How to Fix Search Not Working LinkedIn (+Location Dropdown Not Working)

Is the search function not working on LinkedIn?

The search function on any social networking site is one of the most important functions for most users. With the help of the search bar, we are able to search certain pages, topics, and individuals that we want to look for. 

Unfortunately, it can be really frustrating if the search function on LinkedIn is not working. This means that you have to manually browse profiles and connections when finding a certain business page or individual. 

If you are trying to figure out how to make the search function work on LinkedIn, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we are going to show you a few ways on how to address the issue with search not working on LinkedIn.

However, before doing anything else, try to check the status of LinkedIn’s servers first to see if the problem is on their side.

Now, let’s get started with the actual solutions!

 

 

1. Disable Browser Extensions. 

If the search function or the location drop-down is not working on LinkedIn, consider turning off your browser extensions. Extensions are programs installed on your browser that add features to specific websites. 

However, browser extensions can interfere with how websites work, especially if the extension is only dedicated to a specific website.

To disable your browser extensions, follow the step-by-step guide below:

  1. On your keyboard, press on ALT + E followed by the S key to open your browser’s settings. 
  2. Inside your browser’s settings, click on the Extensions tab from the side menu.
  3. Lastly, disable any browser extension that is not related to LinkedIn.

HTTP error 414 on LinkedIn

 

After turning off your browser extensions, refresh LinkedIn’s main page, and try using the search function again to see if everything is working as it should.

 

 

2. Turn Off VPN.

Websites that are not working properly could indicate that there is a problem with your network. If you are using VPN services to keep your connection secure, try turning it off when using LinkedIn. 

VPN services can make your connection unstable since it changes your IP address. With this, a proper connection between LinkedIn’s servers and your device cannot be established, which causes certain functions on the site not to work.

Try disabling your VPN service, then use LinkedIn’s search function again to see if the problem goes away.

 

HTTP error 414 on LinkedIn

 

Alternatively, you can also check our guide about the best VPN services to use if you are not comfortable browsing the internet without one. VPNs mentioned in the guide can also be used if you want to watch Netflix US outside the region.

 

 

3. Try A Different Browser.

Internet browsers have their own render engines that help them display the contents of websites like LinkedIn. However, these engines do not function the same and may interpret the code written on websites differently. 

This means that some browsers would be able to load all the functions of a website, while other browsers would have a hard time rendering that website. 

To check if this is indeed the problem, try using another browser to access your LinkedIn account. Preferably, use internet browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, which has a lot of users and likely to be supported by most web developers.

 

 

4. Check Your Internet Connection. 

Aside from VPN services, unstable or slow internet connection can also cause websites to malfunction or not load at all. If you are having problems using the search function of LinkedIn, try running a speed test to see if your network is running slow. 

Use third-party sites like Fast.com, which effectively measure your network’s speed and latency. 

 

search function not working on LinkedIn

 

If your network is indeed slow, try to fix it by restarting your internet router. Locate the power cable of your router and unplug it from the wall outlet. Now, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 seconds before plugging it back on the outlet.

 

search function not working on LinkedIn

 

Once your router has restarted, run another speed test to see if the problem is already resolved. Unfortunately, if your internet connection continues to encounter issues, we suggest that you contact your internet service provider and let them know about the problem.

 

 

5. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies.

Browsing cache and cookies are temporary data that are stored on your hard drive. Your browser uses these data to speed up the loading process of websites that you previously visited. 

However, browsing cache and cookies could get corrupted over time and can cause websites not to work properly. If you are having issues with LinkedIn, try clearing your browser’s data to get rid of corrupted files.

  1. First, press CTRL + H on your keyboard to open your browser’s history.
  2. Inside the History tab, click on Clear Browsing Data.
  3. After that, include ‘Cookies and Other Site Data’ and ‘Cached Image and Files’ in the clearing process by marking the checkbox beside them.
  4. Finally, click on the Clear Data button and follow the on-screen prompts to continue with the process.

search function not working on LinkedIn

 

Once done, go back to LinkedIn and try using the search function again to see if the problem is already fixed. 

However, if you are still having problems with the search function not working on LinkedIn, head down below, and try the next solution.

 

 

6. Change Your DNS.

The domain name system is one of the building blocks of the internet. Its primary function is to incorporate the IP addresses of websites to readable texts like Facebook.com, Google.com, and Saintlad.com

However, if websites are not loading properly and their functions are not working, try changing your DNS to see if this resolves the issue. 

Check out our guide on how to change your DNS server to learn more.

 

 

7. Use Hunter.io.

 

search function not working on LinkedIn

 

If you are trying to boost your leads for potential customers and business partners, consider using Hunter.io.

It is a third-party browser extension that allows you to hunt for contact information regarding an individual behind a certain company or business. It features a domain search function that lets you enter a specific business domain and gives you the contact details of the owner or employees of that company. 

Extend your reach for potential partnerships and customers by using Hunter.io!

 


Try Hunter.io Now!


 

 

8. Get LinkedIn Support.

If the search function of LinkedIn is still not working at this point, we recommend that you let the experts handle your situation.

Try to contact LinkedIn’s support using their help center, which also contains helpful articles regarding the different problems on their platform. 

 

search function not working on LinkedIn

 

When reporting an issue, don’t forget to include important details like your account information, the browser you are using, and the device you used to help them resolve your problem faster.

This sums up our guide on how to fix the issue with the search function not working on LinkedIn. If you know other ways on how to address this problem, kindly let us know in the comment section below. We’d be glad to give you credit for the solution once we’ve updated this article. 

 

If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂

 

Author

  • John Sixto

    John is a staff writer at Saint and comes from a SAP ABAP development background. He has a Bachelors in IT and has been writing since 2018, with over 500 posts published. He loves to build PCs and has a deep curiosity in understanding how different components and configurations work. John spends hundreds of hours at a time, researching and testing the software and apps, before he proceeds to write about it. LinkedIn X (Twitter) Website

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