LinkedIn Two-Step Verification and a Lost Phone: Getting Back In

LinkedIn two-step verification asks for a code from your phone or an authenticator app when you sign in on a device it does not recognise. If you lose that phone, or the authenticator app with it, you need another way in. LinkedIn gives two routes: turn the feature off from a device where you are still signed in, or prove who you are with a government ID. This guide walks through both, plus what to set up afterwards.

Last checked: 20 October 2026 against LinkedIn Help.

#How does LinkedIn two-step verification work?

LinkedIn says you can choose an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator, or a phone number that receives SMS codes. The number you add is not shown on your profile. LinkedIn notes that turning two-step verification off makes it forget all previously recognised devices, so you would then only need your username and password (LinkedIn Help).

#Which route can I use?

#How do I turn it off from a logged-in device?

LinkedIn gives these steps on desktop (LinkedIn Help):

1. Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Under Sign in and security, click Two-factor authentication.
4. Click the toggle to turn it off, then click Done.

On mobile, LinkedIn says to tap your profile picture, then the Settings and Privacy icon, then the Sign in and security tab, then Two-factor authentication, and tap the toggle.

Once it is off, you can set it up again with your new phone or authenticator app.

#What if I am not signed in anywhere?

LinkedIn says to sign in with your email or phone number and password, then select verify your identity at the bottom of the two-step prompt. You will be asked for a picture of a government-issued identity document, so that only you regain access (LinkedIn Help).

#How does the identity check work?

LinkedIn says its partner Persona asks you to upload a digital ID or a clear photo of a valid government-issued ID card, driving licence or passport, and in some cases a photo of yourself to check that your face matches the ID (LinkedIn Help). The steps are:

1. Follow the prompts during sign-in. On a desktop, scan the QR code with your phone to continue there.
2. Choose the country that issued your ID.
3. Agree to Persona's terms and privacy policy.
4. Allow camera access if asked.
5. Take a photo of yourself if prompted.
6. Choose your ID type and photograph it clearly.
7. Click Yes, share to send the result to LinkedIn.

LinkedIn says documents such as library or school ID cards cannot be used, and that all parts of the ID should be clear and readable. If you do not want to use ID or a photo, LinkedIn lists other forms of verification on the same help page.

#What should I set up afterwards?

• Turn two-step verification back on with your new phone or authenticator app.
• Add a second email address or phone number as a recovery method.
• Make sure the authenticator app on your new phone is backed up.
• Review where you are signed in and sign out of devices you do not recognise.

#A short checklist if you are locked out now

1. Check every computer, tablet and browser you use for a LinkedIn session that is still signed in.
2. If you find one, open Sign in and security and turn two-step verification off or change the method.
3. If you find none, sign in with your password and choose verify your identity on the two-step screen.
4. Have your government-issued ID ready and find good lighting so the photo is clear.
5. Complete the Persona steps and share the result with LinkedIn.
6. Once back in, set up two-step verification again with your new phone or authenticator app.

#Before you lose a phone again

Most two-step lockouts come from replacing a phone without moving the authenticator app or updating the number. Before you switch phones, sign in to LinkedIn on the new device, change the two-step method while you still have the old phone, and confirm the new codes work. LinkedIn says the phone number you add for SMS codes is not shown on your profile, so keeping it current has no visibility cost. If you use Recruiter, Campaign Manager or Sales Navigator, plan the change so two-step verification stays on, since LinkedIn says turning it off blocks access to those tools.

Also keep a note of which email addresses and phone numbers are on the account, because LinkedIn's sign-in screen asks for one of them before any two-step or identity step begins.

#Common mistakes

• Photographing an ID that is blurred or partly covered.
• Trying to use a school or library card for verification.
• Turning two-step verification off on an account that needs Recruiter or Campaign Manager.
• Sending ID images to anyone outside LinkedIn's own process.

#Watch out for recovery scams

LinkedIn's own settings, help pages and forms are the official routes. Anyone who messages you offering to restore or unlock your account, or who asks for your password, codes or recovery details, is not part of that process. Never share them. Our guide on spotting fake recovery services lists the warning signs.

#What are the realistic limits?

LinkedIn controls sign-in and decides on identity checks. A logged-in device or a clear government ID are the main ways back. If someone else changed your email or locked you out, see LinkedIn hacked, email changed. To learn more about LinkedIn's Persona checks, see LinkedIn identity verification.

AwareXone helps people review account access and security through official platform routes. We are independent and not affiliated with LinkedIn, the work is best-effort, and LinkedIn makes the final decision. Read more about our social media problem solutions.