Many LinkedIn users sign up for LinkedIn Premium to take advantage of the additional features it offers, such as expanded profiles, unlimited searches, and customized recommendations. However, some users later decide they want to cancel their Premium subscription for various reasons. Canceling a LinkedIn Premium subscription can be confusing or seem impossible for some users. This article will provide answers to common questions around canceling LinkedIn Premium and tips for successfully downgrading from a paid subscription.
Why would I want to cancel LinkedIn Premium?
Here are some of the most common reasons users want to cancel their LinkedIn Premium subscription:
- The free version of LinkedIn meets their needs – Some users realize they aren’t taking full advantage of the Premium features and the free version does everything they need.
- It’s too expensive – The Premium subscription costs between $29.99-$59.99 per month depending on the plan, which is expensive for some users’ budgets.
- They’re not using it enough to justify the cost – If someone isn’t actively looking for a job or networking extensively, they may feel the monthly fee isn’t worth it.
- They only needed it short-term – Some users sign up for Premium when they are in job-hunting mode but then want to cancel it after finding a new position.
- They want to switch to a lower tier – LinkedIn offers multiple Premium subscription levels, so some users look to downgrade to a cheaper plan with fewer features.
- They no longer need the extra services – Premium offers additional services like coaching and interview preparation users may enroll in then want to cancel once completed.
The bottom line is Premium provides extras users may decide they don’t have a continual need for or want to pay for on an ongoing basis. The free version provides core LinkedIn functionality that meets many users’ professional networking needs.
How do I cancel LinkedIn Premium on desktop?
Here are step-by-step instructions for canceling a LinkedIn Premium subscription from a desktop:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- In the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy.”
- On the left sidebar, click “Account.”
- Under the “Premium” section, click “Downgrade to Free.”
- Toggle the switch off next to “Renew Automatically” so your subscription won’t renew at the end of the billing cycle.
- Follow the on-screen cancellation instructions and confirm when prompted.
It may take up to 24 hours for the cancellation to take effect. You will have access to Premium features until the current billing cycle ends.
How do I cancel LinkedIn Premium on mobile?
The process for canceling LinkedIn Premium on the mobile app is very similar:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap on your profile picture.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Account.”
- Tap “Premium.”
- Tap “Downgrade to Free.”
- Toggle off “Auto-Renew” and confirm the cancellation when prompted.
As on desktop, the cancellation can take up to 24 hours to complete, and you’ll have Premium access for the remainder of your billing cycle.
Why is canceling Premium tricky?
While the above steps seem straightforward, some users report difficulties canceling LinkedIn Premium for a few reasons:
- Auto-renewal is on by default – Users have to actively turn auto-renewal off, or their subscription will renew automatically at the end of each billing period. Many users don’t realize this.
- No clear cancel button – There is no obvious “cancel” button. Users must select the “Downgrade to Free” option to initiate cancellation.
- Hard to find cancellation options – The cancellation settings are buried under multiple menus, making them difficult to locate.
- No way to cancel online – Some users report the only way to cancel is to call LinkedIn directly, which is inconvenient.
- Confusing cancellation confirmation – LinkedIn’s confirmation language around successful cancellation can be unclear, leaving users uncertain if their Premium was really canceled.
These issues around auto-renewals, unlabeled buttons, and vague confirmations contribute to users struggling to cancel Premium even when they want to.
Why won’t LinkedIn let me cancel online?
Some LinkedIn users report that when trying to cancel Premium through their account settings, they get an on-screen message instructing them to call the LinkedIn customer service line instead of canceling online. There are a few potential reasons for this:
- Your payment method on file has changed or expired.
- You initiated a cancellation too recently. LinkedIn may require you to wait until the next billing date.
- You have an outdated LinkedIn plan that requires phone cancellation.
- You have multiple LinkedIn subscriptions requiring specialized cancellation.
- There is suspicious account activity causing a block on self-service cancellation.
- You have an outstanding Premium refund request.
- It is a glitch in LinkedIn’s systems or algorithms.
In most cases, being forced to cancel over the phone is an inconvenience but usually not impossible. However, some users report spending hours on hold or passed around different departments unsuccessfully when trying to cancel Premium via phone.
Tips for canceling LinkedIn Premium easily
To save yourself frustration, employ these tips when navigating the LinkedIn Premium cancellation process:
- Turn off auto-renewal immediately – As soon as you know you want to cancel, turn this setting off so you aren’t charged again at the end of your billing cycle.
- Mark your calendar – Note the exact date your Premium access will expire and follow up if you still have access after that date.
- Confirm cancellation via email – Request a cancellation confirmation email from LinkedIn for your records and as proof of cancellation.
- Take screenshots – Take screenshots of any cancellation screens or messages in case you need to dispute a renewal charge.
- Cancel early – Initiate cancellation at least several weeks before your next billing date to avoid restrictions on early cancellations.
- Avoid partial refund requests – Getting a refund makes you ineligible for self-service cancellation in many cases.
Following these best practices helps avoid unsuccessful or confusing cancellation attempts. Act promptly, collect confirmation, and cancel as far ahead of renewal as possible.
Can I get a refund if I cancel LinkedIn Premium?
Getting a refund for Premium after cancellation depends on when you cancel:
- Within 3 days of purchase – You are entitled to a full refund as long as you haven’t used any Premium features extensively.
- Within 1 month – LinkedIn may provide a partial refund minus the cost for that month. You must request cancellation within 30 days.
- After 1 month – No refunds are provided, but you can cancel to avoid being charged in the future. You retain Premium access until the billing cycle ends.
To request a Premium refund after cancellation, you must call or contact LinkedIn customer service; they do not handle refunds via account settings. Be aware that obtaining a refund often complicates the cancellation process and makes you ineligible for self-service cancellation in the future.
What happens when my Premium subscription expires?
Once your Premium billing cycle ends after a cancellation, here is what LinkedIn users can expect:
- Your profile, connections, and activity remain intact and viewable.
- You lose access to Premium features like customized recommendations and profile branding.
- You revert to the basic free account with core features only.
- Your profile will display “LinkedIn Member” rather than “LinkedIn Premium Member.”
- All Premium services and extras are unavailable until you renew or repurchase Premium.
Essentially, you become a regular free LinkedIn member again, retaining your profile and connections but losing Premium-only extras. Your usage becomes subject to free account limits and restrictions.
Can I reactivate my canceled Premium subscription?
Yes, if you change your mind after canceling Premium, you can easily reactivate the same subscription. Follow these steps:
- Log into your LinkedIn account and go to your profile settings.
- Click on “Premium” and select “Reactivate.”
- Pick your desired subscription plan.
- Enter your payment method to renew Premium access.
Your previous subscription and billing details remain stored in your account profile. You can restart Premium anytime without having to sign up and fill everything out again from scratch.
Conclusion
Canceling a LinkedIn Premium subscription can be confusing due to tricky auto-renewal setups, hard-to-find cancellation options, and vague confirmation messages. However, you can successfully downgrade to a free account by diligently turning off auto-renew immediately, requesting confirmation, and canceling well before your next billing cycle. With patience and persistence, you can remove unwanted LinkedIn Premium charges from your accounts and revert to LinkedIn’s basic free services instead.