How to Change LinkedIn Profile Picture

Your LinkedIn profile picture is your digital handshake, and getting it right is simpler than you think. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change your profile picture on both desktop and mobile. We'll also cover what makes an effective photo and the common mistakes to avoid so you can make a standout first impression.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Picture Is So Important

In a sea of millions of professionals, your profile picture is the single most important visual element of your personal brand. It's often the first thing people notice when they land on your profile, search for your name, or see your posts in their feed. Profiles with a professional photo get up to 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests. It’s not just a vanity metric, it’s a silent signal that you are an active, engaged professional who takes their career seriously.

Think of it as the cover of your professional story. A great photo adds a human touch, builds trust, and makes you more approachable. It helps recruiters, potential clients, and future colleagues connect a face to your name, turning a list of experiences and skills into a person they might want to work with. In a digital world, this visual hook is your best tool for getting someone to stop scrolling and pay attention to what you have to say.

Best Practices for a Professional LinkedIn Photo

Before you upload a new image, it helps to know what separates a good profile picture from a great one. You don't need a professional photographer (though it can help), but you should aim to follow these simple guidelines.

1. High-Resolution is Non-Negotiable

Your photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus. A blurry, pixelated image instantly looks unprofessional and suggests a lack of attention to detail. Most modern smartphones can take high-quality photos, so there’s no excuse for a grainy picture. Make sure the lighting is good, as poor lighting is often the main cause of low-quality images. Natural light from a window is almost always your best bet.

• Ideal Dimensions: Aim for at least 400 x 400 pixels.
• File Size: LinkedIn accepts files up to 8MB.
• File Formats: Use a standard JPG, PNG, or GIF.

2. Focus on Your Face

Your LinkedIn photo should be a headshot, meaning it should primarily show your head and shoulders. People want to see your face clearly. A good rule of thumb is that your face should fill about 60% of the frame, from the top of your shoulders to just above your head. Avoid photos where you are too far away or where your face is obscured. This is about making a personal connection, and that starts with eye contact.

3. Choose a Simple, Uncluttered Background

The focus should be on you, not what’s happening behind you. A busy or distracting background takes attention away from your face. A solid, neutral background (like a white, gray, or textured wall) works perfectly. If you’re outside, a slightly blurred background - often called a "bokeh" effect - can add a touch of professionalism and depth while still keeping the focus on you.

4. Dress for the Job You Want

Your attire should align with your industry and the image you want to project. For most corporate roles, business casual is a safe bet. If you work in a creative field, you might have more flexibility. The key is to look polished and professional. Ask yourself: what would you wear to meet an important new client or go to a job interview? That’s probably the right outfit for your profile picture.

5. Be Approachable and Authentic

The most effective profile pictures show someone who looks confident, friendly, and approachable. A natural, warm smile works wonders. Stiff, overly formal photos can feel cold, while a genuine smile makes you appear more trustworthy and relatable. Look directly at the camera to create a sense of direct connection with the viewer. Your expression should say, "I'm a capable professional you'd enjoy working with."

How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Picture on Desktop

Updating your photo on a computer is a straightforward process that gives you access to a slightly larger screen for editing and positioning.

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Log in to your LinkedIn account. On the homepage, click the "Me" icon with your current photo in the top right corner of the navigation bar, then select "View Profile" from the dropdown menu.
2. Open the Photo Editor: Once on your profile page, click directly on your current profile picture. This will open a pop-up window to view your photo.
3. Add a New Photo: In the pop-up, click the "Add photo" button. You'll be given two options: "Upload photo" to choose an image from your computer or "Use camera" to take a new one with your webcam.
4. Adjust and Edit Your Image: After uploading, LinkedIn’s editor will appear.
   
   • Crop: Drag the circle to position your face correctly within the frame.
   • Zoom: Use the slider at the bottom to zoom in or out until your head and shoulders fit nicely.
   • Straighten: Use the rotation slider to straighten the image if it’s crooked.
   • Adjust (Filters & More): Click the "Adjust" button to access options for brightness, contrast, saturation, and vignette. You can also apply pre-made filters to quickly enhance your photo.
5. Set Your Visibility: Before saving, you’ll see an option to control who can view your photo. Click "Visibility" and choose between "Public," "Your connections," or "My network." For maximum visibility and a strong professional brand, "Public" is usually the best choice.
6. Save Your New Picture: Once you're happy with how your photo looks, click the "Save photo" button. LinkedIn will update it across the platform, and your connections may see an update in their feed that you’ve changed your picture.

How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Picture on Mobile (iOS & Android)

The process is just as simple on the LinkedIn mobile app, allowing you to update your professional look on the go.

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile picture icon in the top-left corner of the screen. Then, tap "View Profile" under your name.
2. Access Photo Options: Tap on your profile picture again. This will bring up options at the bottom of the screen. Tap the camera or plus icon to proceed.
3. Upload or Take a Photo: You’ll get a menu asking if you want to "Add photo" (from your phone's gallery), "Use camera" (to snap a new picture), or "Add a frame." Select "Add photo" to upload an existing image.
4. Edit and Frame the Photo: The mobile editor is very similar to the desktop version. Pinch to zoom, drag to position your face, and use the editing tools at the bottom to adjust contrast, brightness, or apply filters. Get it looking just right before you move on.
5. Consider a Frame (Optional): The mobile app is where you can easily add a frame to your photo, like the "#OpenToWork" frame for job seekers. You can browse through different options here.
6. Save and Share: After editing, tap "Save" in the top right corner. LinkedIn will then ask if you want to share an update with your network about your new photo. This is a great way to subtly appear in your network’s feed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your Profile Picture

Just as a good photo can enhance your brand, a bad one can detract from it. Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• The Cropped Group Photo: Avoid using a picture that has clearly been cropped from a group shot. The stray shoulder or arm of a friend looks unprofessional.
• The Selfie From a Weird Angle: A selfie taken from a low or extremely high angle can be distorting and look casual. If you must take a selfie, make sure it’s high-quality and taken straight-on.
• The Vacation Shot: While you may look happy in your photo from the beach, it doesn't convey professionalism. Save those pictures for Instagram or Facebook.
• An Outdated Photo: Your picture should be a recent representation of you. Using a photo that's five or ten years old can be jarring for people who meet you in person or on a video call. Update it every couple of years.
• The "Too Serious" Stare: A stern, unapproachable expression can make you seem intimidating. Remember, you want people to feel comfortable reaching out to you. A friendly, confident smile is your best tool.
• A Photo with a Logo or Text: Your profile picture should be of you, not your company's logo. Leave branding for the cover photo.

Final Thoughts

Changing your LinkedIn profile picture is a simple action with significant impact. Choosing a high-quality, professional, and approachable headshot builds trust and helps you stand out, paving the way for better networking and career opportunities.

Maintaining a strong professional brand across social media is about more than just one photo, it’s about consistency across all your content. At an early stage in our own businesses, we experienced how time-consuming it was to keep everything aligned across LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. That’s why we built Postbase - a modern social media management tool that makes planning and scheduling your content in a visual calendar feel effortless, so your brand stays consistent without the chaos.