Known Limitations — Network Cleanup Tool
Network Cleanup Tool automates bulk cleanup of your LinkedIn presence, but LinkedIn's platform imposes
limits on what can be automated — and some actions carry platform-level consequences worth
knowing about. This page documents those edge cases so you know what to expect.
Groups
Groups you own or administer
You cannot leave a group you own without first transferring ownership
or deleting the group. Network Cleanup Tool will skip groups where you are the sole owner. Transfer
admin rights or delete the group manually first, then run Network Cleanup Tool again.
Groups page tab navigation
LinkedIn's Groups page opens on a "Discover" view by default. Network Cleanup Tool
attempts to click the "My Groups" tab automatically on start. If the page doesn't load that
tab correctly, click it manually before pressing Start.
Confirmation dialogs
Some groups require a leave confirmation dialog. Network Cleanup Tool handles
these automatically, but if LinkedIn changes the dialog structure, some groups may be skipped.
Messages
Archived conversations
LinkedIn distinguishes between deleted and archived conversations.
Archived threads are not visible in the main inbox and won't appear for Network Cleanup Tool to process.
If you've previously archived conversations, unarchive them first if you want them deleted.
InMail messages
Sponsored InMail and premium InMail threads may have a different structure
from regular conversations. Network Cleanup Tool will attempt to process these but may skip some if the
delete option isn't surfaced in the same way.
Group and event messages
Messages sent within LinkedIn Groups or Event discussions are separate
from your main messaging inbox. These are not processed by Network Cleanup Tool's Messages mode.
Connections
Recommendations are removed with the connection
Removing a connection automatically removes any recommendations
exchanged between you and that person. This is LinkedIn platform behaviour and cannot
be avoided. If you value a recommendation, save it before removing the connection.
Pending connection requests
Only established connections appear on the Connections page. Sent
or received pending requests are managed separately by LinkedIn and are not processed
by Network Cleanup Tool.
Connection count update
LinkedIn's displayed connection count may not update immediately after
removals. This is a caching behaviour on LinkedIn's side — the removals are real even if
the count takes a few minutes to reflect them.
Following
Hashtag follows are separate
Hashtags you follow on LinkedIn are managed on a different page from
people and company pages. Network Cleanup Tool's Following mode targets people and companies only.
To unfollow hashtags, visit LinkedIn's hashtag management page directly.
Newsletter subscriptions
LinkedIn newsletter subscriptions are distinct from following a creator.
These are not handled by Network Cleanup Tool's Following mode and must be managed manually through
your notification settings.
Connections you follow
On LinkedIn, you automatically follow your connections. Unfollowing a
connection means you stay connected but stop seeing their posts. This is different from
removing the connection entirely — use the Connections mode for that.
Reactions & Comments
Only recent activity surfaces
LinkedIn's activity page loads a limited window of your recent reactions
and comments. Older activity — particularly from several years ago — may never appear for
Network Cleanup Tool to process. This is a LinkedIn platform limitation, not an extension issue.
Reactions on your own posts
Likes you gave to posts you wrote yourself may not appear in your
activity log in the same way as reactions on others' posts. These may be skipped.
Reactions on deleted or restricted posts
If the original post was deleted or the author changed their privacy
settings, your reaction may still appear in your activity log but the unlike action may
not be actionable. Network Cleanup Tool will skip these.
General
Keep the tab open and active
Network Cleanup Tool runs inside the active LinkedIn tab. Switching tabs,
minimising the browser, or letting your computer sleep can interrupt the process. Keep the
tab visible until the run completes.
Run in batches
Network Cleanup Tool processes up to the "Stop after" count per run. For large
clean-ups, press Start again after each run completes — it will continue from the current
state of the page.
The counter shows items attempted, not guaranteed deletions
Network Cleanup Tool counts every item it interacted with. Some items are
silently skipped (groups you own, inaccessible content, etc.). The final count reflects
attempts, not confirmed removals.
Rate limiting
LinkedIn may temporarily throttle automated actions if they happen
too quickly. If the process stalls, stop and try again after a few minutes. Using a smaller
"Stop after" count (e.g. 15–20 at a time) can help avoid triggering rate limits.
LinkedIn UI changes frequently
LinkedIn updates its interface more frequently than most platforms.
Network Cleanup Tool works by interacting with LinkedIn the same way you would — if menus move or
buttons are renamed, the extension may need an update. Check
verolab.io when this happens.
All actions are permanent
Removing connections, deleting messages, leaving groups, unfollowing,
and removing reactions are all immediate and cannot be undone
through LinkedIn. There is no recycle bin or recovery option.