How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Learn how to cancel LinkedIn Premium subscription on desktop, mobile, iOS & Android. Complete cancellation guide with refund policy and what happens next.
Want to cancel LinkedIn Premium? The process takes less than 2 minutes. Go to Settings & Privacy → Subscriptions & Payments → Manage Premium Account → Cancel Subscription. This guide covers cancellation on desktop, mobile app, iOS, and Android—plus what happens to your account afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Cancel at least 1 day before your next billing date to avoid being charged
- Desktop cancellation is easiest—mobile and iOS require different steps
- You keep Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle
- Refunds are possible within 7 days (14 days for EU members) without usage
- Your connections stay intact—you only lose Premium-specific features
How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium on Desktop (Recommended)
According to LinkedIn's official help documentation, here's the step-by-step process:
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Step 1: Access Settings
- Log in to LinkedIn on your desktop browser
- Click your profile photo in the top-right corner
- Select "Settings & Privacy" from the dropdown
Step 2: Find Subscription Settings
- Click "Subscriptions & Payments" in the left sidebar
- Select "Manage Premium Account"
Step 3: Cancel Your Subscription
- Click "Cancel Subscription"
- LinkedIn will show you what you'll lose—click "Continue to Cancel"
- Select your reason for canceling
- Confirm the cancellation
Your Premium access continues until the end of your current billing period.
How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium on Mobile (Android)
According to LinkedIn Help, Android users can cancel directly in the app:
- Open the LinkedIn app
- Tap your profile photo (top-left)
- Tap "Premium features"
- Select "Subscription details" under Premium Account and Features
- Tap "Manage subscription"
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Tap "Continue to cancel" and confirm
- Select your reason and tap "Continue to cancel"
How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium on iPhone/iPad (iOS)
If you subscribed through Apple's App Store, you cannot cancel on LinkedIn's website. According to LinkedIn's iTunes cancellation guide, you must cancel through Apple:
- Open Settings on your iPhone/iPad
- Tap your Apple ID (your name at the top)
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Find and tap "LinkedIn Premium"
- Tap "Cancel Subscription"
- Confirm the cancellation
Important: LinkedIn cannot access or modify iTunes subscriptions. For billing issues with iOS purchases, contact Apple Support.
How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium via Google Play Store
If you subscribed through Google Play, follow these steps per LinkedIn's documentation:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap your profile icon
- Select "Payments & subscriptions"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Find and select "LinkedIn Premium"
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Follow the prompts to confirm
Cancellation Method Comparison
Not sure which cancellation method applies to you? Use this quick reference:
| Method | Where You Subscribed | Cancellation Location | Refund Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | LinkedIn website | LinkedIn Settings | |
| Android app | LinkedIn app or website | LinkedIn app or website | |
| iOS (App Store) | Apple App Store | iPhone Settings → Subscriptions | Apple |
| Google Play | Google Play Store | Google Play → Subscriptions |
Key difference: If you subscribed through Apple or Google, LinkedIn cannot cancel your subscription—you must cancel through the platform where you originally purchased it.
What Happens After Cancellation: Timeline
Here's what to expect at each stage after you cancel:
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Cancellation confirmed via email |
| Until billing cycle ends | Full Premium access continues |
| Billing cycle end date | Premium features deactivated, badge removed |
| 30 days after | InMail threads still visible but can't send new ones |
| 90 days after | Profile viewer history reduced to last 5 viewers |
| 6 months after | Any promotional or discounted pricing eligibility expires |
LinkedIn Premium Refund Policy
According to LinkedIn's official refund policy, refunds are available under specific conditions:
| Region | Refund Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| General | 7 days | No Premium usage during the period |
| European Union | 14 days | Automatic right under EU consumer law |
| Germany | 1 month notice | Prorated refund for remaining period |
| Denmark/Netherlands | 1 month notice | Prorated refund for remaining period |
To request a refund:
- Visit LinkedIn's refund policy page
- Submit your account for review
- Explain your situation
LinkedIn typically processes refund requests within 5-7 business days.
What Happens After You Cancel LinkedIn Premium?
