How to cancel your LinkedIn subscription in new zealand and reclaim your money
Why you might want to cancel LinkedIn premium
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that connects job seekers, recruiters, business professionals and learning enthusiasts across the globe. The service operates on a freemium model, meaning you can use basic features without paying anything, or you can upgrade to a paid Premium membership to unlock advanced tools like InMail messaging, detailed profile insights and exclusive learning content.
You access LinkedIn through web browsers on your desktop, or via the mobile app on Android and iOS devices. Your billing and subscription settings can differ depending on where you purchased your membership, so knowing your purchase channel is the first step to a smooth cancellation. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand professionals navigate subscription termination, and understanding your options puts you in control of your account and budget.
When cancellation makes sense
You should cancel your LinkedIn Premium if you're not actively job hunting, you don't use InMail or learning features, or your budget doesn't stretch to ongoing subscription costs. You might also cancel if you've landed a role and no longer need recruiter visibility, or if you're taking a career break. The good news is that cancelling does not delete your profile or connections, so you can always restart a Premium subscription later if your situation changes.
Free versus premium features
LinkedIn's free tier gives you a complete profile, the ability to search and connect with other professionals, and access to your messaging inbox. Premium upgrades add features like advanced search filters, the ability to send direct messages to anyone (InMail), detailed profile visitor insights, and curated learning courses. Most casual users find the free version sufficient, which is why many decide to cancel their Premium subscriptions after their trial period or annual renewal.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
New Zealand protects consumers through the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, both of which give you certain rights when you purchase digital services like LinkedIn Premium. Understanding these rights puts you in a stronger position if something goes wrong with your subscription or refund claim.
What the consumer guarantees act covers
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, digital services must be of acceptable quality, safe, fit for purpose and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. If LinkedIn Premium fails to deliver these guarantees, you may be entitled to a refund or correction. However, this Act does not automatically grant you a 14-day cooling-off period for digital purchases, unlike some other countries.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct, including false claims about service features or pricing. If you believe LinkedIn has misrepresented its features or if the service is defective, document your experience and contact the company's legal department with evidence. If LinkedIn refuses to help, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer protection authority, which investigates unfair trading practices and subscription traps.
Your legal position on refunds
You have the right to request a refund if: LinkedIn Premium fails to meet acceptable quality standards; the service is materially different from what was advertised; or you cancelled within any applicable trial period before being charged. You do not automatically have a 14-day right of return for digital services under New Zealand law, unlike the European Union. Your strongest position is to document the issue in writing and send it to LinkedIn's legal department within 30 days of purchase.
Your refund rights with app stores
If you purchased LinkedIn Premium through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, Apple and Google control your refund rights, not LinkedIn. Both platforms allow refunds within 14 to 30 days of purchase if the app is defective or you cancel before the trial ends. Yafee recommends checking your app store account first before contacting LinkedIn directly, as this often resolves refund requests faster. Apple's refund policy allows requests up to 45 days in certain circumstances, while Google Play typically processes refunds within 48 hours if approved.
How to cancel LinkedIn premium on your desktop computer
Cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription on a desktop computer is the most direct method and gives you full control over your account settings.
Step 1: sign in to your LinkedIn account
Open your web browser and navigate to linkedin.com. Enter your email address and password to log into your account. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the verification step using your phone or authentication app.
Step 2: access your account settings
- Click the profile icon in the top right corner of the page
- Select "Settings and privacy" from the dropdown menu
- Click on "Settings" to open your account settings page
Step 3: navigate to your subscription and billing section
- On the left sidebar, click "Premium and services"
- Select your active Premium subscription (for example, "Premium Career" or "Premium Business")
- Look for the "Manage plan" button or "Cancel subscription" option
Step 4: confirm your cancellation
- Click "Cancel plan" or "Cancel subscription"
- LinkedIn will display a cancellation survey asking why you're leaving
- Complete the survey (optional, but useful feedback)
- Click the final "Cancel" button to confirm
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation message
Step 5: check your cancellation confirmation
LinkedIn sends a cancellation confirmation email to your registered email address within a few minutes. Save this email as evidence of your cancellation request. Your Premium access ends at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. If you were charged after cancellation, use this confirmation email as proof when requesting a refund from LinkedIn or your payment provider.
How to cancel LinkedIn premium on your mobile device
If you prefer to manage your subscription from your phone, the cancellation process differs slightly depending on whether you use an Android or iOS device, and whether you subscribed directly through LinkedIn or via an app store.
