How to download your LinkedIn connections

If you’ve been using LinkedIn for a while, chances are you’ve built a sizable network.

But do you actually know who’s in it?

Downloading your LinkedIn connections is a quick and effective way to gain deeper insights into your professional circle and back up your valuable contacts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Go to your LinkedIn settings
Log in to your LinkedIn account and click on your profile icon in the top-right corner. From the drop-down menu, select Settings & Privacy. This will take you to the main settings page.

2. Navigate to the data privacy section
In the left-hand menu, select Data Privacy. Scroll down until you find the How LinkedIn uses your data section, then click on Get a copy of your data.

3. Choose the data you want to export
Once you’re in the data download area, you’ll see a list of data types you can export. Tick the box next to Connections to specifically request your connection data.

4. Request the archive
Click the Request Archive button. LinkedIn will ask you to confirm your identity by entering your account password. This is a security measure to ensure you’re the one making the request.

5. Wait for LinkedIn to prepare your file
LinkedIn will begin compiling your data, which may take a few minutes or up to 24 hours depending on the size of your network. You’ll receive an email notification once it’s ready.

6. Download your connections file
Once you receive the email, click on the download link. It will take you back to LinkedIn, where you can download your connections as a CSV file. This file will contain details such as names, job titles, companies, and email addresses (if available).

What’s included in your LinkedIn connections file?

The downloaded file is a simple CSV spreadsheet that contains the following columns:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email Address (only if visible on their profiles)
• Current Position
• Company
  This data gives you an overview of your network and allows you to segment, analyse, or even backup your connections.

Why should you download your LinkedIn connections?

1. Backup your network:
Having a copy of your LinkedIn connections ensures that you always have access to your contacts, even if LinkedIn changes its policies or features.

2. Analyse your network:
You can use the data to better understand your professional reach and identify trends in industries, locations, or job titles.

3. Personalise your outreach:
If you’re planning a networking or outreach campaign, having this data allows you to segment your audience and personalise your messages.

4. Use it for market research:
Understanding who’s already in your network helps you identify opportunities and gaps in your connections, making your LinkedIn strategy more effective.