How to block someone on LinkedIn – this is one of the most searched queries among professionals navigating the platform. Whether it’s a former colleague, an unwanted recruiter, or simply someone you’d rather not have access to your professional activity, blocking on LinkedIn is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your online presence. With LinkedIn becoming more interactive and social thanks to updates from Meta-like storytelling features and X-style content snippets, managing your network is more important than ever.
In 2025, with evolving privacy needs and a heightened focus on digital well-being, knowing how to protect your space on LinkedIn isn’t just handy – it’s essential. Let’s explore everything from blocking steps to how it impacts your profile, alongside real-time insights from platforms like YouTube, Google, Quora, and trending discussions on Meta and X.
Why people block on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has shifted from a pure job-hunting site to a dynamic professional community. But with that shift, not all interactions are positive. According to recent Google Trends data, there’s been a significant increase in searches around how to maintain privacy and avoid unsolicited contact. On Quora, users commonly discuss scenarios such as:
Being harassed by recruiters or ex-colleagues
Receiving unwanted messages or connection requests
Protecting career moves from competitors
Keeping job changes discreet
These situations are becoming more common with LinkedIn’s integration of real-time updates and post visibility – a feature similar to Meta’s newsfeed and X’s engagement loops.
Blocking someone is LinkedIn’s way of letting you quietly walk away from a digital interaction without drama. It’s completely private, and the other party won’t be notified.
Step-by-step guide to block someone on LinkedIn
Blocking someone on LinkedIn can be done in just a few clicks. Here’s the most straightforward way to do it:
Go to the person’s profile – This is necessary, but don’t worry; they won’t be notified of your visit.
Click the ‘More’ button – It appears next to the Message or Connect button.
Select ‘Report or block’ – From the dropdown, click this option.
Choose ‘Block [Name]’ – LinkedIn will ask for confirmation.
Confirm your action – Click ‘Block’ again to finalise.
Once blocked, the person will:
No longer be able to see your profile
Not be able to message or connect with you
Be removed from your connections (if previously connected)
Not see any of your content or posts in feeds
This works across both desktop and mobile versions of LinkedIn.
What happens after you block someone
There are some misconceptions around the blocking feature. Here’s what actually happens:
No notifications are sent. The person doesn’t know you’ve blocked them unless they actively try to view your profile.
Messages are deleted. If you had a conversation thread, it vanishes from both sides.
Mutual groups stay. If you’re part of the same group, both of you can still see each other’s comments and posts within that group.
Profile data is hidden. They won’t be able to see any updates, job changes, or posts from you.
A new trend seen on Quora is professionals blocking colleagues during sensitive job transitions – like moving to a competitor – to avoid their activities being tracked in real time.
Blocking versus removing a connection
On Google and Quora, a common confusion arises between blocking and simply removing a connection. Here’s the difference:
Removing a connection quietly ends your LinkedIn relationship, but they can still view your profile and message you unless privacy settings are adjusted.
Blocking, on the other hand, is a digital wall. It’s the better choice for completely cutting off access.
If you just want less interaction but don’t mind the person viewing your content, removal is the gentler option. But if it’s about privacy and protection, go for the block.
Can someone tell they’ve been blocked?
LinkedIn does not inform the blocked user. However, savvy users may notice when:
Your profile disappears or shows as “LinkedIn Member”
Messages disappear from their inbox
They can’t tag or search you
That said, unless they are actively trying to reach you, most people won’t realise they’ve been blocked. You can always unblock someone later (just go to Settings > Visibility > Blocking), though you’ll need to wait 48 hours if you wish to re-block.
The psychology of blocking in professional settings
On YouTube, creators like “Self-Made Millennial” and “The Corporate Diaries” have delved into the emotional side of blocking on LinkedIn. In workplaces that blur personal and professional lines, blocking can sometimes feel like a bold move. But the consensus is clear: your LinkedIn is your digital workspace, and you have the right to decide who gets a seat at the table.
Especially in the age of “quiet quitting” and “career cushioning” – terms trending on X – controlling who sees your updates is more relevant than ever. Whether you’re switching industries or building a personal brand, curating your audience is smart, not rude.
How blocking affects your LinkedIn visibility
With LinkedIn evolving into more of a social content hub, visibility has become a key theme. Here’s what you should know about how blocking changes what people can see:
Posts and comments: The blocked person won’t see any activity from you, even if they follow hashtags you use.
