LinkedIn does not need a phone number to sign up. It asks for one when you add it for password resets or turn on two-step verification by text. If the code does not arrive, tap Resend code once, or choose "Call me with the code". If LinkedIn says you have made too many requests, the next code is only possible 24 hours after your last attempt.
When LinkedIn asks for a phone number
- You add one yourself under Settings & Privacy → Sign in & security → Phone numbers, so you can reset your password with it.
- You switch on two-step verification and choose text messages as the method.
- LinkedIn may want extra proof when a sign-in looks unusual.
Adding a number can itself trigger a check: LinkedIn sends a code to your primary e-mail first and may ask for your password or an approval in the app along the way.
LinkedIn at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS
- Code length
- 6 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- No
- One number per account
- No
Code not arriving: what to check
- Check the country Choose the country from LinkedIn's list rather than typing a plus sign and code by hand, then enter the number without a leading zero.
- Resend once Tap Resend code on the confirmation screen. Each extra request counts toward LinkedIn's limit.
- Ask for a call "Call me with the code" reads the code out to you, which helps when texts are filtered on your line.
- Hit the limit? Wait After too many requests LinkedIn sends nothing for 24 hours from your last attempt. A device you are already signed in on keeps working.
Two-step verification without SMS
| Text message | Authenticator app | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | Signal and the same number for years | The app on your phone, no signal |
| Breaks when | You change number or travel without roaming | You lose the phone without a backup |
| LinkedIn's advice | Supported | Recommended |
How the two methods compare across apps, and how to set one up, is in authenticator app or SMS.
Lost the phone you used for two-step codes? If any device is still signed in, turn two-step verification off under Sign in & security first. If none is, sign in with your password, choose to verify your identity at the bottom of the code screen, and send a photo of an ID document.
Who can see your number
Numbers you add under Sign in & security are for your account's security and are not shown on your profile. LinkedIn uses only one of them for password resets at a time, and you choose which one.
Contact details you type into your profile's contact info are a different thing: those may be visible to other members. If you want recruiters to reach you without your private number, leave that field empty and use LinkedIn messages.
Common questions
Why is my LinkedIn verification code not received?
Usually a wrong country code, a filtered text, or too many requests in a row. Resend once, try the call option, and if LinkedIn reports too many requests, wait 24 hours.
Does LinkedIn need a phone number to sign up?
No. You can sign up with an e-mail address. A number is optional, for password resets and two-step verification by text.
I lost the phone with my LinkedIn two-step codes. What now?
On a device that is still signed in, switch two-step verification off. Without one, choose to verify your identity on the code screen and submit a photo of a government-issued ID.
Can I remove my phone number from LinkedIn?
Yes, under Sign in & security → Phone numbers. If the number is your two-step method, turn two-step verification off or switch it to an authenticator app first.