According to LinkedIn's cancellation FAQ, here's what to expect:
What You Keep
- All your connections—your network stays intact
- Messages and conversations—InMail threads remain accessible
- Profile content—headline, summary, experience unchanged
- Endorsements and recommendations—all preserved
- Premium access—until your billing period ends
What You Lose
| Feature Lost | Impact |
|---|---|
| InMail credits | Unused credits don't transfer to free account |
| Who viewed your profile | Limited to last 5 viewers (from full 90 days) |
| Premium badge | Gold badge removed from profile |
| Salary insights | No longer visible on job postings |
| LinkedIn Learning | Access to courses ends |
| Applicant insights | Can't see how you compare to other candidates |
| Premium search filters | Advanced filters no longer available |
Important: If you cancel a discounted plan or promotion, you cannot get that price again. According to LinkedIn Help, "If you cancel a promotion or a plan that is no longer offered, you will lose your discounted price."
LinkedIn Premium Pricing (2026)
Before canceling, here's what each plan costs according to LinkedIn's pricing page:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (per month) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Career | $29.99 | $19.99 | InMail, applicant insights, salary data |
| Premium Business | $59.99 | $47.99 | Unlimited browsing, business insights |
| Sales Navigator Core | $99.99 | $79.99 | Advanced lead search, CRM integration |
| Recruiter Lite | $170 | $140 | 30 InMail credits, recruiting tools |
Special Cancellation: Germany & United States
LinkedIn offers a special cancellation form for members in Germany and the United States. According to LinkedIn Help, you can cancel without signing in:
- Visit LinkedIn's special cancellation page
- Enter your email address
- Verify your identity
- Complete the cancellation
This is useful if you've forgotten your password or have account access issues.
How to Avoid Being Charged Again
To ensure you're not billed for another cycle:
- Cancel at least 1 day before your next billing date
- Check your billing date in Settings → Subscriptions & Payments
- Set a calendar reminder 3 days before renewal
- Verify cancellation by checking for a confirmation email from LinkedIn
Can You Pause LinkedIn Premium Instead?
No. According to LinkedIn's FAQ, LinkedIn doesn't offer a pause option. Your choices are:
- Keep the subscription and continue paying
- Cancel completely and lose Premium features at billing cycle end
- Downgrade (if on a higher tier) to a lower Premium plan
Restore Your LinkedIn Premium Subscription
Changed your mind? According to LinkedIn's restore documentation, you can restore your subscription before the billing cycle ends:
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Click "Subscriptions & Payments"
- Select "Manage Premium Account"
- Click "Restore subscription"
After your billing period ends, you'll need to purchase a new subscription at current pricing.
Why People Cancel LinkedIn Premium
According to research from Typefully, the most common reasons include:
- Limited ROI—InMails have low response rates (typically 5-15%)
- High cost—$30-60/month adds up to $360-720/year
- Underused features—most users only use 1-2 Premium features
- Free alternatives exist—many features have workarounds
- Outreach fatigue—Premium enables more cold outreach, which often backfires
LinkedIn Premium Free Trial Cancellation
Starting a LinkedIn Premium free trial? According to LinkedIn's trial terms, you'll be automatically charged when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand.
Free Trial Duration by Plan
| Premium Plan | Trial Length | Auto-Renewal Price |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Career | 30 days | $29.99/month |
| Premium Business | 30 days | $59.99/month |
| Sales Navigator Core | 30 days | $99.99/month |
| Recruiter Lite | 30 days | $170/month |
How to Cancel Before Being Charged
To avoid automatic billing after your free trial:
- Cancel at least 24 hours before your trial ends
- Check your trial end date in Settings → Subscriptions & Payments
- Set a reminder 2-3 days before the trial expires
- Follow the standard cancellation process (desktop method recommended)
Important: When you cancel a free trial, your Premium access ends immediately—you don't get to use it until the trial period ends. According to LinkedIn Help, "If you cancel during a free trial, you'll lose access right away."
What Happens When You Cancel During Trial
- Access ends immediately—no grace period to trial end date
- No charges applied—you won't be billed
- Can start another trial—but only if LinkedIn offers it again (not guaranteed)
- Profile reverts to free—Premium badge disappears instantly
Trial Cancellation Lock-Out Warning
According to LinkedIn's trial terms, canceling a free trial may affect future trial eligibility:
- 12-month waiting period: You typically cannot start another free trial for the same plan for at least 12 months
- Different plans may still offer trials: Canceling a Premium Career trial doesn't necessarily block a Sales Navigator trial
- LinkedIn controls eligibility: Trial availability is determined by LinkedIn and may vary by account
Pro tip: If you want to use the full trial period, wait until the last day to cancel. Just make sure you cancel before the exact time your trial started (check your confirmation email for the timestamp).
