As a LinkedIn user, you may have upgraded to a paid Premium subscription at some point to access additional features like InMail, profile highlight, expanded network, etc. However, as your needs change over time, you may find yourself wondering if you can downgrade or cancel your Premium membership.
Can you downgrade from Premium to Basic?
Yes, it is possible to downgrade from a paid Premium subscription to the free Basic level on LinkedIn. Here are the steps to downgrade your account:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and go to your Settings page.
- Under the “Account” section, click on “Manage your Premium subscription”.
- You will see options to downgrade to Basic, pause your subscription, or cancel Premium.
- Click on “Downgrade to Basic” and confirm your choice.
Once you confirm the downgrade, your account will revert to the free Basic access. You will lose access to Premium features like InMail, profile highlight, etc. Any unused InMails will also be lost.
What features will you lose when downgrading from Premium?
Here are some of the key LinkedIn Premium features that you will lose access to when you downgrade to the Basic account:
- InMail messages – Ability to send direct messages to anyone, even those outside your network
- Profile highlight – Your profile will not be highlighted in search results
- Expanded network – You will only see profiles up to 3rd degree connections vs. all Premium connections
- Advanced profile metrics – Such as who’s viewed your profile, graphical breakdowns, etc.
- Premium learning content – Unlimited access to Premium video courses and learning resources
Additionally, you will see more ads when you revert to the Basic account. However, core features like creating a profile, connecting with others, joining groups, viewing feed posts, etc. will still be available.
What happens to unused InMails when you downgrade?
One of the key Premium features is InMail messages that let you directly contact other members outside your network. When you downgrade from Premium, any unused InMail credits will be permanently lost. So make sure to use up any available InMails before you downgrade.
For example, if you pre-purchased a pack of 10 InMails as part of your Premium subscription but have only used 5 so far, the remaining 5 InMails will be voided when you revert to Basic access. So use your available InMails judiciously before downgrading.
Can you restore Premium after downgrading?
Yes, it is possible to reactivate your Premium membership even after downgrading to the Basic level. Here is how you can restore your Premium access:
- Go to your account Settings and click on “Manage your Premium subscription”.
- Choose the “Reactivate Premium” option.
- Select your desired Premium subscription type.
- Enter your payment information and confirm.
Once the payment goes through, your Premium access will be restored along with features like InMail, profile highlight, etc. So you can flexibly switch between free and paid plans based on your needs.
Does downgrading prorate your remaining Premium subscription?
When you downgrade from Premium to Basic, LinkedIn does not prorate or refund the unused portion of your paid subscription. Here are the implications:
- If you have an annual Premium subscription, downgrading will forfeit the remaining unused months. No partial refund is provided.
- For monthly subscriptions, you will not get a refund for the current billing month when downgrading. The change takes effect from the next monthly cycle.
- Any unused InMail credits will be permanently expired and non-refundable.
So LinkedIn does not offer prorated downgrades or refunds. The change from Premium to Basic takes effect immediately, without any credits for unused subscription time.
How soon can you downgrade after upgrading to Premium?
There is no minimum time commitment required to downgrade after upgrading to Premium. You can technically downgrade back to Basic immediately after purchasing a Premium upgrade.
However, it is recommended that you first take some time to benefit from the Premium features instead of downgrading right away. Try using the additional features for at least a month before deciding to revert to Basic.
Pros of downgrading to LinkedIn Basic
Here are some potential advantages of downgrading from Premium to Basic:
- Save money – Avoid paying for Premium features that you may not be using actively.
- Less distraction – Premium feeds can have increased noise vs. Basic feed.
- Refocus – Strip away extra features and refocus on core LinkedIn activities.
- Flexible plans – Ability to upgrade again in future if needed.
Cons of downgrading to LinkedIn Basic
Some drawbacks of reverting to a Basic account include:
- Lose Premium features – No more InMail, profile highlight, expanded network, etc.
- More ads – Increased advertisements and sponsored content.
- Less metrics – Loss of profile views, search appearance and other analytics.
- Difficulty reconnecting – Need to send connection invites vs. InMail to engage others.
Conclusion
Here is a summary of key points related to downgrading from LinkedIn Premium:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you downgrade Premium to Basic? | Yes |
| Do you lose unused InMails? | Yes |
| Is unused Premium time prorated? | No |
| Can Premium be restored later? | Yes |
In conclusion, while Premium enables advanced networking capabilities, downgrading to Basic still allows you to have an active presence on LinkedIn at zero cost. Carefully evaluate whether the Premium features are worth the monthly fees based on your professional needs and goals.
With the flexibility to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime, you have full control over which level of access best suits your current requirements as a LinkedIn user.
