LinkedIn Navigator is LinkedIn’s premium subscription service that unlocks several useful features for finding new business opportunities and connecting with other professionals. However, at $79.99 per month, it may be out of reach for many LinkedIn users. The good news is that there are a few legitimate ways to access some Navigator features for free.
What is LinkedIn Navigator?
LinkedIn Navigator provides users with powerful tools for searching LinkedIn, viewing extended profiles, and messaging other members. Some of the key features include:
- Seeing who viewed your profile
- Unlocking contact info for premium members
- Advanced profile search filters
- InMail messages
- Ability to follow up to 200 companies
For sales professionals, recruiters, and others who rely heavily on LinkedIn for business, Navigator can provide invaluable visibility and access to make meaningful connections. But the monthly cost makes it unrealistic for many casual users.
Get a Free Trial
The easiest way to access Navigator features for free is to sign up for LinkedIn’s one month free trial. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to the LinkedIn Premium page and click “Start your free trial.”
- Select the “Premium Career” plan, which includes Navigator.
- Enter your payment info – this is needed upfront but you won’t be charged.
- Use Navigator features free for 1 month. Be sure to cancel before the month is up if you want to avoid being charged $79.99.
The free trial gives you full access to all Navigator features. Take the time to explore the advanced search filters, view extended profiles in your industry, and send some InMail messages to potentially valuable contacts. Just be sure to cancel the trial before the month is up.
Use Navigator for Work
If you use LinkedIn extensively for work, there’s a good chance your company already pays for a Navigator subscription. Many businesses invest in premium LinkedIn access for their sales, recruiting, and marketing teams. Ask your manager or IT department if a Navigator license is available to employees at your company. You can instantly unlock all of Navigator’s perks for free if your employer foots the bill.
Refer a Friend
Current Navigator subscribers can earn free months by referring friends and contacts. Here’s how it works:
- Locate the “Refer a Friend” section under your Navigator account settings.
- Share your unique referral link via email, social media, or text.
- If someone signs up for Navigator using your link, you get 1 free month added to your subscription.
- There’s no limit, so refer as many friends as possible to earn multiple free months!
This is a great way for current subscribers to take advantage of their network and unlock free Navigator access. Even if you only refer a couple friends, you can easily earn an extra month or two for free.
Sign Up as a Student
College students can unlock a highly discounted Navigator subscription for just $14.99 per month. Follow these steps:
- Click the “Premium” tab on LinkedIn and select “Student.”
- Enter your .edu email address to prove you’re a student.
- Review the discounted Premium Career (Navigator) plan option.
- Subscribe and start using Navigator at the low student rate!
The student offer provides complete access to Navigator for about 80% off the regular price. And it’s renewable each year you remain a student. Graduating students even get an extra year at the discount after finishing school.
Split the Cost
If you have a friend, significant other, or family member who also wants LinkedIn Navigator access, consider splitting the cost. For example, if you split a year subscription, each person only pays around $40 for a full year of Navigator features. Here are some options:
- Go half and half on the annual plan. At $79.99 per month, the total annual price is $959.88. Split between two people, that’s just $479.94 each.
- Have 3 people split the annual plan for only $319.96 per person.
- Find a group of up to 10 people to drop the shared cost to just $95.99 each for the year.
While not free, dividing a Navigator subscription can make the premium features much more affordable. And with the group messaging features, you and your split partners can easily coordinate accessing your shared account.
Use Someone Else’s Profile
If you have a friend, family member, or colleague who has a Navigator subscription, you may be able to access some features through their account. For example:
- Ask them to send InMails on your behalf to premium members.
- Have them look up profile viewers and contact info you couldn’t access.
- Use their computer/device to browse LinkedIn when logged into their Navigator account.
Now of course, you need to ensure the account holder is comfortable sharing their access. And it’s limited compared to having your own subscription. But it’s a handy work-around in a pinch!
Try an Alternative Service
While not LinkedIn Navigator, there are some alternative services that provide similar premium features. For example:
- Hunter.io – Searches email addresses associated with LinkedIn profiles. Free plan lets you search up to 50 per month.
- RocketReach – Find contact info for 60-70% of LinkedIn members. Free version has limited searches.
- ContactOut – Browser extension adds contact info to LinkedIn profiles. $9.99 per month personal plan.
The free versions of these tools allow you to unlock some premium LinkedIn capabilities without paying for Navigator. While not a perfect substitute, they provide helpful alternatives.
Wait for a Promotion
Occasionally LinkedIn offers discounted Navigator subscriptions or free trial extensions. Watch for deals around holidays and major events. For example:
- Free 1 week trial extension for referring a friend
- 50% off quarterly billing cycles
- 2 free months added to annual subscriptions
Following LinkedIn’s page, checking your email, or talking to a sales rep can help you find these limited-time promotions. With the right deal, you may be able to squeeze some free months out of a Navigator subscription.
Use the Alumni Tool
If you graduated from college, you likely have free access to Navigator through your alumni network. Here’s how it works:
- Head to your university’s alumni page on LinkedIn.
- Click the Premium tab and select “Try Alumni Premium for Free.”
- Enter your graduation year and school email.
- Access 1 month of Navigator for free as an alum!
This gives graduates a full month to take advantage of Navigator at no cost. And some schools even offer discounted alumni subscriptions after the first free month.
Partner With an Agency
Some marketing and recruiting agencies hold Navigator subscriptions for their teams. Consider reaching out to a few of these firms to see if you can leverage their access for free. For example:
- Offer your time or services in exchange for using their Navigator account.
- Ask if they’d be willing to partner and share their subscription.
- See if an agency needs any assistants or interns who could use their subscription.
Most agencies won’t hand out their login info. But some may allow you to work onsite and use Navigator if you provide value in return. It never hurts to ask!
Negotiate With Your Employer
If your employer doesn’t already have a Navigator subscription, try negotiating one as part of your job offer or promotion. Some points to make:
- Navigator helps you network, recruit, and sell more effectively.
- Premium access leads to more prospects and sales.
- It’s a valuable work tool at just $60-$80 per month.
- Many competitors already provide it to their employees.
Present it as an investment in your performance that pays for itself with results. Offer to go halfsies or have it count toward your benefits budget. Some employers may be willing to cover the cost or split it if you make a compelling case.
Find a Used Subscription Code
Some purchasers of LinkedIn Navigator receive a subscription code but end up not using it. You may be able to find an unused code on sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Reddit. However, use caution – many of these are scams.
To safely buy a subscription code:
- Only purchase from reputable sellers with lots of positive reviews.
- Choose a verified purchase option like eBay’s Buyer Protection program.
- Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cash transfer apps.
- Confirm the code works before completing payment.
With diligence, you may be able to get a working Navigator code for a heavily discounted price. But be very careful of the many code scams out there.
Developer Workarounds
Using technical workarounds, some developers have found ways to unlock Navigator features for free. But be aware:
- These tricks violate LinkedIn’s terms and could get you banned.
- Bypassing their paywall is unethical and robs LinkedIn of subscription revenue.
- Hacks often stop working as LinkedIn fixes the loopholes.
A few illegitimate examples include using modified APIs, browser extensions, and scripts to spoof Navigator access. While tempting, it’s best to avoid unethical technical shortcuts.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn Navigator is a paid subscription, there are creative and legitimate ways to access some features for free. Your best options are signing up for a free trial, getting access through work or school, referral deals, or splitting the cost with others. Or consider using the alumni tool, waiting for a sale, or negotiating with your employer. With the right approach, you can unlock Navigator’s premium features without paying full price.