What to Do Before Canceling LinkedIn Premium
Don't cancel yet. According to LinkedIn's feature documentation, these Premium benefits disappear once your subscription ends. Here's what to save first:
1. Use Remaining InMail Credits
- Check your balance: Go to Messaging → InMail credits
- InMails don't carry over to free accounts
- Premium Career: 5 credits/month
- Premium Business: 15 credits/month
- Sales Navigator: 20-50 credits/month depending on tier
Action: Send strategic InMails to prospects you've been researching. InMail response rates are highest when personalized.
2. Download Profile Viewer Insights
According to LinkedIn Analytics, you'll lose access to 90 days of profile viewer history.
How to save this data:
- Go to Who's Viewed Your Profile
- Take screenshots of viewer demographics
- Note which companies are viewing you
- Export viewer names if you recognize potential leads
Free account limitation: You'll only see the last 5 viewers after Premium expires.
3. Save Applicant Insights Data
If you're job hunting with Premium Career, you have access to valuable data:
- How you compare to other applicants
- Salary ranges for positions
- Top skills companies are seeking
- Insights on who viewed your application
Action: Screenshot this data for roles you've applied to. You won't be able to access it after canceling.
4. Export LinkedIn Learning Certificates
According to LinkedIn Learning, your course access ends when Premium expires.
Before canceling:
- Download all course certificates from completed courses
- Add certificates to your LinkedIn profile (these stay visible)
- Save any course notes or resources you want to keep
- Finish any in-progress courses
5. Document Your Search Performance
If you're using Sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite:
- Export lead lists you've built
- Screenshot search filters that work well
- Note accounts showing buying signals
- Save any CRM integrations or notes
Action: According to Sales Navigator documentation, saved leads and accounts are deleted 90 days after cancellation.
6. Update Your Profile Strategy
Your Premium badge disappears after canceling. According to LinkedIn research, profiles with Premium badges get 21% more profile views.
Compensate by:
- Adding social proof to your headline
- Updating your About section with clear value proposition
- Making your profile photo more professional
- Adding recent accomplishments to Featured section
Pre-Cancellation Checklist
Use this checklist before hitting "Cancel Subscription":
- Spend all remaining InMail credits
- Screenshot profile viewer analytics
- Export applicant insights for job applications
- Download LinkedIn Learning certificates
- Export Sales Navigator lead lists (if applicable)
- Save important search filters and notes
- Update profile to compensate for Premium badge removal
- Verify billing date to time cancellation correctly
LinkedIn Premium Downgrade Options
Before canceling completely, consider downgrading. According to LinkedIn's subscription management, you can switch to a lower-tier plan and keep some Premium benefits at a lower cost.
Available Downgrade Paths
| Current Plan | Can Downgrade To | Monthly Savings | What You Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Navigator Core ($99.99) | Premium Business ($59.99) | $40 | InMail, unlimited browsing, insights |
| Sales Navigator Core ($99.99) | Premium Career ($29.99) | $70 | InMail, job insights, salary data |
| Premium Business ($59.99) | Premium Career ($29.99) | $30 | InMail, applicant insights, learning |
| Recruiter Lite ($170) | Sales Navigator ($99.99) | $70 | Lead search, InMail, CRM tools |
How to Downgrade LinkedIn Premium
According to LinkedIn Help, downgrading works differently than canceling:
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Click "Subscriptions & Payments"
- Select "Manage Premium Account"
- Click "Change plan" (not "Cancel")
- Choose your new Premium tier
- Confirm the change
Important downgrade rules:
- Immediate switch: According to LinkedIn, "When you downgrade, you'll switch to the new plan at the end of your current billing cycle."
