Cancel Backblaze: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel Backblaze and protect your data before you leave

Why you might want to cancel Backblaze

Backblaze is a cloud backup and storage service trusted by South African users who need automatic daily backups, unlimited file versioning, and peace of mind that their data is safe. The service works seamlessly in the background, but your needs change. You might switch to a competitor, downsize your tech setup, move to a company-managed backup system, or simply decide the monthly cost no longer justifies what you use.

Whatever your reason, cancelling Backblaze is straightforward when you know the right steps. At Tocancel, we understand that ending a subscription should be as easy as starting one, and this guide walks you through your options, your rights, and how to exit cleanly without losing access to your data.

What Backblaze offers in south africa

Backblaze provides two main products. Personal Backup delivers unlimited cloud storage for a single computer with automatic daily backups, file versioning, and system restore capability. B2 Cloud Storage is a pay-as-you-go object storage platform designed for developers and businesses who need scalable, affordable file hosting without upfront commitments.

Both services are subscription-based, charged in US Dollars and converted to South African Rands at your bank's exchange rate. Neither offers a simple app-store cancellation; you must manage your account directly through Backblaze's online portal or contact their support team.

When to cancel your Backblaze plan

You have solid reasons to cancel if you've switched backup providers, no longer need protection for that computer, want to reduce your monthly subscription costs, or completed a temporary project that used B2 Cloud Storage. Perhaps you inherited a company backup system or found a cheaper alternative. Whatever the trigger, Tocancel recommends you act deliberately, follow the steps in order, and safeguard your data before you terminate your account.

Backblaze pricing in south african rands

Backblaze charges in US Dollars, but your credit card or payment method converts the amount to ZAR at the exchange rate on your billing date. Below is an approximate pricing guide based on a 1 USD to 19 ZAR conversion; your actual charge depends on your bank's rate and the day you're billed.

For exact charges in ZAR, check your latest invoice or contact Backblaze support. Tocancel strongly advises you to confirm your current plan type and billing date with your bank before you initiate cancellation, especially if you plan to request a refund on an annual or two-year plan.

Your consumer rights when cancelling subscriptions

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) exist to protect you when you cancel digital services. Understanding these rights puts you in control.

What the consumer protection act says about your cancellation rights

The CPA grants you the right to cancel a subscription at any time, though suppliers may require reasonable notice (typically up to 30 days). Backblaze's stated policy allows cancellation of monthly plans without refund, but annual and two-year plans qualify for full refunds if you cancel within 30 days of purchase. If Backblaze refuses a legitimate refund claim, makes cancellation deliberately difficult, or continues charging after you cancel, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission or your provincial consumer protection office.

Your legal position: You own your data. Backblaze must not hold your files hostage or block access after cancellation. You have the right to export or download all your data before you delete your account.

Tocancel recommends documenting every step: take screenshots of your cancellation request, keep email confirmations, and save your final invoice. These records are your proof if you need to dispute a charge with your bank or lodge a complaint with the NCC.

How to protect yourself during cancellation

Before you cancel, download or restore all your backed-up files to a local drive or another storage service. Backblaze gives you 30 days of access after cancellation; after that, your data is deleted from their servers and cannot be recovered. Verify that your important files are safe elsewhere before you proceed.

Change your Backblaze password to something you do not use elsewhere, in case your account credentials were ever compromised. This protects you if a data breach occurs after you leave.

How to cancel Backblaze in four clear steps

Follow these steps in order to cancel your Backblaze Personal Backup or B2 Cloud Storage account and safeguard your data.

1. Download and back up all your files
   • Log into your Backblaze account at www.backblaze.com
   • For Personal Backup users: use the Backblaze app to restore all files to an external hard drive or network location
   • For B2 Cloud Storage users: download all objects from your B2 buckets using the Backblaze B2 Command-Line Tool or web interface
   • Verify that every file copied successfully and is accessible from your new location
   • Do not proceed until you are certain your data is safe elsewhere
2. Access your account settings and manage subscriptions
   • Log into your Backblaze account
   • Navigate to Account Settings (usually in the top-right menu or profile icon)
   • Click on "Subscriptions" or "Billing" to view your active plans
   • Locate the subscription you want to cancel (e.g., "Personal Backup" or "B2 Cloud Storage")
3. Initiate the cancellation request
   • Click "Cancel" or "Manage Subscription" next to your plan
   • Review the cancellation terms, including any refund eligibility (30-day refund window for annual and two-year plans)
   • If you purchased within the last 30 days and want a refund, tick the refund option if available
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation
   • Backblaze will send you a confirmation email within minutes
4. Verify cancellation and delete your account data
   • Check your email (including spam folder) for Backblaze's cancellation confirmation
   • Log back into your account to confirm the subscription is marked as "Cancelled"
   • If you want to fully delete your account and all backup data immediately, return to Account Settings and select "Delete Account" or "Deactivate Account" (optional; Backblaze retains backups for 30 days after cancellation before automatic deletion)
   • Save your final invoice for your records in case you need to dispute any charges with your bank

The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes. You retain access to your backed-up files for 30 days after cancellation, so you have a safety window to download anything you may have missed.

Refunds and what to expect after you cancel

Backblaze's refund policy depends on your plan type and how long you have been a subscriber.

Refund eligibility and timelines

Monthly plans are non-refundable. If you cancel mid-month, you lose access to your backup service at the end of your current billing cycle, but no refund is issued.

Annual and two-year plans qualify for full refunds if you request cancellation within 30 days of your purchase date. After 30 days, no refund is available, though you can cancel without penalty and stop future charges. Tocancel advises you to request your refund as soon as you decide to cancel; do not delay beyond the 30-day window.

