How To Disable LinkedIn Premium? A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to downgrade? This comprehensive guide explains how to disable LinkedIn Premium quickly and easily, saving you money and avoiding unwanted recurring charges. Follow these simple steps to return to a basic LinkedIn account.
Understanding LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium offers a range of enhanced features designed to boost your networking, job searching, and professional development efforts. While these benefits can be valuable, there may come a time when you decide to scale back to a basic LinkedIn account. Perhaps you’ve landed a new job, or maybe you’re simply reevaluating your budget. Whatever the reason, understanding the implications of canceling your subscription is crucial.
Benefits of LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium comes in several tiers, each offering unique advantages:
- Premium Career: Targeted for job seekers, providing insights into hiring managers, enhanced profile visibility, and InMail credits.
- Premium Business: Aimed at professionals seeking to expand their network and gain business insights, offering advanced search filters and company information.
- Sales Navigator Professional: Designed for sales professionals to generate leads and build relationships with prospects.
- Recruiter Lite: Tailored for recruiters to identify and connect with potential candidates.
Each tier offers specific features such as:
- Increased InMail credits
- Enhanced search filters
- Access to LinkedIn Learning courses
- Profile views insight
- Advanced analytics
The Step-by-Step Process: How To Disable LinkedIn Premium
The process for canceling your LinkedIn Premium subscription is relatively straightforward, although it may vary slightly depending on whether you subscribed through LinkedIn directly, the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
For Subscriptions Through LinkedIn Directly:
- Log in to your LinkedIn account on a computer. This is important because accessing these settings on the mobile app can be limited.
- Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Premium subscription settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Under the “Manage subscription” section, click “Cancel subscription“.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation. You may be asked to provide a reason for canceling.
For Subscriptions Through the Apple App Store:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
- Tap “Subscriptions“. (If you don’t see “Subscriptions,” tap “iTunes & App Store” instead. Tap your Apple ID, then tap “View Apple ID,” sign in, scroll down to Subscriptions, and tap Subscriptions.)
- Find and tap on your LinkedIn Premium subscription.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription“. If you don’t see a Cancel Subscription button, the subscription is already canceled and won’t renew.
For Subscriptions Through the Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Tap “Payments & subscriptions” then “Subscriptions“.
- Find and tap on your LinkedIn Premium subscription.
- Tap “Cancel subscription“.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When canceling your LinkedIn Premium subscription, be mindful of these potential pitfalls:
- Forgetting Where You Subscribed: Make sure you cancel through the platform where you initially subscribed. If you subscribed via the Apple App Store, canceling through LinkedIn directly won’t work, and vice versa.
- Delaying Cancellation: Cancel your subscription a few days before the renewal date to avoid being charged for another month.
- Misunderstanding the Grace Period: Even after canceling, you’ll typically retain access to Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle. Don’t expect immediate downgrading.
- Not Confirming Cancellation: Double-check that you receive a confirmation email or see a notification on your LinkedIn account confirming that your subscription has been canceled.
Impact of Downgrading to a Basic Account
Downgrading to a basic LinkedIn account will result in the loss of Premium features, including:
- Reduced InMail credits
- Limited search filters
- Loss of access to LinkedIn Learning courses (unless purchased separately)
- Inability to see who viewed your profile (beyond the last few viewers)
- Removal of Premium profile badge
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | LinkedIn Basic | LinkedIn Premium |
|---|---|---|
| InMail Credits | Limited/None | Significant |
| Search Filters | Basic | Advanced |
| Profile Views | Limited | All |
| LinkedIn Learning | Pay-per-course | Included (Tier-Dependent) |
| Profile Badge | None | Premium Badge |
Alternative Options Before Canceling
Before definitively canceling, consider exploring alternative options:
- Downgrading to a Lower Tier: If you find some Premium features valuable but not the entire suite, consider downgrading to a less expensive tier.
- Pausing Your Subscription (If Available): Some subscription services offer the option to pause your subscription for a specified period, which could be useful if you only need a temporary break. Check if LinkedIn offers this option in your region.
- Contacting LinkedIn Support: Discuss your needs with LinkedIn support. They might offer a discounted rate or customized plan that better suits your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I get a refund if I cancel my LinkedIn Premium subscription mid-cycle?
Generally, no, you won’t receive a prorated refund if you cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription before the end of your billing cycle. You will, however, retain access to Premium features until the end of that cycle. It’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your specific subscription agreement.
How can I confirm that my LinkedIn Premium subscription has been successfully canceled?
After completing the cancellation process, you should receive a confirmation email from LinkedIn. Additionally, you can verify the cancellation status by navigating to your Premium subscription settings on the LinkedIn website. The status should indicate that your subscription is no longer active.
What happens to my InMail credits after I cancel my LinkedIn Premium subscription?
Any unused InMail credits will be forfeited when you cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription. It’s advisable to use any remaining credits before the end of your billing cycle. LinkedIn does not typically offer refunds for unused InMail credits.
Can I reactivate my LinkedIn Premium subscription after canceling?
Yes, you can reactivate your LinkedIn Premium subscription at any time. Simply navigate to your Premium subscription settings and select the desired Premium plan. Your subscription will be reinstated and billing will resume accordingly.
If I cancel my subscription, will my profile revert to its previous settings immediately?
No, your profile won’t immediately revert to its basic state. You will continue to have access to the Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, your profile will be downgraded to a basic LinkedIn account.
Is it possible to cancel my LinkedIn Premium subscription via the mobile app?
While you can manage some aspects of your subscription through the mobile app, it’s generally recommended to cancel your subscription via the LinkedIn website on a computer or through the app store where you originally subscribed. The website offers the most comprehensive settings for managing your subscription.
What if I’m having trouble canceling my LinkedIn Premium subscription?
If you encounter any difficulties canceling your subscription, contact LinkedIn’s customer support. They can provide assistance and guide you through the cancellation process. Have your account information ready for verification.
Will I lose my saved job applications or connections if I cancel LinkedIn Premium?
No, you will not lose your saved job applications, connections, or other data if you cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription. These elements are associated with your LinkedIn account itself and are independent of your subscription status.
Does canceling my LinkedIn Premium subscription affect my basic LinkedIn account in any way (besides feature access)?
No, canceling only impacts your access to Premium features. Your basic LinkedIn account and its functionality remain unchanged. You can continue to use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, search for jobs, and build your network.
Can I pause, rather than cancel, my LinkedIn Premium subscription?
Currently, LinkedIn does not offer a pausing feature for Premium subscriptions in all regions. Check your subscription settings or contact LinkedIn Support to verify if this option is available to you. If not, cancellation is the only available option.
How often is LinkedIn Premium billed?
LinkedIn Premium subscriptions are typically billed monthly or annually, depending on the plan you selected during signup. Check your subscription settings to determine your billing frequency.
If I resubscribe to LinkedIn Premium after canceling, will I get the same benefits I had before?
Yes, if you resubscribe to the same LinkedIn Premium plan, you will regain access to all the features and benefits you had previously. The only difference is the billing will be reactivated based on your selected subscription frequency.