seekers Checking Out Companies or Recruiters
Before applying or connecting, many job seekers prefer to learn more about a company or recruiter. Browsing in private mode allows you to do this without showing up in their profile views.
- Competitor or Market Research
Business owners, marketers, or sales professionals often look into competitors’ profiles, team structures, or strategies. Anonymous viewing helps you gather insights without revealing your interest.
- Personal Privacy Concerns
Some LinkedIn users simply prefer to keep a low profile. Whether you’re casually browsing or just value your digital privacy, anonymous mode allows you to explore without leaving a trace.
LinkedIn Privacy Settings: What You Need to Know
LinkedIn gives users control over how their activity appears to others. By default, when you view someone’s profile, your name, headline, and sometimes company are shown to them in their “Who viewed your profile” section. However, you can change that.
LinkedIn offers 3 levels of visibility when you view other profiles:
-
Your name and headline (Fully visible)
-
Private profile characteristics (Semi-anonymous) – For example: “Someone at [Company] in [Industry]”
-
Private mode (Fully anonymous) – You’ll appear as “LinkedIn Member” with no other info.
Only Premium users can see a full list of who viewed their profile. Free users see only limited information.
How to View LinkedIn Profiles Anonymously (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to change your settings to browse profiles in private mode:
On Desktop:
1. Log into LinkedIn.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings & Privacy.
4. Click on Visibility from the left menu.
5. Choose Profile viewing options.
6. Select Private mode.
That’s it! You’re now browsing anonymously.
On Mobile App:
1. Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Visibility.
4. Choose Profile viewing options.
5. Select Private mode.
Note: If you choose private mode, you won’t be able to see who viewed your profile either—unless you’re a Premium member.
Pros and Cons of Anonymous Browsing on LinkedIn
Like any feature, anonymous browsing has its benefits and trade-offs.
Pros:
-
Complete privacy while researching.
-
Ideal for recruiters and job seekers.
-
Avoid awkward or premature conversations.
Cons:
-
You won’t see who viewed your profile.
-
Reduces engagement opportunities.
-
Some users may ignore or block anonymous viewers.
Tips for Responsible and Effective Anonymous Browsing
1. Switch Modes Strategically
If you’re only doing research, switch to private mode. But when you’re ready to engage or connect, switch back to visible mode to foster trust.
2. Use a Clean Profile
Even in anonymous mode, your profile may be connected to actions like messages or connections. Keep your public presence professional.
3. Leverage LinkedIn Premium
Premium accounts allow you to browse anonymously and still see who viewed your profile. This is helpful for users who want full visibility without compromising privacy.
4. Clear Your Footprints
Even after switching to private mode, your previous visits may remain visible for a short time. Wait a few minutes before viewing profiles if you’re concerned.
Can You View LinkedIn Profiles Without an Account?
Technically, yes. If a person’s profile is public and indexed by search engines, you might be able to see a version of it by searching their name on Google and clicking the result.
However, the view is very limited. You’ll miss most details, such as work history, skills, or mutual connections. LinkedIn will also prompt you to sign in after a few clicks.
If you’re serious about anonymous browsing, using a LinkedIn account with private mode is a better option.
Is It Ethical to View LinkedIn Profiles Anonymously?
This is a common question, especially in professional circles. The answer depends on your intent. Using LinkedIn’s built-in private mode is a feature, not a hack—so you’re within the platform’s rules.
However, constantly lurking without engaging can come off as suspicious. Use anonymous viewing sparingly and transparently if you later choose to connect with someone.
Final Thoughts
Viewing LinkedIn profiles anonymously can be useful if you want to explore people’s profiles without revealing your identity. Whether you’re doing research, checking out potential job opportunities, or just browsing out of curiosity, using LinkedIn’s private mode is the best way to stay hidden.
Just remember, if you choose to message someone or engage with their content, your name will be visible. Use anonymous browsing wisely, and always respect others’ privacy.
FAQs: Anonymous Viewing on LinkedIn
Can I browse LinkedIn in incognito mode instead?
Using your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode does not make your LinkedIn activity anonymous. It only prevents your local browsing history and cookies from being stored. If you want to hide your identity when viewing profiles, you must change your LinkedIn visibility settings to private or semi-private mode.
Does LinkedIn notify users of anonymous views?
No, LinkedIn does not notify users when their profile is viewed anonymously. If you browse in private mode, the person whose profile you view will only see “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” or a vague descriptor like “Someone in the Marketing Industry.” They won’t be able to identify you unless you switch back to a public viewing mode.
Can I still message someone after viewing anonymously?
Yes, you can still send a message or connection request after viewing someone’s profile anonymously. However, once you message them, your identity will be visible. LinkedIn does not allow you to maintain anonymity when initiating direct communication. Anonymous browsing only applies to profile views—not to messaging or other forms of interaction.