How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile URL in 2025

Your LinkedIn profile URL probably looks like a random string of numbers and letters right now. Mine used to be something like linkedin.com/in/matthew-derman-8a4b2c1d before I figured out how to fix it.

Most people never bother changing their default LinkedIn URL, which means they're missing out on a simple way to look more professional and make their profile easier to share.

Navigate here:

https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings

Ok, you’re done! Move on with your day. If you want to do it the hard way, see below 👇.

Here's exactly how to change your LinkedIn profile URL:

Click the "Me" icon at the top right of your LinkedIn homepage. Select "View profile" from the dropdown menu that appears.

On your profile page, look for the "Public profile & URL" link on the right-hand side of the page. Click it to access your public profile settings.

You'll see your current public profile URL displayed on the page. Next to it, there's a small pencil icon. Click that pencil icon to edit your URL.

In the text box that appears, type your desired URL ending. Keep it simple and professional—typically your first and last name work best. Something like "johnsmith" or "john-smith" if the first option is taken.

Click the "Save" button to apply your new custom URL. LinkedIn will immediately update your profile with the new link.

The best LinkedIn URLs are simple, memorable, and professional. Stick to combinations of your first and last name whenever possible. If your name is common and already taken, try variations like:

• firstname-lastname

• firstnamelastinitial

• firstinitiallastname

• firstnamelastname2024 (though avoid this if possible)

Avoid using numbers, special characters, or anything that doesn't clearly identify you professionally.

Your old URL won't redirect. This is probably the most important detail people overlook. When you change your LinkedIn URL, the old one becomes dead—it won't automatically forward visitors to your new link.

You'll need to update your URL everywhere you've shared it: email signatures, business cards, resumes, website bio pages, and any other professional materials. Make a list and work through it systematically.

Character limits apply. Your custom URL must be between 3 and 100 characters and can only contain letters and numbers. No spaces, special characters, or symbols are allowed.

First come, first served. If someone already has the URL you want, you'll need to get creative with variations. LinkedIn doesn't offer any way to claim or purchase URLs from other users.

You might be thinking this is a minor detail that doesn't really matter. Sometimes you'd be right. But there are specific situations where having a clean, professional LinkedIn URL makes a real difference:

When you're job hunting and including your LinkedIn profile on your resume, a clean URL looks more professional than a string of random characters. When you're networking and sharing your profile verbally or in writing, "linkedin.com/in/yourname" is much easier to communicate than a jumbled mess of letters and numbers.

If you're speaking at events or including your LinkedIn profile in your bio, the clean URL projects attention to detail. It's one of those small things that adds up to an overall impression of professionalism.

Don't overthink it. Your name or a simple variation of your name works better than trying to be clever or branded. "linkedin.com/in/johnsmith" beats "linkedin.com/in/salesgurujon" every time.

Don't forget to update your materials. The most common mistake is changing the URL and then forgetting to update it everywhere else. Your business cards, email signature, and resume still point to your old, dead link.

Don't wait too long. Popular name combinations get taken quickly. If you haven't customized your URL yet, do it now before someone with your name beats you to it.

Your LinkedIn profile URL is one of those details that takes two minutes to fix but signals professionalism for years to come. Most people never bother with it, which means doing this simple task automatically puts you ahead of the majority who overlook these small touches.

The process is straightforward, the impact is positive, and there's no reason not to do it today. Your future networking self will thank you for taking the time to get this right.