TL;DR:
You can delete your LinkedIn Summary (About section) by editing your profile, erasing the text, and saving changes. It works on both desktop and mobile, though the mobile app may still show a blank placeholder. Removing it gives you a cleaner, more private profile, but you’ll lose SEO and visibility benefits recruiters often use to find candidates. Instead of deleting, consider shortening, rewriting, or updating your summary for better LinkedIn profile optimization. Keep it if you’re job hunting, networking, or building a personal brand—remove it only if you prefer a minimalist profile or want extra privacy.
LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume—it’s your professional stage. Employers, recruiters, and even potential clients often judge you based on the information you display. Every section plays a role, but none is as debated as the LinkedIn Summary (About section).
Some professionals love it—it gives them space to tell their story. Others find it unnecessary, repetitive, or even overwhelming to write. That’s why many people look for ways to delete LinkedIn Summary section or keep their profile simple.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove the About section, what happens when you do, and whether you should delete it. We’ll also share LinkedIn profile settings tips, editing tutorials, and practical recruiter insights so you can make the best decision for your career.
Also Read: How to Make Money Using Your LinkedIn Profile
What is the LinkedIn Summary Section (About)?
The Summary (About section) is a short bio space on LinkedIn where you can showcase:
- Your career journey
- Skills and expertise
- Career highlights or accomplishments
- Personal brand message
It’s prime real estate because it appears at the top of your profile—right after your headline. Recruiters often glance here before deciding whether to scroll further.
Still, not everyone needs it. If your experience speaks for itself, you may feel that removing it results in a cleaner LinkedIn profile.
Can I Delete My LinkedIn Summary Section?
Yes, you can remove it. LinkedIn allows you to edit or delete your About section completely. The process is quick:
- Log in to LinkedIn.
- Open your profile.
- Go to the About section.
- Click the pencil icon to edit.
- Delete all text.
- Save.
Once you save, the Summary section disappears from your profile.
Pro tip: If you later decide to bring it back, just click “Add About” and rewrite it anytime.
Steps to Remove the About Section on LinkedIn (Desktop vs. Mobile)
On Desktop:
- Use the steps above—editing is straightforward.
On Mobile App:
- Tap your profile picture → “View Profile.”
- Scroll to the About section → click pencil.
- Clear text → Save.
Note: Some users get confused because on mobile, the section may still show a blank placeholder even after deletion. But rest assured, others won’t see it unless you re-enter text.
Why Can’t I Delete My LinkedIn Summary?
Sometimes users run into issues:
- Blank Placeholder Issue: LinkedIn shows “Add summary” even after removal. That’s normal.
- App vs. Browser: The LinkedIn app may lag in updating; always double-check in a browser.
- User Error: If you click “Cancel” instead of “Save,” your changes won’t stick.
When You SHOULD Delete Your LinkedIn Summary
Deleting makes sense if:
- You’re a student or entry-level professional without much to add.
- You prefer a minimalist personal brand.
- You want extra privacy and don’t want personal details visible.
- Your summary is outdated and not worth keeping.
When You SHOULDN’T Delete Your LinkedIn Summary
On the flip side, keeping your summary is valuable if:
- You’re actively job hunting (recruiters filter searches by keywords often found in summaries).
- You’re a consultant, freelancer, or entrepreneur showcasing your brand.
- You want to appear in more searches—summaries help with LinkedIn profile optimization.
- You’d like to add a personal touch beyond your resume.
Recruiter Insight: According to multiple surveys, hiring managers often spend 10–30 seconds on a LinkedIn profile. A strong summary can hook them before they scroll down.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Summary
If you’re unsure about complete removal, try these options:
- Shorten It: Reduce it to 2–3 impactful lines.
- Rewrite With Focus: Make it keyword-rich for your industry.
- Make It Achievement-Driven: Highlight quantifiable results.
- Use Storytelling: Briefly explain your “why” and what you do.
- Refresh Every 6 Months: Keep it current without deleting.
These strategies give you control without fully losing the visibility benefits.
Mistakes to Avoid When Editing Your LinkedIn About Section
- ❌ Leaving Typos: Spelling errors reflect poorly.
- ❌ Writing in Third Person: Feels less authentic unless you’re an executive.
- ❌ Stuffing Keywords: Makes your summary unreadable.
- ❌ Oversharing Personal Info: Keep it professional.
Related Profile Settings and Controls
Besides your summary, you can adjust:
- LinkedIn privacy settings: Control who sees your content.
- Manage LinkedIn sections: Remove or add education, licenses, or volunteer work.
- Control LinkedIn visibility: Limit how your profile appears on Google.
- Remove LinkedIn content: From old jobs to outdated certifications.
Think of these as part of your overall LinkedIn profile customization strategy.
FAQs
How do I remove LinkedIn About section without affecting other parts?
By editing and clearing only the About box, you can remove LinkedIn About section safely.
Is it possible to delete About on LinkedIn permanently?
Yes. Once cleared and saved, the text is gone unless you rewrite it.
Can I hide LinkedIn summary from recruiters?
Yes. Use LinkedIn privacy settings to restrict visibility.
What if I want to clear LinkedIn bio but not delete it?
Just shorten it—many users prefer a minimal LinkedIn bio instead of no summary.
Do I need a LinkedIn editing tutorial to do this?
No, but tutorials help beginners. Still, deleting is as easy as hitting “Edit” and “Save.”
Can I manage LinkedIn sections other than About?
Yes, you can manage LinkedIn sections like experience, certifications, and education.
Does removing the summary affect LinkedIn optimization?
Yes, a well-written summary boosts LinkedIn profile optimization and visibility in recruiter searches.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your LinkedIn Summary section is straightforward—but whether you should depends on your goals.
If you’re just starting your career, a clean profile may be fine. If you’re actively job hunting, deleting your summary could hurt visibility.
The key takeaway? Don’t just think of it as removing text. Think strategically about how your LinkedIn profile represents your professional brand. Use LinkedIn profile editing tips and smart LinkedIn profile customization to find the right balance.
Your profile is not static—it’s a living document of your career. So whether you remove career summary LinkedIn, rewrite it, or optimize it, make sure every choice supports your future opportunities.