Understanding LinkedIn PIN Verification and Account Disconnection Issues

Last updated: September 23, 2026

If you're seeing repeated PIN/verification code requests, "Waiting for PIN" banners, or accounts appearing disconnected in the platform, this article explains the common causes and how to resolve them.

Why is a PIN being requested?

LinkedIn may request a PIN (verification code) for several reasons. These are all driven by LinkedIn's own security systems and are not caused by the platform itself:

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) changes: Any update to 2FA settings (e.g., changing the verification method) will log the account out and require re-authentication.

  • Cookie deletion or expiration: Session cookies keep the account logged in. If they expire or are cleared, LinkedIn will prompt for re-login.

  • Session conflicts: If the same LinkedIn account is accessed on multiple devices or browsers simultaneously, LinkedIn may reset the session.

  • LinkedIn security updates: LinkedIn periodically updates its security mechanisms, which can cause unexpected session disruptions.

  • LinkedIn security checks: LinkedIn may flag certain accounts and apply additional security checks, resulting in repeated PIN requests or unexpected logouts.

Understanding the notifications

You may see different status messages depending on the situation:

  • "Send a request for authorisation" (orange notification): The account needs to be re-authorized. Click this button to initiate the authorization flow, which will result in LinkedIn sending a PIN to the account owner.

  • "Waiting for PIN": The platform has initiated authorization and is waiting for the PIN to be entered. The PIN expires within 15 minutes, so it must be entered promptly.

  • "LinkedIn challenge (Auto resolving)": LinkedIn has temporarily challenged or restricted the account, and the system is attempting to resolve it automatically. This does not necessarily mean the account is disconnected — re-authorization is generally not required unless LinkedIn explicitly shows the account as unauthorized or asks for verification.

How to complete PIN authorization

  1. Click Send request to start auto authorization on the account page.

  2. Wait for LinkedIn to send the PIN/security code to the account owner (via email, phone, or authentication app — whichever method is configured).

  3. Enter the PIN code as soon as it is received, before it expires (within 15 minutes).

  4. Wait for the authorization flow to complete successfully.

If the PIN has already expired, click "Resend the code" from the account page on the platform and try again. It is best to coordinate with the account owner in real time so the code can be entered immediately after it is received.

PIN keeps being requested repeatedly

If the PIN is being requested over and over, consider the following:

  • Make sure the PIN is entered before it expires. Codes expire within 15 minutes. If the code expires before it is entered, the process must be restarted.

  • Avoid accessing the account from multiple devices or browsers at the same time. Session conflicts can cause LinkedIn to repeatedly invalidate the session.

  • Check if 2FA settings were recently changed. Any change to the 2FA method will require re-authentication.

Alternative: Connect the account using cookies (avoids PIN)

If PIN requests are persistent and disruptive, you can reconnect the account using browser cookies. This method uses an active logged-in session and typically does not require a PIN. See the full guide here: How to Connect a Social Account with Cookies.

To use the cookie method with a browser extension:

  1. Install a cookie extractor extension (such as this one) in your browser.

  2. Log in to LinkedIn on the account you want to connect and open the LinkedIn feed.

  3. Click the extension and select "Copy as JSON Cookie".

  4. In the platform, go to connect a new Social Account and select Use Cookies to Connect Account > Extension.

  5. Paste the copied cookie data into the field provided.

  6. Enter the account's email and password, then click Connect.

Note: If you are reconnecting an existing account via cookies, you will need to disconnect the account first and then reconnect it using the cookie method.

LinkedIn Browser and repeated logouts

In some cases, accessing a LinkedIn account through the platform's built-in LinkedIn Browser can cause the account's automation session to be logged out as well. If you are experiencing repeated logouts specifically when using the LinkedIn Browser, try the following:

  • Complete the authentication flow through the platform (not the browser) first.

  • If the browser logs you out, try logging in again — in many cases the second attempt is successful.

  • If the issue persists for a specific account, contact support so the engineering team can investigate.

Does LinkedIn apply PIN checks to all accounts equally?

No. LinkedIn does not apply the same security checks to every account. Some accounts may be asked for a PIN or additional verification more frequently than others, depending on factors that LinkedIn evaluates internally — such as login patterns, account activity, location changes, and other risk signals. This behavior is controlled by LinkedIn and cannot be directly influenced by the platform.

When to contact support

If you have followed the steps above and the account still cannot be authorized, or if the PIN is being entered correctly but the connection is not completing, please reach out to support. Providing details such as the account in question, a description of the behavior, and any relevant screenshots will help the team investigate more quickly.