LinkedIn asks for your phone number: what to know
In short
- Adding and verifying a phone number on LinkedIn is optional; it helps keep the account safe.
- LinkedIn says VoIP numbers don’t work: mobile and landline numbers do.
- The number you verify with stays hidden on your profile unless you choose to show one.
LinkedIn uses a phone number to confirm it’s you, to help you reset your password, and sometimes at sign-in.
Adding a number
Go to Settings and Privacy, then Sign in and security, then Phone numbers. LinkedIn texts a code to confirm the number is yours, or you can choose Call me to hear it. LinkedIn says verifying a number is optional.
VoIP numbers don’t work
LinkedIn’s help centre says mobile and landline numbers are supported and VoIP numbers aren’t. Our guide to why apps reject VoIP numbers explains why many apps do the same.
Who sees the number
The number you verify with isn’t shown on your profile by default. You can choose separately whether to show a number in your contact info.
Two-factor authentication
If a number is your two-factor authentication number, LinkedIn won’t let you remove it until you turn two-factor authentication off. An authenticator app avoids tying sign-ins to a number at all.
Using a one-time number
A number from ReserveSMS receives texts only, and nothing after its 20-minute window, so choose the text code and don’t make it your sign-in or two-factor number. Whether LinkedIn sends to a number is up to LinkedIn; if no code arrives, the money goes back to your balance. Get a number for LinkedIn.
Common questions
Do I have to give LinkedIn my phone number?
No. LinkedIn’s help centre says verifying a phone number is optional, though it helps keep your account safe and lets you reset your password by text.
Can I use a VoIP number on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn says VoIP numbers don’t work. Mobile and landline numbers do.
Why can’t I remove my phone number from LinkedIn?
If it’s your two-factor authentication number, turn two-factor authentication off first, then remove the number.