You've spent years building your professional network on LinkedIn, carefully connecting with colleagues, clients, and industry peers. But when you suddenly need to export those valuable connections for your CRM system or simply as a backup, you're met with frustration. "Wait, where did the download option go? It used to be right here!"

If you've found yourself frantically clicking through LinkedIn's settings looking for that elusive export button, you're not alone. Many users have expressed increasing frustration with LinkedIn's changing interface and the seeming disappearance of once-prominent features.

"I haven't been able to check this yet on a PC (on mobile it's not possible) but this is terrible terrible news," lamented one user in a recent Reddit discussion. Others worry that "connections are our data, Microsoft can not pretend it isn't."

The good news? The ability to download your LinkedIn connections still exists—it's just become less intuitive to find. This guide will walk you through exactly how to export your valuable connection data, plus explore options for those who need more robust solutions.

Why You Should Export Your LinkedIn Connections

Before diving into the how-to, let's consider why maintaining an offline copy of your LinkedIn connections is essential:

1. Data Ownership: Your professional network is a valuable asset you've worked hard to build. Having a backup ensures you maintain access regardless of platform changes.

2. CRM Integration: For sales professionals, recruiters, and entrepreneurs, importing your LinkedIn connections into your CRM system creates a unified view of your relationships.

3. Targeted Outreach: With your connections in a spreadsheet, you can segment and organize contacts for more personalized communication strategies.

4. Protection Against Account Issues: If your account is temporarily restricted, hacked, or accidentally deleted, you won't lose access to your valuable contact information.

5. Career Transitions: When changing jobs, having your own copy of your professional network ensures continuity in your relationships.

The Official Method: Exporting Directly from LinkedIn

LinkedIn does provide an official way to export your connections, though they've made it less straightforward than in previous iterations. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Access Your Data Privacy Settings

1. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of LinkedIn

2. Select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu

3. Navigate to the Data Privacy tab

4. Look for the section titled How LinkedIn uses your data

Step 2: Request Your Data Archive

1. Under How LinkedIn uses your data, click on Get a copy of your data

2. You'll see two options: "The works" (all your data) or "Pick and choose" (select specific data)

3. For just connections, select Pick and choose

4. Check the box for Connections

Step 3: Submit Your Request and Wait

1. Click Request archive to submit your request

2. LinkedIn will process your request, which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 24 hours

3. You'll receive an email notification once your data is ready for download

Step 4: Download and Access Your Connections

1. Follow the download link in the email you receive from LinkedIn

2. Download the ZIP file containing your data

3. Extract the ZIP file and locate the "Connections.csv" file

4. Open this CSV file in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet program

Important Limitations to Be Aware Of

While this official method works, it comes with several notable limitations:

1. Email Visibility: You'll only see email addresses for connections who have chosen to share their email with connections. Many users have reported frustration with missing email data.

2. First-Degree Connections Only: This method only exports your direct (1st-degree) connections, not your broader network.

3. Limited Information: The export only includes basic information like names, current company, and job titles—not detailed profile data.

4. No Phone Numbers: Contact phone numbers are not included in the export, even if visible on profiles.

5. Processing Delay: As one user noted: "I haven't received my data yet. It's been processing for 6 hours." Patience is required as processing times vary considerably.

Alternative Methods for Exporting LinkedIn Connections

If LinkedIn's official export process doesn't provide the data you need, there are alternative approaches, though each comes with its own considerations.

Method 1: Using LinkedIn Sales Navigator (for subscribers)

If you have a Sales Navigator subscription, you can save leads to lists and then export those lists:

1. Save desired connections to a Sales Navigator list

2. Go to the list view

3. Look for the download/export option (note: features and limitations vary by subscription tier)

However, many users have expressed frustration with this method as well: "I have tried already Wiza, Data Scraper, Phantombuster and Zapier but both of them have limited features and must be in a paid subscription," noted one Reddit user.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools

Several third-party tools specifically designed for LinkedIn data extraction exist, though they require careful consideration:

1. LeadDelta: A Chrome extension that helps manage LinkedIn connections with additional export capabilities beyond LinkedIn's native features.

2. PhantomBuster: An automation tool that can extract LinkedIn data, though it requires proper setup to comply with LinkedIn's terms.

3. Prospeo or SalesRobot: Tools designed for sales professionals that include LinkedIn connection export features.

Important warning: LinkedIn's terms of service prohibit unauthorized scraping. Using tools that violate these terms can result in temporary or permanent restrictions on your account. Always review a tool's compliance with LinkedIn policies before use.

Managing Your LinkedIn Connections More Efficiently with Kondo

While exporting connections provides a static snapshot of your network, professionals who rely heavily on LinkedIn messaging may benefit from tools that enhance the ongoing management of connections and communications.

