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It's possible to export your LinkedIn contacts, as well as other data from the platform.
- You can export your LinkedIn contacts - your connections - to ensure you have a copy in case something happens to your account.
- While going through the process of downloading your connections, you'll also have the opportunity to download the rest of your LinkedIn data - but the more you choose to download, the longer it will take the company to prepare your data.
- Here's how to export your LinkedIn contacts.
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Professional social media platforms, like LinkedIn, can be valuable networking tools. And although it may feel like these sites will be around forever, the truth is that there are no guarantees.
So it's always good to have a backup for your LinkedIn contacts - also known as connections - so that you don't lose touch in the future.
Here's what you need to do to export your first-connection LinkedIn contacts and create a valuable backup to your professional profile.
How to export your LinkedIn contacts
1. Go to linkedin.com and log into your account, if needed.
2. Click on the "Me" icon in the top toolbar and select "Settings & Privacy" in the dropdown.
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Click Settings & Privacy in the menu.
3. If needed, click the "Privacy" tab at the top of the page (it may automatically open to this tab).
4. Select "How LinkedIn uses your data" in the sidebar.
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To export your LinkedIn contacts, select "How LinkedIn uses your data."
5. Next to "Getting a copy of your data," select "Change."
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Click Change to choose which data you want to get a copy of.
6. Select the appropriate option (either download your larger data archive, or select certain bits of your data, like articles, connections, messages and invitations) - you'll get a download time estimate, and in general, the less data you choose to back up, the less time it will take to prepare.
7. Click "Request Data."
8. If prompted, enter your LinkedIn password.
The "Request Data" button should grey out and change to "Request Pending." LinkedIn will send you an email when the data is ready for you to download. Simply click the link provided, then select "Download Archive."
Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:
How to contact customer support on LinkedIn through the Help Center and forum
How to remove connections from your LinkedIn account on desktop or mobile
How to add interests on your LinkedIn profile page, and view or add the interests of your LinkedIn connections
How to add a promotion on your LinkedIn profile on desktop or mobile, and share your new job title with your network