Keeping your LinkedIn email updated ensures you receive important notifications. These include job offers, connection requests, and messages. An updated email helps you stay connected with your network. It also keeps your profile secure, allowing you to recover your account if needed.
Changing your primary email can improve security, especially if your old email is compromised. It also helps if you switch to a new email provider or want to use a more professional email address. This ensures you don’t miss important LinkedIn updates and communications. Keeping your email current makes managing your LinkedIn profile easier and more efficient.
Table of Contents
Primary vs. Secondary Email Addresses
Primary Email Address
Your primary email address is the main contact email that LinkedIn uses to communicate with you. This address is crucial for receiving important notifications, such as connection requests, messages, job opportunities, and updates from your network. It is also used for account recovery, meaning LinkedIn will send recovery links and codes to this email if you ever forget your password or need to verify your identity.
Keeping your primary email updated ensures that you don’t miss any important alerts or opportunities related to your professional network. It’s advisable to use an email that you check regularly and one that reflects your professional identity, as it also appears on your profile.
Secondary Email Address
A secondary email address acts as a backup to your primary email. This additional address provides an extra layer of security for your LinkedIn account. If you lose access to your primary email due to hacking, forgetting the password, or any other reason, the secondary email can be used to recover your account.
Setting up a secondary email to ensure you can still access your LinkedIn profile and receive notifications is a good idea. Additionally, using a secondary email can help manage communications better, especially if you have multiple email accounts for personal and professional use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Primary Email on LinkedIn
Step#1 Log into Your LinkedIn Account
Begin by getting over to the LinkedIn website or opening the LinkedIn mobile app on your device. If you are using a web browser, enter the URL www.linkedin.com. Input your username and password to log into your account. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can click on “Forgot password?” and follow the prompts to reset it. Make sure you have access to your current primary email account, as you may need it for verification during this process.
Step#2 Access Account Settings
Once logged in, look for your profile picture located in the top right corner of the LinkedIn homepage on desktop. Click on it to open a dropdown menu, and select “Settings & Privacy.” On the mobile app, tap your profile icon (usually a small picture or silhouette) to access the settings. This will direct you to the settings menu, where you can manage various aspects of your LinkedIn profile, including security, privacy, and email addresses.
Step#3 Add a New Email Address
In the Settings menu, find the “Sign in & security” section, which contains options related to your account access and login information. Click on “Email addresses” to see a list of all the email addresses currently associated with your account. To add a new email, click on the “Add email address” button. Enter the new email address you wish to use as your primary contact. After entering the email, click “Send verification.” This action will prompt LinkedIn to send a verification email to the newly added address to ensure that you have access to it.
Step#4 Verify the New Email Address
Now, go to the inbox of the new email address you just added. Look for an email from LinkedIn with the subject line “Verify your email address.” It may take a few minutes for the email to arrive, so be patient. Open the email and click the verification link provided within it. This link confirms that you have access to the new email address and allows LinkedIn to associate it with your account securely. If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder to ensure it wasn’t misclassified.
Step#5 Set the New Email as Primary and Remove Old Email
Return to the email addresses section in your LinkedIn settings. Here, you will see both your new email address and any existing ones. Locate the newly added email and click on “Make primary” next to it. This step sets your new email as the primary contact for notifications, job alerts, and account recovery information. If you wish to remove your old email address, click “Remove” next to it.
Alternative Methods for Changing Your Primary Email
Using the LinkedIn Mobile App
If you prefer using the LinkedIn mobile app, you can easily change your primary email directly from your smartphone or tablet. Begin by launching the LinkedIn app and logging into your account with your credentials. Once you are on the homepage, tap on your profile icon located in the top left corner. This action will open a menu where you can select “Settings”.
Within the Settings menu, navigate to the “Sign in & security” section, and then tap on “Email addresses”. Here, you can add a new email address by selecting the “Add email address” option. Enter the new email you wish to use and follow the prompts to complete the verification process. Once verified, you can make this new email your primary contact. This method is particularly convenient if you are on the go and prefer managing your LinkedIn account via a mobile device.
Using the LinkedIn Help Center
If you encounter any issues while attempting to change your primary email or if you prefer to have some guidance, accessing the LinkedIn Help Center can be a valuable resource. To begin, visit the Help Center by navigating to www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin. Once there, utilize the search bar to type in relevant queries such as “change primary email” or “email address.” The Help Center provides detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and articles that can guide you through the process of updating your email. This option is especially useful if you experience technical difficulties or have specific questions about your account management.
FAQs
Q. What happens if I forget my LinkedIn password?
If you forget your LinkedIn password, you can reset it using your registered email address. Click on “Forgot password?” on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your email.
Q. Can I have multiple primary email addresses on LinkedIn?
No, LinkedIn allows only one primary email address at a time. However, you can add multiple secondary email addresses for account recovery.
Q. How do I know if my email address has been changed successfully?
After changing your email, LinkedIn will send a confirmation email to your new primary address. If you receive this email, your change was successful.
Q. Is it safe to use my work email as my primary LinkedIn email?
Using your work email is generally safe, but consider that it may be monitored by your employer. If you leave your job, you may lose access to this email.
Q. What should I do if I don’t receive the verification email?
If you don’t receive the verification email, check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, try resending the verification email from LinkedIn or use a different email address.
Conclusion
Changing your primary email on LinkedIn is a straightforward process that can enhance your account security and ensure you stay connected with your network. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your email to reflect your current contact information. This will help you receive important notifications, job alerts, and messages from your connections without any interruptions.
Regularly updating your email is essential, especially if you change jobs or providers. Remember to verify your new email address to confirm the change and ensure it functions correctly. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to use alternative methods like the LinkedIn Help Center or contact support.
