How to Add Pronouns to LinkedIn Profile (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Adding pronouns to your LinkedIn profile takes less than a minute and signals to colleagues, recruiters, and connections that you value inclusive communication. LinkedIn introduced the pronouns feature in 2021, and it has since become a standard part of professional profile setup.

Key Takeaways

• Where: Edit intro section on your profile (desktop or mobile)
• Options: He/Him, She/Her, They/Them, or Custom
• Visibility: Choose Everyone, Your connections, or Your network
• Time: Under 60 seconds to set up
• Removal: Can be removed at any time from the same settings

Why Pronouns Matter on LinkedIn

Pronouns on a professional profile serve several important functions that go beyond personal preference.

Reduces Misgendering in Professional Settings

Names alone do not always indicate pronouns. International teams, gender-neutral names, and unfamiliar cultural naming conventions can all lead to incorrect assumptions. When your pronouns are visible on your profile, recruiters, hiring managers, and colleagues know how to address you correctly before the first conversation.

According to LinkedIn's official announcement, the feature was added specifically to help members present their authentic professional selves.

Signals Inclusive Leadership

Adding pronouns is not only for people whose pronouns might be assumed incorrectly. When cisgender professionals display their pronouns, it normalizes the practice and reduces the burden on transgender and nonbinary colleagues to be the only ones sharing. A Harvard Business Review analysis found that pronoun-sharing in professional settings contributes to more inclusive workplace cultures.

Builds Professionalism and Trust

A complete LinkedIn profile that includes pronouns, a strong headline, a professional headshot, and an optimized about section demonstrates attention to detail. Profiles that appear thorough and intentional generate more trust with visitors.

Aligns With Company DEI Initiatives

Many organizations now encourage or require employees to share pronouns in email signatures, Slack profiles, and LinkedIn. Adding pronouns to your LinkedIn profile aligns with these broader diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

How to Add Pronouns on LinkedIn (Desktop)

Follow these steps to add pronouns from your computer.

Step 1: Go to Your Profile

1. Log in to LinkedIn on desktop
2. Click Me in the top navigation bar
3. Select View Profile

Step 2: Open the Intro Editor

1. Click the pencil icon (Edit) near the top of your profile, next to your name and headline
2. This opens the Edit intro modal

Step 3: Select Your Pronouns

1. Scroll down in the Edit intro modal until you find the Pronouns field
2. Click the dropdown menu
3. Select from the available options:
   • He/Him
   • She/Her
   • They/Them
   • Custom (type your own pronouns)

Step 4: Set Visibility

1. Below the pronouns dropdown, you will see a visibility setting
2. Choose who can see your pronouns:
   • Everyone — visible to all LinkedIn members and search engines
   • Your network — visible to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree connections
   • Your connections — visible only to your 1st degree connections

Step 5: Save

1. Click Save at the bottom of the Edit intro modal
2. Your pronouns now appear in parentheses next to your name on your profile

How to Add Pronouns on LinkedIn (Mobile App)

The process on mobile is nearly identical.

Step 1: Open Your Profile

1. Open the LinkedIn app on iOS or Android
2. Tap your profile photo in the top left corner
3. Tap View Profile

Step 2: Edit Your Intro

1. Tap the pencil icon near your name and headline
2. This opens the Edit intro screen

Step 3: Select Pronouns

1. Scroll to the Pronouns field
2. Tap the dropdown
3. Choose He/Him, She/Her, They/Them, or Custom
4. If you select Custom, type your preferred pronouns

Step 4: Set Visibility

1. Choose your visibility preference: Everyone, Your network, or Your connections
2. This controls who sees your pronouns when they visit your profile

Step 5: Save

1. Tap Save in the top right corner
2. Your pronouns will appear next to your name

Available Pronoun Options on LinkedIn

LinkedIn provides the following pronoun choices:

Option	Example Display
He/Him	Sarah Johnson (He/Him)
She/Her	Alex Chen (She/Her)
They/Them	Jordan Lee (They/Them)
Custom	Taylor Park (Ze/Zir)

The Custom option lets you type any pronouns that are not covered by the three default choices. This is useful for neopronouns (ze/zir, xe/xem) or combined sets (she/they, he/they).

