Change Your LinkedIn Web Address in Three Steps

Your LinkedIn web address is the custom URL that appears in your profile link — something like linkedin.com/in/yourname instead of a string of numbers. You can change it once every 120 days through your LinkedIn settings. The process takes less than a minute and takes effect when ready.

To change it, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your headline, scroll to the "Public profile & URL" section on the right side of the page, and click the edit icon next to your web address. Type your new custom URL, check that it is available, and click Save. LinkedIn will confirm the change right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your LinkedIn web address once every 120 days, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • The custom URL must be between 3 and 30 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters.
  • If your preferred name is taken, LinkedIn suggests variations you can choose from instead.
  • Your old web address stops working as soon as you save the new one, so update your resume and other places where you have shared the link.

Where to Find the Web Address Setting

Open LinkedIn and click your profile photo in the top right corner. Select "View profile" from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, look for the pencil icon next to your headline — this opens edit mode for your profile information.

Scroll down on the right side of the page until you see a section labeled "Public profile & URL." This section shows your current web address. Next to it is a small edit icon (usually a pencil or link symbol). Click that icon to open the web address editor.

Rules for Your New Web Address

LinkedIn has specific rules about what characters and length your custom URL can have. Your web address must be between 3 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens, but no spaces, underscores, or special characters like @ or #.

LinkedIn converts uppercase letters to lowercase automatically, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are treated the same. The system will not let you use a web address that is already taken by another account. If your first choice is unavailable, LinkedIn shows you similar options you can pick from instead.

What Happens to Your Old Web Address

When you save your new web address, your old one stops working when ready. Anyone who clicks the old link will see an error page. This means you should update your resume, portfolio website, email signature, and any other place where you have shared your LinkedIn profile link before you make the change.

If you have shared your old web address on social media or in job applications, go back and update those posts or documents if you can. You cannot revert to an old web address unless you wait 120 days and then change it back, so choose carefully before you save.

Choosing a Web Address That Works for You

The best web addresses are straightforward and professional. Use your full name if it is available — something like linkedin.com/in/sarah-johnson or linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson. If your name is taken, you can add a middle initial, a number, or a descriptor related to your field (like linkedin.com/in/sarah-johnson-marketing).

Avoid numbers that look like birth years or random digits, because they can make your profile seem less professional. If you work in a creative field, you might use a professional nickname or shortened version of your name that you are known by. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you are comfortable sharing with employers and clients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you see a message that your web address is unavailable, it means someone else has already claimed it. Try a variation: add your middle initial, a hyphen, or a number. If you get an error saying you cannot change your address yet, you have changed it within the last 120 days and must wait until that period passes.

If the edit icon does not appear next to your web address, make sure you are logged into your own account and viewing your own profile, not someone else's. You can only edit your own web address. If you are still having trouble, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I change my LinkedIn web address?

You can change it once every 120 days. After you make a change, you must wait 120 days before you can change it again. The 120-day timer starts from the date you save the new address.

What if someone else has the web address I want?

That person is using it on their account. You cannot claim it unless they change theirs first. LinkedIn will show you alternative suggestions based on what you typed — you can pick one of those instead, or try a different variation yourself.

Can I use special characters like underscores or periods?

No. LinkedIn only allows letters, numbers, and hyphens. Underscores, periods, spaces, and other special characters will not work. If you want to separate words, use a hyphen instead.

Do I need to update my web address on other websites?

Yes. Your old web address will not work after you change it, so update your resume, website, email signature, and social media profiles with your new LinkedIn URL. This prevents broken links and makes sure people can find your profile.

Can I change my web address back to what it was before?

Only after 120 days have passed since you changed it. If you change your mind right after making a switch, you will have to wait the full 120 days before you can go back to your old address.