Cancellation through the LinkedIn app (Android or iOS)
- Open the LinkedIn app and log in with your credentials
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner
- Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy"
- Tap "Settings" to access account options
- Scroll to find "Premium and services" or "Subscription"
- Tap your active subscription to view details
- Look for "Cancel subscription" or "Manage plan" and tap it
- Follow the on-screen prompts and tap "Cancel" to confirm
Cancellation through the apple app store (iOS only)
If you subscribed to LinkedIn Premium through the Apple App Store, you must cancel through the Apple ecosystem rather than LinkedIn's app. Follow these steps:
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app
- Tap your name at the top of the screen
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Find "LinkedIn" in the list and tap it
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription"
- Confirm the cancellation
- Apple will send a cancellation confirmation email to your Apple ID email address
Cancellation through google play store (Android only)
If you subscribed to LinkedIn Premium through Google Play, you cancel through the Google Play app, not LinkedIn:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
- Select "Payments and subscriptions"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Find "LinkedIn" and tap it
- Tap "Cancel subscription" and follow the prompts
- Google will send a confirmation email to your Google account email address
LinkedIn premium pricing in new zealand
Understanding LinkedIn's current pricing helps you evaluate whether your subscription is worth the cost. The following table shows typical NZD pricing as of 2026:
| Subscription type |
Monthly cost (NZD) |
Annual cost (NZD) |
Best for |
| Free |
$0 |
$0 |
Basic networking and profile visibility |
| Premium Career |
$23 to $28 |
$180 to $240 |
Job seekers and active professionals |
| Premium Business |
$45 to $55 |
$360 to $480 |
Recruiters and hiring managers |
| Sales Navigator |
$95 to $120 |
$800 to $1040 |
Sales professionals and business development |
| Recruiter Lite |
$100 to $150 |
$900 to $1200 |
Recruitment agencies and hiring teams |
Yafee recommends reviewing your current LinkedIn bill to confirm which tier you're paying for, as pricing fluctuates based on promotions and region. If you're on a promotional rate and your renewal price is substantially higher, this is a valid reason to cancel and avoid unexpected charges.
What happens after you cancel your LinkedIn premium subscription
Cancelling your LinkedIn Premium subscription triggers several changes to your account, and understanding these helps you plan your transition back to the free version.
Immediate changes to your account access
Once you confirm your cancellation, your access to Premium features ends at the close of your current billing cycle. If you paid for a monthly subscription on the 15th of each month, you retain Premium access until the 15th of the following month. During this remaining period, you can continue using InMail, advanced search filters and other Premium tools. After the billing cycle ends, these features are disabled and you revert to the free tier.
What you retain after cancellation
- Your complete LinkedIn profile and all profile information
- Your existing connections and relationship history
- Your messaging history and existing conversations
- Your endorsements, recommendations and skills section
- Any learning courses you've already started (but you lose access to new course content)
What you lose after cancellation
- InMail messaging capability (ability to message users you don't already know)
- Advanced search filters and unlimited searches
- Detailed profile visitor insights (you'll see a limited "Who viewed your profile" section)
- LinkedIn Learning course access (Premium subscribers get unlimited courses)
- Salary insights and detailed salary data
- Priority customer support
If you later decide to reactivate your Premium subscription, you can do so at any time by returning to your subscription settings. Your profile data remains intact, and you don't lose any connections or history.
How to request a refund from LinkedIn
If you believe you're entitled to a refund, submit your request within 30 days of the charge that you're disputing. Yafee advises gathering documentation before you contact LinkedIn, as this strengthens your case significantly.
Step 1: gather your evidence
Collect the following documents before you contact LinkedIn:
- Your original subscription confirmation email from LinkedIn
- Your cancellation confirmation email (if you've already cancelled)
- Screenshots showing your billing history and charges
- Proof of any defects or service failures (for example, screenshots of broken features)
- Your bank or credit card statement showing the charge
- Any prior communication with LinkedIn support
Step 2: contact LinkedIn's billing support
- Log in to your LinkedIn account on desktop
- Click the "Help" link at the bottom of any page
- Select "Billing and payments" or search for "refund"
- Click "Contact support" to open the support form
- Describe your issue clearly, referencing the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if applicable
- Attach screenshots and documentation as evidence
- Submit the support request and note the ticket number
Step 3: allow time for LinkedIn's response
LinkedIn's support team typically responds within 5 to 10 business days. If your refund is approved, you'll see a credit back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after approval. If LinkedIn denies your refund request, you can escalate to your payment provider (your bank or credit card company) or to the Commerce Commission if you believe unfair trading has occurred.
Step 4: escalate if LinkedIn refuses
If LinkedIn does not respond within 15 business days or denies your refund unreasonably, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission. New Zealand's consumer protection authority will investigate if LinkedIn has breached the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986. Include your LinkedIn ticket number, all communication records and evidence of the service failure or misrepresentation in your complaint.
Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation
Cancelling your LinkedIn subscription is straightforward, but several preventable errors can delay your refund or cause confusion later. Take these precautions now and you'll exit the subscription smoothly.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you must cancel through that same app store, not through LinkedIn's website. Cancelling your LinkedIn app does not cancel your subscription. Yafee has encountered clients who thought they'd cancelled but were still charged because they terminated the app rather than the subscription. Always verify your subscription source first by logging into the app store account and checking your active subscriptions.
