How to Change LinkedIn URL on App

Crafting a unique, professional brand online starts with fine details, and your LinkedIn profile URL is no exception. A clean, custom URL makes you look more polished and is far easier to share than the clunky, auto-generated one LinkedIn gives you initially. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of changing your LinkedIn URL directly from your phone, and we’ll cover some best practices for choosing the perfect one for your professional brand.

Why Does a Custom LinkedIn URL Even Matter?

You might wonder if anyone even notices that string of letters and numbers in the address bar. The answer is yes, and it influences their perception of your professional persona more than you'd think. Before we get into the “how,” let’s look at the “why.” Giving your LinkedIn URL a custom touch is a small effort with some surprisingly big benefits.

It Builds Your Professional Brand

Think of your custom URL as the digital equivalent of a high-quality business card. A URL like linkedin.com/in/firstname-lastname communicates attention to detail, digital savviness, and seriousness about your career. In contrast, linkedin.com/in/firstname-lastname-a81b2c45 feels temporary and unpolished. It’s about owning your professional identity across the web, and your URL is a foundational piece of that puzzle. To create a strong foundation, learn how to build a professional LinkedIn profile from scratch.

It’s Easier to Share and Remember

Imagine you're at a networking event and want to connect with someone. Reciting your personalized URL is simple: "You can find me on LinkedIn, I'm 'firstname-lastname'." It's clean and easy to recall. Now try rattling off a URL full of random characters. Custom URLs fit perfectly on resumes, in email signatures, and even on your portfolio website without looking clunky or unprofessional. They're built for sharing. To learn more about optimizing your link, discover how to shorten your LinkedIn URL.

It Boosts Your Search Engine Visibility (SEO)

When someone Googles your name, you want your LinkedIn profile to be one of the top results. Customizing your URL to include your full name gives search engines like Google a clear signal that your profile is an authoritative source of information about you. People searching your name are more likely to find your LinkedIn profile quickly, putting you in control of your digital first impression. For comprehensive strategies on enhancing your online presence, read how to optimize your LinkedIn profile.

The Direct Answer: Can You Change Your LinkedIn URL on the App?

Let's get straight to the point that probably brought you here. No, you cannot directly change your custom public profile URL from within the official LinkedIn mobile app. For reasons known only to LinkedIn, this particular feature is one of several that are exclusively available on the desktop version of their website.

But that doesn’t mean you need to run to a computer. There’s a simple and effective workaround that lets you access the full desktop settings right from your phone’s web browser. It only takes a minute, and you'll have the same editing capabilities as someone sitting at a laptop. So, while the app falls short, your phone is still all you need.

How to Change Your LinkedIn URL on Your Phone: The Mobile Browser Method

Ready to update your public profile link? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to get it done using your phone's browser, whether you’re on an iPhone or an Android device.

Step 1: Open Your Mobile Web Browser

Forget the LinkedIn app for this task. Instead, open whatever browser you prefer on your phone - Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc. will all work.

Step 2: Navigate to LinkedIn.com and Log In

In the browser's address bar, type linkedin.com and hit enter. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.

Step 3: Switch to the Desktop Site View

This is the most important step. Bypassing the mobile view is what gives you access to the URL settings. The process is slightly different depending on your browser:

• On Safari (iPhone): Look for the "aA" icon in the address bar at the bottom or top of your screen. Tap it, and a menu will appear. From that menu, select "Request Desktop Website." The page will reload as the full desktop version.
• On Google Chrome (Android &, iPhone): Tap the three vertical dots icon, usually in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen. A menu will pop up. Find the checkbox option that says “Desktop site” and tap it. The page will then reload into the format you’d see on a computer.

You’ll notice the layout changes significantly, and you might need to pinch and zoom to navigate around.

Step 4: Go to Your Profile

Once you’re in the desktop view, tap on your small profile picture, or the "Me" icon, usually located in the top navigation bar. A dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, click on "View Profile."

Step 5: Find the "Edit public profile &, URL" link

On your profile page, look over to the top right corner. You'll see a box with a link that says "Edit public profile &, URL." Tap on that link. This will open a new tab with your public profile settings.

Step 6: Edit Your Custom URL

Again, look to the upper-right area of this new settings page. You'll see a section titled "Edit your custom URL." Underneath it, you’ll see your current URL with a small pencil icon next to it. Tap the pencil icon to start editing.

Step 7: Choose and Save Your New URL

An editable text box will appear. Here you can type in your desired custom URL. Your new professional persona will begin after the `/in/` part. When you’ve typed in the one you want, click the "Save" button.

If the URL you’ve chosen is already taken by another user, LinkedIn will prompt you to pick a different one before it can be saved. Once it’s successfully saved, you’re all set!

Best Practices for a Great LinkedIn URL

Now that you know how to make the change, what should you change it to? A great LinkedIn URL doesn't just happen. Your goal is to create one that is professional, memorable, and unique to you. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Use Your Real Name

The gold standard is a variation of your first and last name. This is what recruiters and contacts will be searching for. Avoid informal nicknames, inside jokes, or anything that doesn't scream professionalism.

Example: Jane-Doe instead of JannyD_Rules.

2. Strive for Simplicity and Readability

Aim for your full name and nothing else, like linkedin.com/in/johnsmith. If it’s taken, use hyphenation for readability, such as john-smith. Keep it as short and logical as possible.

3. Got a Common Name? Here’s How to Stand Out

If `firstname-lastname` is already claimed, don't worry - and please don't resort to adding a long string of numbers. Try one of these professional-looking variations:

• Add your middle initial: `jane-m-doe`
• Add a relevant keyword or title: `jane-doe-marketing` or `jane-doe-cpa`
• Spell out your middle name: `jane-marie-doe`
• Use a location if it’s relevant to your field: `jane-doe-nyc`

After the Change: Don't Forget to Update Your Links!

You’ve done it! Your LinkedIn profile now has a sleek, custom URL. But your work isn't quite finished. While LinkedIn typically redirects your old URL to the new one for a limited time, it’s not something you should count on forever. It's time to do a quick digital audit. Beyond just your URL, keeping your entire profile current is key to professional success. Learn how to update your LinkedIn profile for maximum impact.

Update your URL on all of these platforms and documents:

• Your resume and curriculum vitae (CV)
• Your personal email signature
• The bio link on your other social profiles (X, Instagram, Threads, etc.)
• Your personal website or portfolio
• Your business cards
• Any other platform where your professional identity is present

Taking a few minutes to update these links maintains a consistent and professional image across every touchpoint of your career.

Final Thoughts

Updating your LinkedIn URL is a straightforward process when you use your phone’s browser to access the desktop site. This simple act of personalization reinforces your brand, makes you easier to find, and contributes to a professional, cohesive online presence.

Once you've tuned up your URL, the next objective is sharing consistently compelling content to reinforce that professional identity you are crafting. At Postbase, we designed our platform to help you manage your professional presence with high-quality content on LinkedIn and all your other platforms. From a visual content calendar to a unified inbox for engagement, it simplifies the daily chaos of juggling multiple profiles, leaving you with more time to focus on what matters.