Refunds typically appear in your bank account 5 to 10 business days after approval. If you do not see a credit within 14 days, contact Backblaze support with your order confirmation number and ask for a refund status update.

After cancellation: what happens to your data

Cancellation is immediate, but your data is not. Backblaze retains your backed-up files for 30 days after your subscription ends. You can restore or download files during this period by logging into your account. After 30 days, all backup data is permanently deleted from Backblaze's servers and cannot be recovered.

You will not be charged any further fees once your subscription is cancelled. However, if you re-activate your account before the 30-day grace period ends, you can restore your backups and your subscription resumes at the standard rate.

Tocancel recommends that you set a phone reminder for day 25 after cancellation. This gives you a final 5-day window to retrieve any files you forgot to download before permanent deletion occurs.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling a subscription can feel stressful, especially if you worry about losing access to your data. Here are the pitfalls that catch most users and how to sidestep them.

Mistake 1: cancelling without backing up your data first

The biggest error is deleting your Backblaze subscription and then realizing you forgot to download a critical file. You have 30 days to recover it, but if you panic or delay, that window closes. Always download your entire backup to an external drive before you cancel. Tocancel emphasizes: your data is your responsibility once you leave Backblaze.

Mistake 2: ignoring the 30-day refund window

If you bought an annual or two-year plan and want your money back, you must request cancellation within 30 days of purchase. After day 31, refunds are no longer available. Mark your calendar on the day you sign up, or set a phone alarm 25 days later as a reminder.

Mistake 3: cancelling through your payment method instead of Backblaze directly

If you cancel your credit card or revoke payment authorization without formally cancelling your Backblaze subscription, the company may mark your account as delinquent and eventually delete your data without warning. Always cancel directly through the Backblaze website. This ensures the cancellation is logged, a confirmation is sent to you, and your access is properly terminated.

Mistake 4: not saving your cancellation confirmation

Take a screenshot or download your cancellation email from Backblaze. If a charge appears on your bank statement weeks or months later, this confirmation is your evidence that you cancelled in good faith. Without it, disputing the charge with your bank becomes harder.

Mistake 5: forgetting to change your password before you go

If your Backblaze password is reused on other accounts, change it to something unique before you close your account. A data breach at Backblaze could expose your credentials, allowing someone to access other services under your name.

After cancellation: your next steps

Cancelling Backblaze is the end of one chapter, but you still have data to protect. Do not leave your devices unbackedup.

Choose a replacement backup solution

South African users have several alternatives to Backblaze. Acronis True Image, Veeam Backup, and Google One all offer cloud backup at similar or lower prices. Compare features, storage limits, and pricing in ZAR before you switch. Some services offer import tools to migrate your backup data from Backblaze, which can save time.

Verify your data on its new home

Once you download your files from Backblaze, test that they are intact on your external drive or new cloud service. Open a few documents, play a video, or run a file integrity check to confirm nothing was corrupted during the transfer. A backup is worthless if you cannot restore it when you need it.

Set a backup schedule for your new provider

Do not let your files sit on a drive and gather dust. Configure your new backup service to run automatic daily or weekly backups, just as Backblaze did. This ensures you are protected from ransomware, accidental deletion, and hardware failure.

Comparison: Backblaze vs. other cloud backup options

If you are unsure whether to cancel or want to see how Backblaze compares to competitors, this table helps you decide.

Each service has strengths. If cost is your main concern, Google One or Microsoft OneDrive are cheaper, but they store less data per month. If you need unlimited storage on one device, Backblaze remains competitive. Tocancel recommends comparing not just price, but what you actually need to back up before you choose.

Contact Backblaze if cancellation fails

If you cannot cancel your Backblaze subscription through the website, or if charges continue after you cancel, escalate your issue to Backblaze support directly.

Backblaze customer support and mailing address

Backblaze does not offer a dedicated cancellation-specific mailing address. You cancel and manage your account entirely through their online portal. However, if you need to contact them about a failed cancellation, billing dispute, or refund issue, use their support form on their website or email their support team.

Backblaze headquarters is located at San Mateo, California, USA. If you must send a formal written dispute, address it to:

Backblaze, Inc.
San Mateo, California
USA

Include your Backblaze account email, the date you requested cancellation, and any screenshots or confirmation emails. Send your letter via registered mail so you have proof of delivery.

Escalate to your bank or the national consumer commission

If Backblaze refuses to process your cancellation or continues charging your credit card after you cancel, contact your bank's dispute team immediately. Explain that you cancelled in good faith and provide your cancellation confirmation. Your bank can freeze future charges and may issue a chargeback (refund) within 120 days of the disputed transaction.

If Backblaze makes cancellation deliberately difficult or refuses a valid refund claim, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at www.ncc.org.za. The NCC investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act and can compel Backblaze to refund you or correct unfair billing practices. Tocancel recommends keeping all evidence (emails, screenshots, invoices) in one folder so you can submit it quickly if you need to escalate.

Key takeaways for cancelling Backblaze

Cancelling Backblaze is simple when you follow these core steps: download your data first, cancel through the website (not your bank), request your refund within 30 days if eligible, save your confirmation email, and verify your data is safe elsewhere before the 30-day grace period ends.

You have rights under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act. Backblaze cannot refuse cancellation, charge you after you cancel, or hold your data hostage. If the company breaches these rights, the National Consumer Commission is your enforcement body and your escalation point.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions with confidence, and Backblaze is no exception. Use this guide, follow the step-by-step process, protect your data, and move to a backup solution that better fits your needs. Cancellation is not the end of data security; it is the beginning of a smarter choice.