According to LinkedIn Help, custom pronouns have a character limit and are subject to LinkedIn's community guidelines.

Pronoun Visibility Settings Explained

Your visibility choice determines who sees your pronouns across LinkedIn.

Everyone

Your pronouns appear to all LinkedIn users, including people who are not connected to you. This is the recommended setting if your goal is to be addressed correctly by anyone who views your profile, including recruiters and hiring managers conducting searches.

Your Network

Pronouns are visible to your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree connections. This covers most people who would interact with you professionally on the platform.

Your Connections

Only your direct (1st degree) connections can see your pronouns. Use this if you want a more private setting while still informing the people you interact with regularly.

For most professionals, Everyone is the best choice. If you are using LinkedIn for personal branding and inbound opportunities, broad visibility ensures recruiters and potential clients see the correct way to address you.

How to Remove Pronouns From LinkedIn

If you need to remove your pronouns:

1. Go to your profile
2. Click the pencil icon to open Edit intro
3. Find the Pronouns field
4. Select the blank/empty option from the dropdown (clear the field)
5. Click Save

Your pronouns will no longer appear on your profile. You can add them again at any time.

Best Practices for Adding Pronouns on LinkedIn

Add Pronouns as Part of a Complete Profile

Pronouns work best alongside a fully optimized profile. Make sure your profile is complete with a strong headline, professional photo, detailed about section, and relevant experience. A polished profile with pronouns signals competence and intentionality.

Match Your Pronouns Across Platforms

Use the same pronouns on LinkedIn that you use on your email signature, company directory, and other professional profiles. Consistency avoids confusion and reinforces your professional identity.

Set Visibility to Match Your Goals

If you are actively job searching or building thought leadership, set visibility to Everyone. If you are using LinkedIn casually and prefer privacy, Your connections is fine.

Do Not Pressure Others

While adding pronouns is a positive practice, not everyone is comfortable sharing theirs. Some people may be questioning their identity, may not feel safe, or may simply prefer not to. Respect individual choices.

Use the Custom Field Thoughtfully

The custom field accepts free text. Use it for legitimate pronoun sets. LinkedIn monitors custom entries for misuse and may remove entries that violate community guidelines.

How Pronouns Appear on Your Profile

Once saved, your pronouns display in parentheses directly after your name on your profile page. For example:

Sarah Johnson (She/Her)
Content Marketing Manager at Acme Corp

Pronouns appear in the following locations:

• Your profile page — next to your name at the top
• Search results — next to your name in LinkedIn search
• Comments and posts — in some views, depending on LinkedIn's interface updates

They do not appear in LinkedIn messages or InMail headers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do recruiters see my pronouns on LinkedIn?

Yes, if your visibility is set to Everyone or Your network. Recruiters who are not connected to you will see your pronouns only if you select Everyone. Most recruiters appreciate having pronouns visible because it helps them address candidates correctly in outreach messages and interviews.

Can I add custom pronouns on LinkedIn?

Yes. When editing your intro, select Custom from the pronouns dropdown and type your preferred pronouns. LinkedIn allows neopronouns and combined pronoun sets (like she/they or he/they). Custom entries must comply with LinkedIn's Professional Community Policies.

Are pronouns visible to everyone by default?

No. When you first add pronouns, LinkedIn asks you to choose a visibility setting. You must actively select Everyone, Your network, or Your connections. LinkedIn does not default to any particular visibility level — you choose during setup.

Will adding pronouns affect my LinkedIn search ranking?

Pronouns do not directly impact LinkedIn's search algorithm or SEO. Your profile's search visibility depends on your headline, summary, skills, and activity. However, a complete profile signals quality to the algorithm, and every filled-in field contributes to profile completeness.

Can I add pronouns to a LinkedIn company page?

No. Pronouns are a personal profile feature only. They cannot be added to LinkedIn company pages, showcase pages, or group profiles. However, companies can encourage employees to add pronouns to their individual profiles as part of a broader inclusion initiative.

Pronouns and Professional Communication

Adding pronouns to your LinkedIn profile is one small step in a broader approach to professional communication. When combined with a strong personal brand, an optimized LinkedIn URL, and consistent engagement, it contributes to a profile that feels intentional and welcoming.