- Prorated billing: You're not charged twice—the lower rate applies from your next billing date
- Can't downgrade mid-cycle: Changes take effect on renewal date
- Feature access: You keep current-tier features until billing cycle ends
When Downgrading Makes Sense
Choose Premium Career ($29.99) if you:
- Only need InMail and don't use advanced search
- Are job hunting and want applicant insights
- Want salary data but don't need business features
- Can work with 5 InMail credits/month instead of 15-50
Choose Premium Business ($59.99) if you:
- Need more InMail credits than Career (15/month vs 5/month)
- Use unlimited private browsing regularly
- Want business insights but don't need Sales Navigator
- Engage in business development but not hardcore sales
Cancel completely if:
- You're not using InMail credits at all
- Profile viewers and insights don't drive actual business
- You're spending more than you're making from Premium features
- You can build authority through content instead of outreach
Alternative to Premium: LinkedIn Essentials
In 2025, LinkedIn launched LinkedIn Essentials at $19.99/month according to their pricing updates. This limited plan includes:
- 3 InMail credits/month
- Basic profile viewer insights (30 days instead of 90)
- No LinkedIn Learning access
- Limited search filters
Availability: Currently only available in select regions. Check your account settings to see if it's offered.
Downgrade vs. Cancel Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | Best Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Using 1-2 InMails monthly | Downgrade to Premium Career | Save $40-140/month, keep what you use |
| Only job searching | Downgrade to Premium Career | Applicant insights worth $29.99 for active search |
| Not using InMail at all | Cancel completely | No point paying for unused features |
| Need Sales Navigator features | Keep current plan | Advanced lead search has no lower-tier equivalent |
| Want to try cheaper option first | Downgrade to Career for 1 month | Test if lower tier meets your needs |
According to LinkedIn's terms, you can always upgrade again later, but promotional pricing won't be available. If you're on a discounted plan, downgrading means losing that discount permanently.
A Better Alternative: Inbound Lead Generation
Many professionals cancel LinkedIn Premium because cold outreach doesn't work. InMails average just 10-25% response rates according to LinkedIn's own data—and those responses aren't always positive.
Consider this: instead of paying for InMail credits to chase prospects, what if prospects came to you?
The Inbound Approach
| Outbound (Premium InMails) | Inbound (Authority Building) |
|---|---|
| 5-15% response rate | 70%+ positive conversations |
| Prospects feel interrupted | Prospects feel attracted |
| $30-170/month for credits | $39/month for visibility |
| You chase leads | Leads come to you |
When you build authority through strategic engagement:
- Prospects reach out first—they've seen your expertise
- Conversations start warm—they already trust you
- Close rates are higher—14.6% vs 1.7% according to HubSpot
How ConnectSafely.ai Replaces Premium Outreach
Instead of paying for more InMails, ConnectSafely.ai helps you attract inbound leads:
- Strategic engagement puts your insights in front of ideal clients
- Authority building makes your profile worth visiting
- AI-powered visibility ensures consistent presence without manual effort
- Platform-compliant approach means zero ban risk
At $39/month, you get what Premium promises but rarely delivers: actual qualified leads reaching out to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel LinkedIn Premium on my phone?
On Android, open the LinkedIn app → tap your profile photo → Premium features → Subscription details → Manage subscription → Cancel subscription. For iPhone, go to Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions → LinkedIn Premium → Cancel Subscription.
Will I lose my connections if I cancel LinkedIn Premium?
No. Your connections, messages, endorsements, and recommendations all remain intact. You only lose Premium-specific features like InMail credits, the premium badge, and full profile viewer history.
Can I get a refund after canceling LinkedIn Premium?
Yes, within 7 days of being charged if you haven't used Premium features. EU members get 14 days automatically. Visit LinkedIn's refund policy page to submit a request.
How do I cancel LinkedIn Premium without logging in?
Members in Germany and the United States can use LinkedIn's special cancellation form without signing in. You'll need to verify your identity via email.
What happens to my InMail credits when I cancel?
Unused InMail credits are forfeited when your Premium subscription ends. They don't transfer to your free account, so use them before canceling.
Is LinkedIn Premium worth keeping for job seekers?
It depends on your search intensity. Premium Career ($29.99/month) shows salary ranges and how you compare to applicants. However, many job seekers find building authority through content attracts recruiter attention more effectively than Premium badges.
How do I check my LinkedIn Premium billing date?
Go to Settings & Privacy → Subscriptions & Payments. Your next billing date appears under your subscription details. Cancel at least 1 day before this date to avoid charges.
Looking for a better way to generate LinkedIn leads? Start your free trial and discover how inbound authority beats cold InMails.
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