Search visibility: You will no longer appear in their search results, and vice versa.
Group interactions: If you’re in the same group, your public content in that group is still visible – an important caveat to remember.
These visibility limitations are useful for professionals dealing with harassment, stalkers, or simply toxic former bosses. On Meta, there’s been a growing discussion around “digital detoxing” from workplace-related stress, and LinkedIn blocking is increasingly being seen as a wellness tool.
Latest trends from X and Meta
Right now on X, there’s a trending conversation among tech professionals about “LinkedIn boundaries.” After a viral post by a product manager who shared how she blocks former co-workers to reduce stress, the idea gained traction. The post read:
“LinkedIn is for progress, not paranoia. I block people who bring me anxiety. It’s not petty – it’s self-care.”
That post has since gained over 2 million views.
Meanwhile, Meta’s AI-powered feed is making LinkedIn behave more like a social media platform than a CV library. With more visibility comes more vulnerability. This is why people are doubling down on blocking features to maintain a safe digital environment.
Another trend is using “stealth mode” job searching, where users avoid engaging with recruiters openly and instead use blocking strategically to prevent current employers from detecting activity spikes.
How to check who you’ve blocked
Want to see your block list or unblock someone? Follow these steps:
Go to Settings & Privacy under your profile picture.
Click on Visibility in the left panel.
Scroll to Blocking – you’ll see the list of blocked profiles.
Click Unblock if you change your mind (you’ll need to re-send a connection request).
This is useful if your situation changes or you blocked someone accidentally. A recent Reddit thread that spilled into Meta discussions revealed that many professionals block during emotionally heightened periods and later regret it – hence knowing how to review your blocked list is vital.
Alternatives to blocking
Before hitting that block button, consider these LinkedIn settings that also offer privacy control:
Profile visibility settings: Limit who can see your profile, photo, or last name.
“Who can see your connections?”: Prevent others from viewing your network.
Post visibility: Share posts only with connections or specific groups.
Messaging preferences: Stop receiving InMail from non-connections.
These tools give you nuanced control and are often enough in less serious situations.
The professional etiquette of blocking
Blocking can feel personal in a platform built on professional relationships. However, as seen in various YouTube advice channels, the emerging consensus is that blocking is no longer taboo. Think of it like choosing who you sit next to at a conference – you wouldn’t sit beside someone who makes you uncomfortable, so why allow it online?
A polished approach is to block silently, without making a fuss. It’s not about sending a message – it’s about protecting your space. You don’t owe anyone digital access to your career journey.
Final thoughts
How to block someone on LinkedIn might seem like a small feature, but it plays a big role in how we curate our digital identity. As LinkedIn continues to evolve in response to social media trends and AI integration, the need to manage our professional network thoughtfully becomes crucial.
Blocking isn’t about hostility; it’s about clarity, boundaries, and focus. Whether you’re switching industries, setting up a business, or just trying to stay sane in a noisy digital space, blocking is your right and your tool.
As the digital world becomes more intertwined with our real lives, tools like blocking help us navigate with intention and confidence. Choose your network wisely – and don’t be afraid to draw the line when needed.
FAQs
How can I block someone on LinkedIn?
To block a member on LinkedIn:
Navigate to the profile of the person you wish to block.
Click the More… button below their profile picture.
Select Report/Block from the dropdown menu.
Choose Block [member’s name] and confirm by clicking Block.
Once blocked, this member will no longer be able to view your profile, send you messages, or interact with your content.
Will the person know if I block them on LinkedIn?
No, LinkedIn does not notify members when they are blocked. The blocked individual will simply lose access to your profile and interactions without any explicit notification.
What happens to our previous interactions if I block someone?
Blocking someone results in the following:
Mutual endorsements and recommendations are removed.
Previous messages between you and the blocked member remain in your inbox but you cannot send new messages to each other.
Any existing connections are severed.
Can I unblock someone after blocking them?
Yes, to unblock a member:
Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
Select Settings & Privacy.
In the Visibility section, click Blocking.
Find the person’s name and click Unblock.
Note: You may need to re-establish any previous connections or endorsements manually.
Is there a limit to how many people I can block on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn allows you to block up to 1,000 members. This limit is designed to help users manage their professional network effectively.
To read more; Click Here.