How to Deactivate LinkedIn Premium: Cancelling Your Premium Subscription on LinkedIn

If you've been exploring the world of professional networking, you might have come across LinkedIn Premium. This subscription service offers a suite of features designed to enhance your job search, networking, and overall online presence. Whether you’re aiming to connect with recruiters, showcase your skills to potential employers, or just enjoy a more tailored experience on LinkedIn, Premium seems appealing at first. However, sometimes the features you thought you needed may not align with your current goals or budget. Let’s delve into some compelling reasons to consider canceling your LinkedIn Premium subscription.

Reasons to Cancel Your LinkedIn Premium Subscription

There are several reasons you might decide it’s time to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription. Let’s explore some of the most common motivations that lead users to reassess their investment:

• Insufficient Use: One of the most significant reasons people choose to cancel is the lack of utilization of premium features. If you find that you're not using tools like InMail, enhanced search options, or the LinkedIn Learning library, it might not make sense to keep paying for something you're not leveraging.
• Cost Consideration: LinkedIn Premium can come with a hefty price tag. For many, especially those just starting their careers or on a tight budget, the monthly fee may feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. If you’re looking to cut back on expenses, this might be an area to look at.
• Temporary Career Changes: Sometimes your professional needs change unexpectedly. If you’re in between jobs, focusing on a different career path, or even shifting to freelance work, having a Premium account might not be essential. You can always return to it when you're in a different phase of your career.
• Alternative Resources: Many users discover that there are other platforms and resources that provide similar benefits without the subscription fees. For example, free tools and resume-building websites can help you secure job opportunities without the added costs of Premium membership.
• Limited Networking Success: If you’re not seeing the results you hoped for in terms of job opportunities or professional connections, it might lead you to rethink the value of your Premium subscription. If the platform isn't helping you achieve your career goals, questioning the sustainability of your membership makes sense.

Ultimately, the decision to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription should be based on your professional goals and how you use the platform. It’s essential to evaluate your needs regularly and ensure that every investment supports your career aspirations. As you reflect on whether to maintain or pause your subscription, consider trying the free version of LinkedIn for a while to see if it meets your needs before making a permanent decision.

Also Read This: How to View LinkedIn Profiles Anonymously Without Being Detected

3. Steps to Deactivate LinkedIn Premium

Ready to say goodbye to your LinkedIn Premium subscription? No problem! Canceling is a straightforward process, but it’s good to follow the steps carefully to ensure everything goes as planned. Here’s a quick guide on how to deactivate your LinkedIn Premium subscription in just a few easy steps:

1. Log into Your LinkedIn Account: Start by signing into your LinkedIn account on your computer or mobile device. Make sure you enter the correct credentials to access your profile.
2. Access Your Account Settings: Once you're logged in, look for your profile photo in the top right corner. Click on it and select 'Settings & Privacy' from the dropdown menu. This will take you to a new page with various account options.
3. Locate the Premium Subscription Settings: In the settings menu, find the 'Subscriptions' section. Click on it to see details about your current Premium account.
4. Cancel Your Premium Subscription: You should now see an option that mentions your LinkedIn Premium status, along with a button that says 'Cancel Subscription' or something similar. Click that button.
5. Confirm Your Cancellation: LinkedIn will typically ask you for confirmation before completing the cancellation process. They might even offer a reason for your cancellation. Choose your reason if prompted and hit 'Continue' to finalize your cancellation.

It’s that simple! You’ll receive a confirmation email from LinkedIn once your cancellation is complete. Keep in mind that you can continue to enjoy your Premium benefits until the end of your billing period, so you’re not losing access right away.

Also Read This: Uninstalling LinkedIn: A Complete Guide for Deactivating or Deleting Your Account

4. Things to Consider Before Canceling

Before you hit that cancel button, take a moment to consider a few important factors. While LinkedIn Premium can be a great tool for networking, job searching, and skill development, it's crucial to evaluate whether you truly need it moving forward. Here are some points to ponder:

• Usage Frequency: How often have you been using your LinkedIn Premium account? If you find that you rarely use the features, it might be a good time to cancel. However, if you rely on it for job insights or messaging connections, consider keeping the subscription.
• Job Market: Are you actively job hunting? LinkedIn Premium offers invaluable tools for job seekers, such as seeing who viewed your profile and accessing detailed salary insights. If you’re in a job search phase, it may be worth continuing your subscription.
• Skill Development: With LinkedIn Learning included in the premium membership, think about the classes you might want to take. If you have specific skills you want to develop or courses you’ve been eyeing, it might be beneficial to retain your subscription just a bit longer.
• Budget Considerations: Let’s face it, subscription services can add up. If you're on a tight budget, weigh the monthly cost against the benefits you actually use. If it feels more like a luxury than a necessity, consider canceling for now.
• Potential Promotions: Sometimes, LinkedIn offers promotional rates or discounts that might lure you back if you cancel. Watch for emails or notifications for possible offers, so you can jump back in when it suits you.

