LinkedIn Password Reset and Verification Code Problems (Two-Factor Authentication)

Does this match what you see?

• Your password reset code isn’t arriving.
• LinkedIn says you’ve exceeded the number of verification requests.
• You got a “Is this you?” prompt in the LinkedIn app.
• You got a security email about a sign-in you don’t recognize.

iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Based on six LinkedIn Help articles supplied by the site owner. Account restricted instead? See LinkedIn account restricted.

Why this happens: the possible causes

Common reasons you can’t get or use a code.

• You asked for too many codesPossible

  LinkedIn says once you exceed the maximum, you can’t get a code until 24 hours after your last attempt.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Code didn’t arrive, or you deleted it

• Deleted the code by accident? LinkedIn says to sign in again, which sends a new code to your phone.
• First sign-in after turning on two-factor? LinkedIn says the app sends a code by text on your first attempt: check your messages, sign in again and enter the code.
• Emails not arriving? LinkedIn has a guide to emails not received (external site, opens in a new tab).
• Lost access to your phone? See no access to your phone below.

Lost your phone (no access to two-factor codes)

• Still signed in on another device? LinkedIn says you can turn two-factor authentication off there: on desktop, Me > Settings & Privacy > Sign in & security > Two-factor authentication > turn the toggle off > Done; in the app, tap your profile picture > the Settings & Privacy icon > the Sign in & security tab > Two-factor authentication > turn the toggle off. Our tip: turn it back on with your new number afterwards.
• Not signed in anywhere? Sign in with your email or phone and password, then on the two-factor screen choose verify your identity at the bottom. LinkedIn asks for a photo of a government-issued ID; see verify your identity.

Can’t access your email anymore

If you added a second email or a phone number, LinkedIn says you can sign in with that instead. If you can’t reach any email or phone on your account, LinkedIn can help after verifying your identity:

1. On the sign-in screen, select Forgot password.
2. Enter the email or phone on your account and click Next.
3. When asked for the code sent to your email, click Can’t access this email?
4. If you’re offered other emails or phones and can’t reach any, click Don’t have access to any of these?
5. On a computer, scan the QR code shown on screen with your phone.
6. Enter the new email address you want on your account (you can add a link to your profile).
7. Upload a photo of a valid government-issued ID. LinkedIn says it will review it and contact you.

“Exceeded number of verification requests”

LinkedIn says once you’ve hit the maximum, you can’t receive a code until 24 hours after your last attempt. You can still sign in from a device LinkedIn recognizes. Our tip: don’t keep requesting codes in the meantime.

A security email you didn’t expect

With two-factor authentication on, LinkedIn says it emails you whenever you sign in from a new device or browser, or after you clear your cache and cookies. If you didn’t do either, LinkedIn says to reset your password (external site, opens in a new tab) right away and contact LinkedIn (external site, opens in a new tab).

How to know it worked

• You can sign in with your new password and codes arrive as expected.

Still not working? Your next steps

1. Restricted or suspended? See LinkedIn account restricted. Locked out after a sign-in you didn’t make? Use LinkedIn’s support form (external site, opens in a new tab).

Frequently asked questions