Research from the Williams Institute at UCLA shows that inclusive workplace practices, including pronoun visibility, correlate with higher employee satisfaction and retention. On LinkedIn, this translates to a profile that appeals to a broader audience and opens more doors for meaningful professional connections.

Whether you are a job seeker, a hiring manager, or a business owner building authority on LinkedIn, taking 60 seconds to add your pronouns sends a clear message: you care about getting the details right.

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Edge Cases in Pronoun Sharing: Navigating Complexity in Global Teams

When working with international teams or collaborating with professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, pronoun sharing can become more complex. In some cultures, pronouns are not explicitly stated or are implied through context, making it essential to approach the topic with sensitivity. For instance, in some Asian cultures, pronouns are often omitted in formal communication, and using them might be perceived as too informal. On the other hand, in some Latin American countries, using the wrong pronoun can be seen as a sign of disrespect. To navigate these complexities, it's crucial to educate yourself about the cultural nuances of your global team members and adapt your approach accordingly. This might involve having open discussions about pronoun preferences, being mindful of language barriers, and avoiding assumptions based on cultural stereotypes. By doing so, you can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone, regardless of their cultural background.

Myth vs Reality: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Pronouns on LinkedIn

One common misconception about adding pronouns to your LinkedIn profile is that it's only relevant for LGBTQ+ individuals or those who identify as non-binary. However, this assumption is far from the truth. Displaying pronouns is a simple yet effective way to promote inclusivity and respect in professional settings, regardless of one's gender identity. Another myth is that sharing pronouns is a personal or private matter that doesn't belong in a professional context. In reality, pronouns are an essential aspect of communication, and sharing them can help avoid misgendering, awkward interactions, and unintentional offense. Furthermore, some people believe that adding pronouns to their LinkedIn profile will lead to discrimination or negative consequences. While it's true that some individuals might hold biases, the vast majority of professionals and organizations value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and view pronoun sharing as a positive step towards creating a more welcoming and respectful environment.

Advanced-Level: Leveraging Pronouns to Enhance Your Personal Brand and Thought Leadership

For experienced professionals and thought leaders, adding pronouns to their LinkedIn profile can be a strategic move to enhance their personal brand and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. By displaying their pronouns, they can showcase their values and create a sense of authenticity, which is essential for building trust and credibility with their audience. Moreover, thought leaders can use their pronoun-sharing as a conversation starter to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their industry, further establishing themselves as authorities in their field. To maximize the impact, it's essential to integrate pronoun-sharing into a broader personal branding strategy, which includes consistent messaging, engaging content, and meaningful interactions with their network. By doing so, they can create a powerful and memorable brand that resonates with their target audience and sets them apart from their competitors.

The Intersection of Pronouns and Accessibility: Considerations for Professionals with Disabilities

While pronoun sharing is often discussed in the context of gender identity and inclusivity, it's essential to consider its intersection with accessibility, particularly for professionals with disabilities. For instance, individuals who are blind or have low vision might rely on screen readers to navigate LinkedIn, which can sometimes misinterpret or misunderstand pronouns. To ensure that their pronouns are conveyed correctly, professionals with disabilities might need to use additional accessibility features, such as alt text or closed captions, to provide a clear and consistent representation of their identity. Moreover, some individuals with disabilities might face unique challenges in sharing their pronouns, such as those with speech or language disorders, who might need to use alternative communication methods. By acknowledging and addressing these intersectional considerations, we can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all professionals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

The "It Depends" Scenario: When Sharing Pronouns Might Not Be the Best Approach

While sharing pronouns is generally considered a positive and inclusive practice, there are situations where it might not be the best approach. For example, in some industries or regions, sharing pronouns might be perceived as too personal or sensitive, potentially leading to unintended consequences or backlash. In such cases, it's essential to consider the specific context and cultural norms before deciding whether to share pronouns. Another scenario where sharing pronouns might not be the best approach is when working with clients or collaborators who hold strong biases or prejudices. In such situations, it might be more effective to focus on building trust and rapport through other means, such as shared interests or professional experiences, rather than potentially creating tension or conflict by sharing pronouns. Ultimately, the decision to share pronouns depends on a variety of factors, including personal comfort, professional context, and cultural norms, and should be made on a case-by-case basis.