LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking platforms, with over 810 million members worldwide as of 2022. Like most social media platforms, LinkedIn offers both website and mobile app versions for users. But is the LinkedIn mobile app free to download and use?
Is the LinkedIn app free?
The short answer is yes, the LinkedIn mobile app is free to download and use on both iOS and Android devices. Unlike some social media platforms that offer basic features for free but require a paid subscription for advanced options, LinkedIn does not put any core app features behind a paywall.
You can download and use the LinkedIn app for free to:
- View and edit your profile
- Connect with professionals in your network
- Search jobs and apply
- Join groups and follow companies
- View feed posts and articles
- Send messages
- Get notifications
Some additional features like specialized job seeking tools, unlimited profile views, advanced messaging options, and virtual networking events require a paid Premium subscription. But the core functionality to manage your professional profile and network is free.
Downloading the app
Downloading the LinkedIn mobile app is quick and simple:
On iPhone
- Open the App Store on your iOS device
- Search for “LinkedIn”
- Tap the Get or Download button next to the LinkedIn app
- Tap Install to begin downloading
On Android
- Open the Play Store on your Android device
- Search for “LinkedIn”
- Tap the LinkedIn app listing
- Tap Install to begin downloading
The LinkedIn app is free to download on both platforms and only takes a minute or two to install over a WiFi or mobile data connection.
Signing in
Once you’ve downloaded the LinkedIn app, you can sign in using your existing LinkedIn account credentials:
- Open the LinkedIn app on your device
- Enter your email address associated with your LinkedIn account
- Enter your account password
- Tap Sign In
If you don’t already have a LinkedIn account, you can quickly sign up for one for free directly in the mobile app.
Key app features
With the LinkedIn app installed and logged in, here are some of the key free features you can use:
Profile management
Add and update your profile details like work experience, education, skills, accomplishments, recommendations, and more from the app. You can also control your profile visibility settings.
Networking
Connect with new professionals, engage with your network, follow companies, and join industry groups right in the app.
Job seeking
Search for job openings, apply, and manage your job applications. Get notified when recruiters view your profile.
Messaging
Communicate one-on-one or in groups via the LinkedIn messaging feature.
Stay informed
Follow news channels, companies, hashtags, and influencers. Read articles and interact with posts from your network feed.
Notifications
Get real-time notifications about networking opportunities, messages, job updates, trending articles, and other app activity.
Premium features (paid)
While the LinkedIn app’s core features are free, upgrading to a paid Premium subscription unlocks benefits like:
| Premium Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Open profile viewing | See who’s viewed your profile without using up your allotted views |
| Advanced profile controls | Select who can view your profile and activities |
| Extended LinkedIn Learning access | Take LinkedIn Learning courses for professional development |
| Premium messaging | Communicate with anyone, regardless of your network |
| Virtual events | Attend live-streamed conferences, classes and networking events |
Premium subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis, starting at $29.99 per month. You can sign up and manage your subscription directly within the LinkedIn app.
LinkedIn Lite app
In addition to the full-featured LinkedIn app, there is also a more lightweight LinkedIn Lite app available. This stripped down version is designed for areas with limited internet bandwidth and storage space on devices.
LinkedIn Lite provides access to core networking features like managing your profile, connecting with professionals, messaging, receiving notifications, and searching jobs. But it removes some bandwidth-heavy elements like video, ads, and unnecessary graphics.
The LinkedIn Lite app is also free to download and use on both iOS and Android. It’s a good alternative if you want access to basic LinkedIn functions but don’t require all the bells and whistles.
Conclusion
Having a strong professional network is invaluable for career development and opportunities. The LinkedIn mobile app makes it simple to build and engage with your network from anywhere, at any time.
With the ability to create a detailed profile, search jobs, connect with professionals, join groups, follow companies, and stay on top of industry news, the LinkedIn app provides robust tools for managing your professional identity.
And the best part is that core access to these networking features is completely free. You can download the LinkedIn mobile app on both iPhone and Android without paying anything. Premium subscriptions provide additional benefits, but are optional. So don’t hesitate to install the LinkedIn app and start growing your professional community.