It’s a question many have grappled with, especially after LinkedIn China officially ceased operations in August 2023: how do you actually get a new LinkedIn account these days? It can feel like navigating a maze, but thankfully, there are clear paths forward.
Let's talk about the essentials first. You can absolutely use your domestic Chinese mobile number and email address to register. The key is to ensure all your associated information and contact methods are under your own control. And if your goal is to build your personal brand, connect with clients, and secure orders, buying an account isn't the recommended route unless you're dealing with bulk operations and have a trusted source – which is a whole other conversation.
So, how do we get started? There are two main ways, and they cater to slightly different approaches.
Method 1: The Direct Chinese Route
This method leverages the Chinese LinkedIn service portal. You'll start by visiting http://www.linkedin.cn – no special internet tools needed for this initial step. Look for the 'Customer Registration' option, usually in the top right corner.
Once you're there, you'll enter your email address and choose a password. You'll also need to tick a box agreeing to the transfer of your personal information abroad. After that, it's a simple matter of entering your real Chinese name and hitting continue.
Now, you might see a prompt for your phone number. Here's a little trick: you can actually skip this for now. Instead, check your email. LinkedIn will have sent you a verification email. Click on the 'Verify Email' link within it.
This will take you back to a login page where you'll re-enter your password. The next step will finally ask for your phone number. Enter it, and you'll receive a verification code via SMS. Pop that code in, and voilà – your account is successfully registered! Your email and phone number will serve as your login credentials.
Keep in mind, at this stage, your account is essentially a blank slate. Because direct access to the international LinkedIn site isn't straightforward from within China, you'll need to use a reliable internet tool to bypass these restrictions and access http://www.linkedin.com. This is where you'll log in with your newly created credentials and start filling out your profile, ready to connect and explore.
Method 2: The Global Approach
For this method, you'll need to use your internet tool from the get-go to access http://www.linkedin.com. Once the page loads, scroll to the bottom and set the language to English.
Then, head back to the top and click on 'New to LinkedIn? Join now'. You'll be prompted to enter your email and create a password, then click 'Agree & Join'.
Next, you'll fill in your first and last names. After hitting 'Continue', you might see a request for address information. Similar to the first method, you can bypass this for the moment. Your email will contain a confirmation link – click on 'Confirm your email'.
This will lead you to a login page where you'll enter your password. The subsequent steps will guide you through filling in your address and other relevant personal and professional details. If your company already has a LinkedIn page, you can select it here. Just follow the prompts, and you'll complete the registration.
One small note: LinkedIn often encourages app downloads. While convenient, using both the desktop site and the mobile app simultaneously can sometimes lead to account issues due to IP address changes and device switching. Many find the desktop version offers a more comprehensive experience for professional networking and client development, so sticking with that might be a safer bet.
Avoiding the Pitfalls: Why Accounts Get Restricted
It's worth touching on why accounts sometimes run into trouble. There are generally two types of issues: temporary restrictions and outright bans.
Temporary restrictions often happen when LinkedIn's system flags your activity as potentially risky. This could be due to frequent logins from different locations (especially with VPNs), switching devices or browsers often, performing actions too quickly (like mass profile views or connection requests), or making rapid changes to your profile. The good news is, these are usually resolved by logging in without a VPN, clearing your browser's cache, or simply waiting a couple of days. It's a safety measure, not necessarily a permanent ban.
Outright bans are more serious and typically occur due to violations of LinkedIn's terms of service. This includes using fake information, sharing an account, registering multiple accounts as one person, or having a profile that's too promotional with links and keywords in your name or summary. If you encounter this, the only recourse is to follow LinkedIn's official process for identity verification and await their decision.
To avoid these issues, consistency is key. Use a stable internet connection, stick to one primary device and browser, and avoid aggressive or spammy behavior. When you're new, focus on building a solid profile, sharing valuable content, and making connections gradually. Think of it as building relationships, not just collecting contacts. It takes time, but a well-established presence is far more valuable in the long run.
