Look, LinkedIn is great until it isn't. Maybe you landed that dream job at Google and don't need the InMail credits anymore. Or maybe the $39.99 (or way more for Sales Navigator) is just eating a hole in your budget every month for features you never touch. Whatever the reason, you’re here because you’re asking how do I cancel LinkedIn Premium without getting stuck in a loop of "are you sure?" pop-ups.
It's actually a bit of a maze.
LinkedIn doesn't exactly make the "exit" sign glow in neon lights. If you signed up on a desktop, it’s one path. If you used your iPhone, it’s a completely different headache involving Apple’s subscription settings. Honestly, if you don't do it right, you might think you canceled it only to see another charge hit your credit card next month. That’s the worst.
The basic "I'm on my computer" method
If you’re sitting at a desk, this is the most direct way to handle it. First, click on your face. Not your actual face, obviously, but the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
Navigate to Premium Subscriptions or Settings & Privacy. LinkedIn changes the labels slightly every few updates to keep us on our toes, but usually, you're looking for the "Account preferences" tab. There's a section specifically for "Subscriptions and payments." Click that.
Find where it says "Premium Subscription." You’ll see a button that says Cancel subscription.
Prepare yourself.
They are going to try and guilt-trip you. They’ll show you all the "Insights" you're going to lose and remind you that you won't be able to see who's been "stalking" your profile as easily. It’s basically digital emotional manipulation. Just keep clicking "Continue to cancel." They might even offer you a discount or a free month to stay. If you’re truly done, ignore the shiny objects and confirm the cancellation.
Once you’re through the gauntlet, check your email. If you don't have a confirmation email from LinkedIn, you probably didn't actually finish the process.
The Apple/iOS trap you need to know about
This is where people get really frustrated. If you bought your subscription through the LinkedIn app on an iPhone, LinkedIn literally cannot cancel it for you. They don't have your money; Apple does.
You’ll go into the LinkedIn settings and see a message saying something like "Your subscription was purchased through the Apple App Store. Please manage it there."
Here is how you actually kill it:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap your name at the very top. Tap Subscriptions. Find LinkedIn and hit Cancel.
If you don't see it there, check your iCloud email for the original receipt. Sometimes people have two Apple IDs—it happens to the best of us—and you might be looking in the wrong account. If you just delete the app from your phone, you are still being charged. Seriously. Deleting an app does not stop the billing cycle.
What happens to your data when you quit?
People panic about this. "Will my profile disappear?" No. "Will I lose my connections?" Definitely not.
Basically, you’re just getting downgraded to the "Basic" free version. You keep your resume, your posts, and your network. However, there are a few things that vanish instantly or at the end of your current billing cycle:
💡 You might also like: Why the US 6th Generation Fighter Might Be the Last Pilot-Flown Plane We Ever See
- InMail Credits: If you have 15 unused credits, use them now. Message that recruiter or that old boss. Once the subscription ends, those credits usually evaporate into the digital void.
- The Full "Who Viewed Your Profile" List: You'll go back to seeing only the last few people instead of the full 90-day history.
- Advanced Search Filters: If you use those specialized filters to find "Leads in the Chicago area at Series B startups," say goodbye to them.
It’s worth noting that if you’re in the middle of a free trial, canceling usually ends the trial benefits immediately. Don't wait until the very last hour of the 30th day to cancel, because time zones are a thing and you might get billed while you’re sleeping.
Why LinkedIn makes this so annoying
It’s called "Dark Patterns." It’s a UI/UX term for design choices that trick users into doing something or make it hard to undo something. LinkedIn wants that recurring revenue.
A study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been looking into these types of "click to subscribe, call to cancel" or "multi-step cancellation" tactics. While LinkedIn isn't as bad as some old-school newspapers that force you to get on a phone call with a retention specialist, it’s still more clicks than it needs to be.
If you’re having trouble because your account is "restricted" or you lost access to the email address associated with the account, you’re in for a bit of a slog. You’ll have to go through their help center and potentially upload a government ID to prove you are who you say you are. It’s a pain, but it’s for security.
How do I cancel LinkedIn Premium for a deceased family member?
This is a heavy topic but a common one. If you’re managing the estate of a loved one, you don't want their credit card getting dinged forever.
LinkedIn has a specific "Deceased Member" form. You’ll need the person's name, the URL to their profile, their email address, and a copy of the death certificate or an obituary. It’s a bit bureaucratic, but they are generally respectful about closing the account and stopping the billing once the paperwork is in.
Actionable steps for a clean break
Don't just wing it. If you're ready to stop paying, follow this checklist to ensure you don't get a surprise charge next month.
- Check your billing source: Look at your bank statement. If it says "Apple," cancel via iOS Settings. If it says "Google," use the Play Store. If it says "LinkedIn," use the desktop site.
- Burn your credits: Send those InMails today. You paid for them; use them to network before they expire.
- Screenshot the confirmation: Once you see the "Subscription Canceled" screen, take a quick screenshot. If there’s a glitch in their system and you get billed anyway, you’ll need this evidence for your bank to issue a chargeback.
- Set a calendar reminder: If you are currently on a free trial, set a reminder for two days before the trial ends. This gives you a buffer for any "processing time" glitches.
- Downgrade, don't delete: You don't need to delete your whole LinkedIn account just to stop the Premium charges. Just move to the "Basic" tier.
After you cancel, you’ll still have access to the Premium features until the end of the current period you already paid for. If you paid for a year upfront in January and cancel in February, you actually keep the features until the following January. They don't give prorated refunds usually, so you might as well get your money's worth for the remaining months.