How to Change LinkedIn PFP (Profile Picture)

Your LinkedIn profile picture is often the first thing a recruiter, potential client, or new connection sees, making it a critical piece of your professional brand. Getting it right is a small detail with a big impact, and updating it is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change your LinkedIn profile picture on both desktop and mobile, and we'll cover the best practices for choosing a photo that helps you stand out for all the right reasons.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Picture Matters More Than You Think

In a digital world, your profile picture serves as a virtual handshake. Profiles with a photo get up to 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests than those without. Why the massive difference? It's about psychology. A clear, professional photo builds trust and makes you more approachable. It shows you're a real person who takes their professional presence seriously.

Think of it as the cover of your professional story. A great photo can convey confidence, warmth, and expertise before anyone reads a single word of your profile. It's not about being photogenic, it’s about presenting a professional and authentic version of yourself to the world.

How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Picture on Desktop (Step-by-Step)

Updating your photo on a computer is a straightforward process. Here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Log in to your LinkedIn account. In the top right corner of the navigation bar, click the "Me" icon (which shows a small version of your current picture). From the dropdown menu, select "View Profile."
2. Open the Photo Editor: Once you're on your profile page, click directly on your profile picture.
3. Add Your New Photo: A new window will pop up showing a larger view of your photo. Look for the camera icon or an "Add Photo" button at the bottom left. Click it, then select "Upload Photo" to find the new image on your computer.
4. Edit and Adjust: After uploading, LinkedIn gives you some simple tools to perfect your image. You can:
   • Crop: Drag the corners of the box to adjust the frame.
   • Zoom: Use the slider at the bottom to zoom in or out.
   • Straighten: Use the rotation slider to fix any tilted images.
   • Filters & Adjustments (Optional): Click the "Edit" button for more options like filters, brightness, and contrast. In most cases, simple and natural is best.
5. Check Your Visibility Settings: Before saving, you can decide who sees your profile photo. Options typically include "Public," "Your connections," or "Your network." For maximum visibility and a strong professional brand, we recommend setting it to "Public."
6. Save Your Changes: Once you're happy with how it looks, click the "Save Photo" button. Your new picture is now live! LinkedIn will often ask if you want to share your new photo with your network - it’s a great way to reappear in your network’s feed.

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile Picture on the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

Updating your photo while on the go is just as easy using the LinkedIn mobile app. The steps are slightly different, but the principle is the same.

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the LinkedIn app and tap the small circle with your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen. Then, tap "View Profile."
2. Access the Photo Editor: Tap on your larger profile picture. An icon shaped like a camera or a pencil will appear - tap it to open the editing options.
3. Choose Your Source: You’ll be given an option to either "Take Photo" with your camera or "Upload from Photos" from your camera roll. Select the image you want to use.
4. Position and Edit: Use your fingers to position the photo within the circle. You can pinch to zoom in and out and drag the image around to frame your face perfectly. The mobile app also offers filters and basic adjustments if needed.
5. Save Your New Picture: When it’s perfectly aligned, tap "Save." Your profile is now updated across all devices.

The 7-Point Checklist for a Perfect LinkedIn Profile Picture

So you know how to change your picture, but what kind of photo should you choose? Your profile picture should work for you, not against you. Follow this simple checklist to make sure your photo makes a professional first impression.

1. Use a Recent, High-Quality Photo

Your photo should look like you - the you that would show up for a meeting today, not 10 years ago. It should also be high resolution. A blurry or pixelated image looks unprofessional. LinkedIn's ideal size is 400 x 400 pixels, but uploading a larger square image (like 1000 x 1000 pixels) will give you the best quality.

2. Keep it Professional, But Authentic

"Professional" doesn't mean "stiff" or "boring." You should dress as you would for your job or the job you want. A suit and tie might be right for a lawyer, while a clean, button-down shirt is perfect for a software developer. The important thing is to let your personality show through with a genuine, warm smile. It makes you appear more trustworthy and approachable.

3. Your Face Is the Main Event

This isn't a landscape photo, it's a headshot. Your face should fill about 60% of the frame from the top of your shoulders to just above your head. People connect with faces, so don’t upload a photo where you’re a tiny figure in the distance. They want to see you.

4. Pay Attention to the Background

A busy or distracting background takes the focus away from you. A messy room, a crowded party, or anything chaotic can send the wrong message. The best backgrounds are simple and clean. Good options include:

• A solid, neutral-colored wall.
• An outdoor scene with soft, out-of-focus greenery.
• Anything that is blurred and uncluttered.

5. Lighting Makes All the Difference

You don't need professional studio lights to get a great photo. The best light is free: natural daylight. Find a spot facing a window to avoid shadows under your eyes. Never stand with the window behind you, as this will turn you into a dark silhouette.

6. Avoid Low-Quality Selfies

While smartphone cameras are great, the classic arm’s-length selfie often creates a distorted angle. If you must take the photo yourself, use a tripod or prop your phone up and use the camera’s timer function. Or, even better, just ask a friend or family member to take a quick photo for you. The difference in angle and quality will be immediately noticeable.

7. Ask for a Second Opinion

We're not always the best judges of our own photos. Once you have a few options you like, ask a couple of trusted colleagues or mentors which one they think looks most professional and inviting. Getting feedback can help you see which photo truly represents you best.

Final Thoughts

Switching out your LinkedIn profile photo is a simple, five-minute task, but its effect on your personal brand is immediate and lasting. Your picture is your digital first impression, so having a professional, high-quality, and authentic image helps build the credibility and connections you need to advance your career.

Of course, maintaining a strong professional brand on social media is about more than just a great headshot. It's about consistently sharing valuable insights, engaging with your network, and showcasing your work. When we built Postbase, we wanted to make that consistency easy. We specifically designed our visual planning calendar and scheduling tools to help professionals map out their content for LinkedIn and other platforms, so you can focus on building your brand without getting lost in the day-to-day chaos of posting manually.