Why Can’t I Block Someone on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn provides a way to block other members in order to restrict unwanted messages, invitations, and profile viewing. However, LinkedIn’s blocking functionality is intentionally limited compared to other social networks.

There are a few key reasons why LinkedIn may not allow you to block another user. Understanding LinkedIn’s philosophy around blocking enables utilizing alternative restrictions for negative connections.

Overview of Blocking on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s blocking feature:

• Prevents the blocked member from viewing your profile or posts.
• Stops them from messaging you or interacting with your content.
• Provides control over your LinkedIn experience.

But LinkedIn intentionally limits blocking in some cases compared to other social networks.

You Have Already Blocked the Member

The most common reason blocking fails on LinkedIn is you have already blocked that member profile.

• LinkedIn grays out the block button if someone is already blocked.
• Check your current list of blocked members.
• Unblock first if you need to block again after unblocking.

Restrictions on LinkedIn Free Accounts

LinkedIn only permits blocking on paid Premium accounts:

• Free members do not have access to blocking.
• Upgrading to a Premium plan enables the blocking capability.
• Free members can report profiles but not directly block members.

Trying to Block Non-Connections

Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn only allows blocking existing connections in your network:

• You cannot block members who you are not connected to.
• Blocking is intended for managing existing relationships.

Build connections judiciously to avoid needing blocks.

Blocking Limitations by LinkedIn Design

LinkedIn’s blocking philosophy balances open engagement with security:

• Blocking is limited since restricting connections counters networking goals.
• LinkedIn prioritizes building positive relationships.
• Members are expected to resolve issues professionally.
• Blocking is a last resort for irreconcilable situations within networks.

Reporting Profiles You Cannot Block

If you cannot block a harassing member:

• Report them through LinkedIn’s reporting process.
• Specify the reason such as unwanted messages or inappropriate behavior.
• Provide any supporting documents or evidence.

Reporting abuse prompts LinkedIn internal action against policy violations.

Preventing Interactions With Connections

To selectively reduce visibility from connections without fully blocking:

• Remove them from your contacts to prevent viewing your feed posts.
• Adjust settings to approve or reject connection requests.
• Choose which groups to participate in based on membership.

Removing Contacts From Your Network

If a connection becomes troublesome, you can:

• Remove them from your contacts to stop interactions.
• Sort contacts using lists to isolate certain connections.
• Prune contacts periodically who no longer fit your network goals.

Removing contacts limits exposure more selectively than site-wide blocks.

Restricting Profile Viewing on LinkedIn

Reduce visibility by adjusting profile settings:

• Choose who can view your profile and posts.
• Set visibility to connections only or customized lists.
• Enable anonymous profile viewing.
• Turn off notifications when someone views your profile.

This provides control without blocking members entirely.

Adjusting Messaging Settings on LinkedIn

To moderate incoming messages:

• Adjust settings to filter abusive message content.
• Limit messages to only 1st degree connections.
• Mark unwanted conversations as spam to sort them out of the inbox.
• Turn off messaging completely as a temporary measure.

Messaging limits create boundaries without resorting to blocking.

Signing Out to Avoid Certain Connections

Signing out temporarily provides distance from negative connections:

• Disable notifications when wanting separation but not fully disconnecting.
• Avoid logging in at the same time as undesirable contacts.

Taking a temporary break can reset relationships constructively.

Using Alternative LinkedIn Accounts

Maintain separate LinkedIn accounts for different professional focuses:

• Keep a personal branding account and an employer-associated account.
• Switch between accounts to manage difficult connections.

Segmented accounts prevent overlapping negative dynamics.

Providing Feedback to LinkedIn on Blocking

If blocking limitations hinder feeling safe on LinkedIn:

• Respectfully provide constructive feedback to LinkedIn via feedback channels.
• Suggest enhancements to blocking capabilities balancing both sides.
• Increased member feedback leads to more representative policies.

Blocking Etiquette on Professional Sites

Special care should be taken when blocking on professional networks:

• Avoid reflexive blocking over minor disagreements or criticisms.
• Seek understanding and assume positive intent first.
• Make blocking a very last resort after exhausting reconciliation.

When Blocking is Appropriate on LinkedIn

Examples of warranted blocking cases include:

• Repeated harassment and abusive behavior.
• Inappropriate or unprofessional content directed at you.
• Impersonator profiles or account spoofing.
• Accounts used primarily to divert recruitment opportunities.

Professional Ways to Handle Problem Connections

Recommended approaches for addressing negative connections:

• Directly but politely address issues 1:1 before escalating.
• Involve a mutual mentor or third party to mediate if needed.
• Professionally disengage without public call-outs or drama.
• Focus on your own growth and new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Blocking

Does LinkedIn notify someone if you block them?

No, LinkedIn does not proactively notify a member if you block them. The only indication is losing access to your profile. They have to determine they were blocked through inference.

What happens when you block someone on LinkedIn?

Blocking on LinkedIn prevents the blocked member from viewing your profile, posts, and network connections. They also cannot message you or interact with any of your content.

Can you block someone without connecting on LinkedIn?

No, unlike other social networks LinkedIn only allows blocking members who you are currently connected with. There is no way to block someone who you have not connected with.

Does the number of LinkedIn connections limit blocks?

No, LinkedIn does not impose a maximum limit on the number of members you can block like some social networks. But it does restrict blocking in other ways by design to encourage open professional networking.

Can you block LinkedIn members on mobile app?

Yes, the blocking feature is available both on LinkedIn’s mobile app for iOS and Android as well as the desktop website, provided you have a premium account with blocking permissions enabled.

Conclusion

Due to LinkedIn’s mission around maintaining open professional connections, blocking capabilities are intentionally limited compared to personal social networks.

But less severe options like reporting, adjusting settings, and pruning contacts allow reducing unwelcome interactions appropriately for a career-focused platform. With care and discretion, blocking on LinkedIn serves an occasional necessary purpose.