Ultimately, the decision to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription is yours. Take a little time to reflect on how you use the platform and whether the premium features genuinely add value to your professional life. Remember, you can always reactivate your subscription later if you change your mind!

Also Read This: What Does 3rd+ Mean on LinkedIn? Connection Levels Explained

5. How Canceling Affects Your LinkedIn Account

So, you’ve decided to cancel your LinkedIn Premium subscription, but what does that mean for your account? First off, it's essential to understand that canceling your subscription doesn't delete your LinkedIn account. Your profile remains intact, and you can still connect with others, post updates, and engage with your network.

However, you'll notice a few differences once your Premium features are removed:

• Access to Premium Features: After cancellation, you'll lose access to features like InMail messages, who viewed your profile insights, and advanced search filters. If you've been relying on these tools to network or job search, it's something to keep in mind.
• Visibility of Your Profile: Premium members often show up in more searches compared to standard users. Once you go back to the free version, you might not appear as prominently in searches, which could affect your overall visibility on the platform.
• Job Insights: If you used LinkedIn Premium for job applications, you’ll lose detailed insights about other applicants and salary estimates for roles. This information can be quite useful when applying for jobs, so consider how this change might impact your job search strategy.
• No More Learning Courses: LinkedIn Learning is a valuable resource packed with courses on various topics. Canceling your Premium subscription will cut off access to these courses unless you pay for them separately.
• Saved Searches: Any saved searches or alerts set up during your subscription may no longer function as they did before, and you'll need to reconfigure them as a basic user.

In summary, while canceling LinkedIn Premium will save you some money, be prepared for a shift in how you interact with the platform. If you heavily utilized the advanced features, you might want to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making the final decision.

Also Read This: How Can I Change My Email on LinkedIn? Steps for Updating Your LinkedIn Email Address

6. Alternatives to LinkedIn Premium

If you're stepping away from LinkedIn Premium but still want to leverage networking and job searching effectively, don’t worry! There are various options available to help you maintain your professional presence without the costs associated with Premium. Here are some alternatives:

• Networking Groups: Look for local and online industry-specific groups. Sites like Meetup or even Facebook Groups can offer fantastic networking opportunities without the cost.
• Free Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer free or low-cost courses to help you learn new skills and enhance your resume. This way, you can keep your skills sharp without needing LinkedIn Learning.
• Job Alerts on Free Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired allow you to set job alerts based on your criteria. These sites can be just as effective for job hunting as LinkedIn's job postings.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: Local libraries, community colleges, and industry organizations often host free workshops. These are great for networking and learning new skills without any cost.
• Utilize Free LinkedIn Features: Even without Premium, LinkedIn still offers many tools. Keep your profile updated, share relevant content, and participate in discussions within your connections to maintain visibility.

Cancelling LinkedIn Premium doesn’t mean stepping away from your professional goals. With these alternatives, you can continue to grow your skills, network effectively, and keep your career moving forward without the pressure of a subscription fee. So, be resourceful, stay connected, and keep pursuing your professional aspirations!

Conclusion

In summary, canceling your LinkedIn Premium subscription is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Whether you are considering canceling due to financial reasons, lack of use, or a change in your professional networking strategy, it is important to make an informed decision. Follow the guidelines outlined above to ensure a smooth cancellation process.

Key Takeaways:

• Access your LinkedIn account settings easily.
• Understand your billing cycle to avoid unexpected charges.
• Consider whether you need to export any contacts or data before canceling.
• Evaluate if a temporary suspension might meet your needs better.

If you are unsure whether to cancel or simply want to explore other features, remember that you can always reach out to LinkedIn support for assistance or clarification on any premium features you might find beneficial.

Ultimately, the choice to cancel your subscription should reflect your current professional needs and goals. Don't hesitate to reassess your situation in the future and consider re-subscribing if your needs change.