How to Change Your LinkedIn Background Photo (Desktop and Mobile)
Changing your LinkedIn background photo takes less than two minutes whether you are on a computer or your phone. This step-by-step guide walks you through both methods, covers common issues, and explains how to position your image for the best result.
How to Change Your LinkedIn Cover Photo on Desktop
Follow these steps using any web browser on your computer:
Step 1: Navigate to your profile
- Log in to linkedin.com
- Click your profile photo or name in the top navigation bar
- Select View Profile from the dropdown menu
Step 2: Click the camera icon on your banner
- Hover over your current background photo (or the default blue gradient)
- Click the camera icon that appears in the top-right corner of the banner area
- A dropdown menu appears with options
Step 3: Upload your new image
- Select Change photo from the dropdown
- Your file browser opens — navigate to your image file
- Select the image and click Open
- LinkedIn displays a crop/reposition tool
Step 4: Position and save
- Drag the image to position it within the frame
- Use the zoom slider if needed to adjust the visible area
- Click Apply to confirm your positioning
- Your new background photo is now live on your profile
Pro tip: If your image is already sized to 1584 × 396 pixels, the crop tool will show the full image with no adjustment needed. This is the fastest path to a perfect result.
How to Change Your LinkedIn Cover Photo on Mobile
The process on the LinkedIn mobile app (iOS and Android) is slightly different:
Step 1: Open your profile
- Open the LinkedIn app
- Tap your profile photo in the top-left corner
- Tap View Profile
Step 2: Tap the edit icon on your banner
- Tap directly on your current background photo
- Tap the pencil (edit) icon that appears
- Select Change photo from the options
Step 3: Choose your image source
You will see options to:
- Take a photo — use your camera (not recommended for banners)
- Choose from library — select from your phone's photo gallery
- Choose from illustrations — LinkedIn's built-in options (limited and generic)
Select Choose from library and pick your prepared banner image.
Step 4: Adjust and save
- Pinch to zoom and drag to reposition
- Tap Save or the checkmark icon
- Your new cover photo is live immediately
For detailed mobile-specific instructions, see our guide on how to upload a LinkedIn cover photo from your phone.
How to Remove Your LinkedIn Background Photo
If you want to revert to the default LinkedIn gradient:
On desktop:
- Click the camera icon on your banner
- Select Delete photo
- Confirm the deletion
On mobile:
- Tap your banner, then the edit icon
- Select Delete photo
- Confirm
LinkedIn will replace your custom banner with a default blue gradient background.
Preparing Your Image Before Upload
Before you upload, make sure your image meets these requirements:
- Dimensions: 1584 × 396 pixels (recommended)
- File format: JPG or PNG
- File size: Under 8 MB
- Aspect ratio: 4:1
If your image is not the right size, LinkedIn will force you to crop it during upload. This often produces unexpected results, especially if your image contains text or logos near the edges.
Where to get a properly sized image
- Browse our curated gallery — every image is pre-sized to 1584 × 396
- Generate a custom banner — AI creates a banner tailored to your profession
- Design your own in Canva, Figma, or Photoshop using a 1584 × 396 canvas
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The image looks blurry after upload
This usually means your source image was too small. LinkedIn upscales images below 1584 × 396, which introduces blur. Always start with a full-size image. See our detailed guide on fixing blurry LinkedIn cover photos.
The upload fails or gets stuck
Common causes include:
- File size exceeds 8 MB — compress your image or reduce quality slightly
- Unsupported format — convert to JPG or PNG
- Slow internet connection — wait and retry
- LinkedIn app needs updating — check your app store for updates
For a complete list of upload fixes, read LinkedIn Cover Photo Won't Upload: 7 Causes and Fixes.
Important content is hidden behind my profile photo
Your circular profile photo overlaps the bottom-left area of your banner. Keep important elements (text, logos, faces) in the top half and right two-thirds of your image. Read more about the safe zone in our LinkedIn cover photo size guide.
The image looks different on mobile vs desktop
LinkedIn crops the banner slightly differently on mobile devices. After uploading, always check your profile on both your phone and computer. If critical content is cut off on mobile, reposition the key elements toward the centre of your image.
Tips for Choosing a Great Background Photo
Your LinkedIn cover photo is prime real estate for personal branding. Here are some guidelines:
- Match your profession — a software engineer might use a code-themed banner; a marketer might use bold brand colours
- Keep it simple — avoid cluttered images with too many elements
- Use high contrast — your name and headline appear over the banner, so ensure they remain readable
- Stay professional — vacation photos and selfies belong on other platforms
- Update regularly — refresh your banner when you change roles, launch a project, or want to signal availability
How Often Should You Change Your Cover Photo?
There is no penalty for changing your LinkedIn background frequently. Consider updating it when:
- You start a new job or role
- You are actively job searching and want to signal availability
- You launch a new product, service, or personal project
- Your current banner feels outdated or no longer represents your brand
- You want to highlight a recent achievement or speaking engagement
Most professionals update their cover photo two to four times per year. Active job seekers may change it more frequently to keep their profile looking fresh to recruiters.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to change your LinkedIn background photo, explore these resources: