How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium: A Step-by-Step Guide
LinkedIn Premium offers a range of benefits, from enhanced job search capabilities to in-depth profile insights. However, there may come a time when you no longer need these features, or you find that the cost outweighs the advantages. Cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps to ensure you’re no longer charged. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cancel your LinkedIn Premium membership, regardless of how you subscribed.
## Understanding LinkedIn Premium and Its Benefits
Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s quickly recap what LinkedIn Premium offers. Knowing what you’re giving up can help you make an informed decision and potentially explore alternative solutions before cancelling.
LinkedIn Premium comes in several tiers, each designed to cater to different needs:
* **Premium Career:** Focused on job seekers, offering features like InMail credits to directly contact recruiters, salary insights, and the ability to see who’s viewed your profile.
* **Premium Business:** Geared towards professionals looking to grow their network and business opportunities. It includes advanced search filters, unlimited people browsing, and company insights.
* **Sales Navigator Professional:** Designed for sales professionals, providing tools to find leads, track accounts, and build relationships.
* **Recruiter Lite:** Aimed at recruiters, offering features for finding and contacting potential candidates.
These premium features can be incredibly valuable for certain users, providing a competitive edge in their respective fields. However, if you’re no longer actively using these benefits, cancelling your subscription is a sensible financial decision.
## Important Considerations Before Cancelling
Before you proceed with cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription, consider the following points:
* **Billing Cycle:** Understand when your current billing cycle ends. Cancelling mid-cycle typically means you’ll still have access to Premium features until the end of the period you’ve already paid for. You won’t receive a refund for the remaining time.
* **Data Loss:** Cancelling Premium does *not* delete your LinkedIn profile or any of your connections. However, you will lose access to Premium-specific data, such as saved searches, advanced filters, and profile insights.
* **Alternatives:** Before cancelling, consider whether downgrading to a lower-tier Premium plan might better suit your current needs. LinkedIn offers various options, and switching plans could be more cost-effective than cancelling altogether.
* **Reactivation:** If you cancel and later decide you need Premium again, you can easily reactivate your subscription. However, any saved searches or other Premium-specific data that you haven’t exported or documented might be lost.
## How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium: A Step-by-Step Guide
The cancellation process varies slightly depending on how you originally subscribed to LinkedIn Premium. Here’s a detailed guide for each scenario:
### 1. Cancelling LinkedIn Premium Subscribed Directly Through LinkedIn (Website or Desktop App)
This is the most common method for subscribing to LinkedIn Premium. Here’s how to cancel:
**Step 1: Access Your Account Settings**
* **Log in to your LinkedIn account:** Go to the LinkedIn website (www.linkedin.com) or open the LinkedIn desktop app.
* **Click on your profile icon:** In the top right corner of the screen, you’ll see your profile picture. Click on it to open a dropdown menu.
* **Select “Settings & Privacy”:** From the dropdown menu, choose “Settings & Privacy.” This will take you to your account settings page.
**Step 2: Navigate to Subscription Management**
* **Click on “Subscriptions”:** On the left-hand side of the “Settings & Privacy” page, you’ll see a menu with various options. Click on “Subscriptions”.
* **Locate your Premium Subscription:** You should see a section displaying your LinkedIn Premium subscription. It will show the type of Premium plan you have (e.g., Premium Career, Premium Business).
**Step 3: Cancel Your Subscription**
* **Click “Cancel subscription”:** Under your Premium subscription details, you will find a “Cancel subscription” link. Click on this link.
* **Provide Feedback (Optional):** LinkedIn will ask you for feedback on why you’re cancelling your subscription. You can select a reason from the provided options or provide your own explanation in the text box. Providing feedback is optional, but it helps LinkedIn improve its services.
* **Confirm Cancellation:** After providing feedback (or skipping it), you’ll be prompted to confirm your cancellation. Carefully read the cancellation confirmation message. This message will typically reiterate the date your Premium access will end and that you won’t be charged further.
* **Click “Continue to cancel”:** Click the button to proceed with the cancellation.
* **Final Confirmation:** You may see a final confirmation screen. Follow any remaining prompts to complete the cancellation process. You should receive an email confirmation from LinkedIn confirming that your subscription has been cancelled.
**Step 4: Verify Cancellation**
* **Check Your Account:** Return to the “Subscriptions” section of your account settings. Your LinkedIn Premium subscription should no longer be listed as active. Instead, it should indicate that your subscription has been cancelled and the date your Premium access will end.
* **Check Your Email:** Look for a confirmation email from LinkedIn confirming the cancellation of your Premium subscription. This email serves as proof of cancellation and includes important details about your subscription status.
### 2. Cancelling LinkedIn Premium Subscribed Through the Apple App Store (iOS)
If you subscribed to LinkedIn Premium through the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to manage your subscription through your Apple ID settings.
**Step 1: Open the Settings App**
* **Locate the Settings app:** On your iPhone or iPad, find the Settings app icon and tap to open it.
**Step 2: Access Your Apple ID Settings**
* **Tap on your name:** At the top of the Settings app, you’ll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.
**Step 3: Manage Your Subscriptions**
* **Tap on “Subscriptions”:** In the Apple ID settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Subscriptions.” This will display a list of all your active and expired subscriptions managed through your Apple ID.
**Step 4: Locate and Cancel LinkedIn Premium**
* **Find LinkedIn Premium:** Scroll through the list of subscriptions until you find “LinkedIn Premium.” Tap on it.
* **Tap “Cancel Subscription”:** On the LinkedIn Premium subscription details screen, you’ll see a “Cancel Subscription” button. Tap on this button.
* **Confirm Cancellation:** A confirmation message will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to cancel your subscription. Tap “Confirm” to proceed.
**Step 5: Verify Cancellation**
* **Check Subscription Status:** After cancelling, return to the LinkedIn Premium subscription details screen. The subscription status should now indicate that it has been cancelled and the date it will expire. It may say it will expire at the end of your billing cycle.
* **Check Your Email:** You should receive an email from Apple confirming the cancellation of your subscription. This email serves as proof of cancellation.
**Important Note:** Apple subscriptions typically auto-renew unless explicitly cancelled at least 24 hours before the renewal date. If you cancel within 24 hours of the renewal date, you may still be charged for the next billing cycle.
### 3. Cancelling LinkedIn Premium Subscribed Through the Google Play Store (Android)
If you subscribed to LinkedIn Premium through the Google Play Store on your Android device, you’ll need to manage your subscription through your Google Play account.
**Step 1: Open the Google Play Store App**
* **Locate the Google Play Store app:** On your Android device, find the Google Play Store app icon and tap to open it.
**Step 2: Access Your Account Menu**
* **Tap on your profile icon:** In the top right corner of the Google Play Store app, you’ll see your profile picture or initial. Tap on it to open your account menu.
**Step 3: Manage Your Subscriptions**
* **Tap on “Payments & subscriptions”:** In the account menu, tap on “Payments & subscriptions.” This will open a new menu with options related to your payment methods and subscriptions.
* **Tap on “Subscriptions”:** From the “Payments & subscriptions” menu, tap on “Subscriptions.” This will display a list of all your active and expired subscriptions managed through your Google Play account.
**Step 4: Locate and Cancel LinkedIn Premium**
* **Find LinkedIn Premium:** Scroll through the list of subscriptions until you find “LinkedIn Premium.” Tap on it.
* **Tap “Cancel subscription”:** On the LinkedIn Premium subscription details screen, you’ll see a “Cancel subscription” button. Tap on this button.
* **Provide Feedback (Optional):** Google Play may ask you for feedback on why you’re cancelling your subscription. You can select a reason from the provided options or provide your own explanation. Providing feedback is optional, but it helps Google and LinkedIn improve their services.
* **Confirm Cancellation:** A confirmation message will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to cancel your subscription. Tap “Cancel subscription” to proceed.
**Step 5: Verify Cancellation**
* **Check Subscription Status:** After cancelling, return to the LinkedIn Premium subscription details screen. The subscription status should now indicate that it has been cancelled and the date it will expire, often at the end of the current billing cycle.
* **Check Your Email:** You should receive an email from Google Play confirming the cancellation of your subscription. This email serves as proof of cancellation.
**Important Note:** Google Play subscriptions typically auto-renew unless explicitly cancelled at least 24 hours before the renewal date. If you cancel within 24 hours of the renewal date, you may still be charged for the next billing cycle.