Mistake 2: not requesting your cancellation confirmation email
Save the cancellation confirmation email LinkedIn sends you immediately after you cancel. If you're later charged or a dispute arises, this email is your proof that you cancelled on a specific date. If you don't receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes, contact LinkedIn support to verify the cancellation manually.
Mistake 3: assuming immediate access removal means full refund
LinkedIn removes your Premium access at the end of your billing cycle, not instantly. If you cancel on the 1st of the month but paid on the 15th, you still have Premium access until the 15th. You are only refunded for charges made after your cancellation date, not for the current billing period you've already paid for. If you cancel mid-cycle, you typically do not receive a partial refund unless LinkedIn's terms or consumer law specifically entitle you to one.
Mistake 4: not reviewing your bank statement after cancellation
Even after you cancel, monitor your bank or credit card statement for 60 days to ensure you're not charged again. If a charge appears after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your payment provider immediately and provide them with your LinkedIn cancellation confirmation email. Your bank can initiate a chargeback if LinkedIn has violated your cancellation request.
When to keep your LinkedIn premium subscription
Cancellation isn't always the right choice. The following scenarios justify keeping your Premium subscription active:
| Your situation |
Why keep Premium |
Estimated monthly value (NZD) |
| Active job seeker |
InMail and recruiter visibility significantly increase interview rate |
$23 to $28 |
| Freelancer or contractor |
Profile visibility and direct outreach capability directly generate leads |
$23 to $28 |
| Recruiter or hiring manager |
Premium Business or Recruiter Lite unlocks candidate search and direct contact |
$45 to $150 |
| Sales professional |
Sales Navigator provides lead lists and engagement tracking for prospecting |
$95 to $120 |
| Business development role |
Advanced search and InMail enable targeted outreach to decision-makers |
$45 to $55 |
If you fall into any of these categories and your subscription cost is less than the value you derive from it, retention is the sensible option. However, if you've kept Premium for more than three months without using InMail or advanced search, cancellation is likely warranted.
Your checklist for safe cancellation
Before you click cancel, run through this checklist to ensure you've protected yourself:
- Confirm your subscription source (LinkedIn.com directly, Apple App Store or Google Play Store)
- Log in to your account and navigate to Settings and Privacy
- Take a screenshot of your current Premium status and billing date
- Open the "Premium and services" section and locate your active subscription
- Review any ongoing benefits or features you may lose immediately
- Note the end date of your current billing cycle (the date your access will end)
- Click "Cancel subscription" and complete the cancellation survey
- Save the on-screen confirmation message
- Check your email for the cancellation confirmation from LinkedIn within 10 minutes
- Save the confirmation email in a dedicated folder for your records
- Mark your calendar for the day your Premium access ends
- Monitor your bank statement for 60 days to catch any unauthorised charges
- If you're entitled to a refund, contact LinkedIn support within 30 days with evidence
If LinkedIn does not respond to your cancellation request through the standard support channels, or if you're making a formal refund demand under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, send a written notice to LinkedIn's legal department. While no specific New Zealand postal address is publicly listed, you can send formal written notices to LinkedIn's registered office in your country or submit them via LinkedIn's international legal portal.
How to send a formal written cancellation and refund notice
Compose a letter or email containing the following elements:
- Your full name and LinkedIn email address
- Your LinkedIn account username
- The date you subscribed and the subscription type (Premium Career, Premium Business, etc.)
- The date you requested cancellation (if already cancelled)
- The total amount charged and the dates of each charge
- The reason for your refund request (defective service, misrepresentation, cancellation not honoured, etc.)
- Reference to the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, section 16 (right to goods and services of acceptable quality)
- The specific date you are requesting as your refund deadline (typically 14 to 30 days from the letter date)
- Copies of supporting evidence (screenshots, bank statements, cancellation confirmation email)
- Your contact phone number and preferred payment method for any refund
Address this letter to:
LinkedIn Legal Department
LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company
Wilton Place
Dublin 2, D02 AF30
Ireland
Alternatively, submit your request through LinkedIn's online support portal with all documentation attached, and request written confirmation of receipt. Yafee advises keeping copies of everything you send, as you may need this documentation if you escalate to the Commerce Commission or your payment provider.
Why choose yafee to help you cancel safely
Navigating subscription cancellations and refund claims involves understanding consumer law, recognising your rights and following the correct procedural steps. Yafee combines legal expertise with practical guidance to ensure you cancel confidently and protect your money. Our contract-law specialists have helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions and recover funds that companies wrongly withheld. Yafee grounds every recommendation in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, so you know your position is legally sound. Whether you're cancelling LinkedIn Premium today or comparing whether to keep it, Yafee walks you through each step with clarity and authority, ensuring you never overpay for services you don't use.