Kondo is particularly useful for those who:

• Manage high volumes of LinkedIn conversations

• Need to organize connections into custom categories

• Want to set follow-up reminders for important connections

• Use snippets for consistent outreach messages

With Kondo's labeling system, you can categorize your connections (e.g., "Hot Lead," "Potential Client," "Recruiter") and view them in separate inboxes, making it easier to prioritize your networking efforts and ensure important messages don't get buried.

This approach provides a dynamic complement to static exports, especially for sales professionals, recruiters, and business developers who rely on active engagement with their LinkedIn network.

Advanced Tips for LinkedIn Connection Management

Beyond the basic export functionality, here are some strategic approaches to maximize the value of your LinkedIn connections:

1. Regular Export Schedule

Don't wait until you desperately need your connection data. Set a recurring calendar reminder to export your connections quarterly, ensuring you always have a recent backup.

2. Enriching Your Connection Data

The standard export from LinkedIn provides limited information. Consider these approaches for richer data:

• Use CRM Integration Tools: Solutions like HubSpot, Salesforce, or Zoho offer LinkedIn integration capabilities that can pull more detailed profile information.

• Combine Multiple Data Sources: Cross-reference your LinkedIn export with data from other platforms like Twitter, company websites, or industry directories for a more complete picture.

3. Privacy Considerations When Managing Connection Data

When exporting and storing LinkedIn connection data, be mindful of data privacy regulations:

• Store exported data securely

• Use the information in compliance with privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA

• Consider the ethical implications of how you use contact information

• Don't share or sell connection data to third parties

As one privacy-conscious user noted on Reddit, concerns about data exposure on LinkedIn are valid: "You need to establish a professional profile if you want to work and get jobs via LinkedIn," but that doesn't mean abandoning privacy considerations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Export Option Appears to Be Missing

If you can't find the export option following the steps above:

1. Try using a desktop browser rather than the mobile app

2. Clear your browser cache and cookies

3. Try a different browser

4. Check if your account has any restrictions

Issue: No Email Addresses in Export

If your export contains few or no email addresses:

1. Remember that connections must have chosen to share their email with connections

2. Consider sending a message to key connections requesting their contact information

3. Look for connections who have included their email in their profile information or summary

Issue: Export Taking Too Long

If your data archive is taking an unusually long time:

1. For large networks (1000+ connections), expect longer processing times

2. Check your spam/junk folder for the notification email

3. If it's been more than 48 hours, contact LinkedIn support

Final Thoughts

While LinkedIn has made exporting connections less straightforward than in the past, the functionality remains available. Whether you choose LinkedIn's official export process, premium tools, or third-party solutions, maintaining control over your professional network data is essential for career security and relationship management.

For professionals who heavily rely on LinkedIn messaging for business development, client relationships, or recruitment, complementing occasional exports with a tool like Kondo can streamline your workflow. Kondo's ability to organize conversations with labels, set reminders, and use keyboard shortcuts adds efficiency to your daily LinkedIn interaction that goes beyond what a static export can provide.

Remember that your professional network is one of your most valuable career assets—treat it accordingly by maintaining backups, organizing your connections strategically, and investing in tools that help you nurture these relationships effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did LinkedIn make it harder to export connections?

LinkedIn hasn't officially stated why the export option is less prominent, but it may be to encourage users to stay on the platform, promote premium data access features, or align with evolving data privacy philosophies. Regardless of the reasons, this article guides you to the current location of the feature within your account settings.

What information is included in the official LinkedIn connections export?

The official LinkedIn export primarily provides basic information such as your connections' full names, current company, current job title, and the date you connected. It's important to note this export is limited to your 1st-degree connections, and email addresses are only included if your connections have explicitly chosen to share them with their network through their privacy settings.

How often should I back up my LinkedIn connections?

It's a best practice to back up your LinkedIn connections regularly, for example, on a quarterly basis. Scheduling regular exports ensures you always have a relatively current copy of your network, safeguarding against platform changes, accidental data loss, or potential account access issues.

Are third-party tools safe to use for exporting LinkedIn connections?

Using third-party tools to export LinkedIn connections can be risky and may violate LinkedIn's Terms of Service. While some tools claim to operate safely, unauthorized data scraping can lead to restrictions on your LinkedIn account, including temporary or permanent suspension. Always carefully research any third-party tool, review its compliance with LinkedIn policies, and understand the potential consequences before using it.

What if my LinkedIn export doesn't include email addresses?

If your LinkedIn export is missing email addresses, it's because those connections have not opted to share their email with their network in their privacy settings. To obtain these, you might consider directly messaging key connections to request their contact details, checking their LinkedIn profiles for publicly listed emails (often in the "Contact info" section or summary), or using compliant data enrichment services if applicable to your professional needs and privacy regulations.

Is it still possible to download my LinkedIn connections?

Yes, you can still download your LinkedIn connections. LinkedIn provides an official method to do this through your "Settings & Privacy" menu. Navigate to the "Data Privacy" tab, then select "Get a copy of your data," and choose the "Connections" option to initiate the request.

Have questions about managing your LinkedIn connections or maximizing your professional networking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!