Import your profile from LinkedIn

Import your profile from LinkedIn

If you are already active on LinkedIn, you do not have to retype your background. You can bring your own profile data over from your LinkedIn data export.

What the import does

The import brings your own profile data over from your LinkedIn data export, so you do not have to type it again.

It imports:

• Basic profile data (name, headline, about, location)
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Languages
• Projects

Other people's data, such as your LinkedIn connections, is deliberately not read or processed. The reading happens entirely in your browser. Only the profile data you select is sent to insteady.

Existing details in your profile are added to, not overwritten. Base fields such as headline, about, and location are only filled in when they are empty or when you explicitly choose to replace them.

Request your data archive from LinkedIn

You can request the export directly here: LinkedIn: Download your data

The export is only available through the LinkedIn website, in the browser, including on your phone. It is not possible in the LinkedIn app; there you are sent to the website.

How to request the right data:

1. Open the Get a copy of your data page.
2. Choose the option Want something in particular? Select the data files you're most interested in (the targeted selection, not the full archive).
3. Select these six categories one by one:
   • Profile
   • Positions
   • Education
   • Skills
   • Languages
   • Projects
4. Request the archive.

This selection is usually ready within about 10 minutes. The full archive, by contrast, can take up to 24 hours. There is another advantage: other people's data such as connections and messages is not even included in this selection.

LinkedIn sends you an email with the download link once the archive is ready. The download link is valid for 72 hours.

You only receive categories that exist in your profile. For example, if you have not added any education, you will not get an education file. That is normal.

Import into insteady

Do not unzip the ZIP file. Upload it exactly as LinkedIn delivers it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to the Import from LinkedIn section.
3. Select the ZIP file and click Analyze file.
4. A selection window opens. For each category you can see what would be imported and turn each category on or off individually.
5. Confirm your selection to start the import.

Afterwards, review your profile. The imported entries appear like manually added details and can be edited or deleted at any time.

Frequently asked questions

Data is missing after the import. You probably did not select the right category on LinkedIn. Request the six categories listed above and upload the new archive.

The download link no longer works. The link is only valid for 72 hours. Just request the archive from LinkedIn again.

I do not want to transfer my connections' data. That does not happen anyway. insteady does not read those files and only transfers the profile data you select.