When you blocked a member on LinkedIn, the platform implemented several immediate restrictions to sever direct professional ties:
However, there is a more common restriction to be aware of: If you unblock someone, you have to wait 48 hours before you can re-block them. This prevents users from "toggle-blocking" to spy on profiles anonymously.
Before you hit that block button, consider these 2021 alternatives. Each offers different levels of privacy. When you blocked a member on LinkedIn, the
Maya’s story serves as a useful guide for anyone hesitating to use the block feature in 2021. Here is the summary of what she learned:
Understanding this distinction was—and remains—critical. LinkedIn blocking in 2021 was a powerful tool for curating your professional environment, but it was never a substitute for overall digital hygiene. For true privacy, one had to combine blocking with careful public settings, regular monitoring of search results, and an awareness that on the internet, "blocked" rarely means "invisible." It means "made significantly harder to see"—and for most professionals, that was enough. Before you hit that block button, consider these
3. The "Public" Loophole There was, however, a twist. Maya discovered that while John couldn't see her on LinkedIn, the internet is a big place.
Go to Me > Settings & Privacy > Visibility > Edit your public profile. Toggle OFF “Make my public profile visible to logged-out users.” This removes your profile from Google search results. Here is the summary of what she learned:
The block feature in 2021 was designed not for petty disagreements but for genuine safety and boundary enforcement. For a victim of harassment—unwanted romantic advances, aggressive recruiting, or persistent criticism—the knowledge that a blocked user cannot see their profile (within LinkedIn) provides psychological closure. They can continue to use the platform without the anxiety of being watched.
Interaction Ceases: You won't see each other’s posts, shares, or activity in your news feeds.