A linear compressor and a method for controlling the same. The linear compressor automatically short-circuits part of a coil having no power-supply voltage in order to substantially prevent an excessive stroke from being generated when the linear compressor is initially operated. The linear compressor includes a piston contained in a cylinder, for executing reciprocating linear motion to suck or discharge a refrigerant, a linear motor for providing the piston with driving power to allow the piston to execute the reciprocating motion, and a power-supply unit for providing the linear motor with a power-supply voltage, and performing an automatic short-circuit function to prevent an excessive stroke from being generated during an initial operation stage of the linear motor. Therefore, the linear compressor can reduce noise caused by the excessive stroke generated during the initial operation stage of the linear compressor, resulting in increased efficiency and convenience of the linear compressor.