## Troubleshooting Common Cancellation Issues
Even with detailed instructions, you might encounter some issues during the cancellation process. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **”Cancel subscription” button is missing:**
* **Check Subscription Source:** Ensure you’re trying to cancel the subscription through the correct platform (LinkedIn website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store). The “Cancel subscription” button will only appear in the platform where you originally subscribed.
* **Account Ownership:** Verify that you’re logged into the correct LinkedIn account or Apple/Google account associated with the subscription.
* **Administrator Rights:** If you’re part of a company account, you may need administrator rights to cancel the subscription. Contact your company’s LinkedIn administrator for assistance.
* **Still being charged after cancellation:**
* **Check Cancellation Confirmation:** Ensure you received a confirmation email from LinkedIn, Apple, or Google Play confirming the cancellation. This email is proof that you initiated the cancellation process.
* **Billing Cycle:** Remember that you’ll typically have access to Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle, even after cancelling. The charges will stop at the end of that cycle.
* **Multiple Accounts:** If you have multiple LinkedIn accounts or Apple/Google accounts, check each one to see if you have any other active Premium subscriptions.
* **Contact Support:** If you’ve confirmed the cancellation and are still being charged after the billing cycle ends, contact LinkedIn Premium support, Apple Support, or Google Play support for assistance. Provide them with your account details and the cancellation confirmation email.
* **Difficulty accessing subscription settings:**
* **Check Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
* **Update the App:** If you’re using the LinkedIn app, Apple App Store app, or Google Play Store app, make sure you have the latest version installed. Outdated apps can sometimes have glitches or bugs.
* **Clear Cache and Cookies:** Clear your browser’s cache and cookies or clear the cache for the LinkedIn app, Apple App Store app, or Google Play Store app. This can resolve temporary issues.
* **Try a Different Device:** Try accessing your account settings from a different device (e.g., a computer instead of a phone, or vice versa).
## What Happens After You Cancel Your LinkedIn Premium Subscription?
Once you successfully cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription, here’s what you can expect:
* **Loss of Premium Features:** You’ll lose access to all the Premium features associated with your subscription. This includes InMail credits, advanced search filters, salary insights, profile views, and other exclusive benefits.
* **Return to Basic Account:** Your account will revert to a basic LinkedIn account, which offers limited features. You’ll still be able to connect with other professionals, view profiles, and participate in groups, but you won’t have access to the advanced tools and insights of Premium.
* **No Refund:** You typically won’t receive a refund for the remaining time in your current billing cycle. You’ll continue to have access to Premium features until the end of the cycle.
* **Data Retention:** LinkedIn will retain your profile data, connections, and other information even after you cancel your Premium subscription. You can still access and manage your profile as a basic user.
* **Reactivation Option:** You can reactivate your LinkedIn Premium subscription at any time. Simply go to your account settings and choose a Premium plan that suits your needs.
## Alternatives to Cancelling LinkedIn Premium
Before cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription, consider these alternatives that might better suit your needs:
* **Downgrading to a Lower-Tier Plan:** LinkedIn offers several Premium plans with different features and price points. Consider downgrading to a less expensive plan that still provides some of the benefits you need.
* **Temporarily Suspending Your Subscription (If Available):** Some subscription services offer the option to temporarily suspend your subscription instead of cancelling it. This allows you to pause your billing and access to Premium features for a specified period, without losing your account or data.
* **Using LinkedIn Learning for Specific Skills:** If you primarily use LinkedIn Premium for access to LinkedIn Learning courses, consider purchasing individual courses or a limited-time subscription to LinkedIn Learning instead of maintaining a full Premium subscription.
* **Leveraging Free LinkedIn Features:** Make the most of the free features offered by LinkedIn, such as networking, joining groups, and participating in discussions. You can still build your professional network and find opportunities without a Premium subscription.
## Conclusion
Cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps to avoid any unexpected charges or issues. By understanding the cancellation process for your specific subscription method (LinkedIn website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store) and by verifying the cancellation, you can ensure a smooth transition back to a basic LinkedIn account. Remember to consider the alternatives to cancellation and to leverage the free features offered by LinkedIn to continue building your professional network and career. If you encounter any problems during the cancellation process, don’t hesitate to contact LinkedIn Premium support, Apple Support, or Google Play support for assistance.