Manage Crashplan

How to cancel crashplan and protect your data before you go

Understanding crashplan and why you might want to cancel

Crashplan is a cloud-based backup service that stores your files and personal data in secure cloud storage, and on some plans, across your own devices. Many Canadians rely on it to protect against hardware failures, accidental deletions, and data loss. The service operates through a subscription model, meaning you pay recurring fees to keep your backup active and your data safe.

If you're considering cancelling, you likely have a good reason: the cost may no longer fit your budget, you've found a better alternative, or you simply don't need the service anymore. Whatever your situation, Stopee understands that cancelling a subscription should be straightforward and transparent. This guide walks you through every step, including your legal rights as a Canadian consumer and how to avoid common pitfalls.

When cancellation makes sense

You might decide to cancel Crashplan if you've switched to a different backup provider, if your storage needs have changed, or if the monthly or annual fees feel too high. Some people cancel because they prefer local backup solutions instead of cloud storage. Others simply want to consolidate their subscriptions and reduce monthly expenses. Whatever your reason, you should have a cancellation plan that protects your data first and your money second.

Red flags that suggest you should review your decision

Before you cancel, make sure you won't regret it. If you store important documents, photos, or business files exclusively on Crashplan, cancelling without a backup plan puts that data at risk. Check whether you've downloaded all your critical files to a local device or transferred them to another backup service. Stopee recommends spending 10 minutes confirming you have copies of everything before you submit your cancellation.

Crashplan pricing and plan types

Understanding what you pay and what you get helps you decide whether to stay or cancel.

Crashplan's pricing varies based on the plan you choose and your billing frequency. Annual subscriptions typically offer better value per month than monthly payments. If you're only a few months into a subscription, check your remaining balance and refund eligibility before you cancel-that calculation might surprise you.

Your consumer rights in canada and why they matter

Canadian law protects you in ways many people don't realize.

Federal and provincial protections for subscription services

Canada's federal Competition Act and provincial consumer protection legislation (such as Ontario's Consumer Protection Act and similar laws across each province) give you specific rights when you subscribe to online services. These laws protect you against unfair contract terms, misleading billing practices, and automatic renewal traps.

If Crashplan advertised features that don't work as promised, charged you without clear consent, or continued billing after you cancelled, those actions may violate consumer protection law. Stopee has seen countless cases where companies rely on customers not knowing their rights-don't be one of them.

Privacy rights and data deletion

Personal data in Canada is protected under federal PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and comparable provincial privacy laws. You have the right to know what data Crashplan holds about you, how it's used, how it's stored, and-most importantly-how and when it will be deleted after you cancel.

Before you cancel, contact Crashplan support and ask in writing how long they retain your backup data after cancellation. Request confirmation of their data deletion timeline. If you're concerned about privacy, ask whether your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and whether Crashplan can delete your data on demand (rather than waiting months).

Escalation: where to complain if crashplan won't cooperate

If Crashplan ignores your cancellation request, refuses a legitimate refund, or continues charging you after you've cancelled, you can escalate to your provincial consumer protection agency or to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Keep all emails, screenshots, and payment records-they're your evidence.

How to cancel crashplan: step-by-step instructions

You have two cancellation methods: online through your account dashboard, or in writing by registered mail.

Method 1: cancel through your crashplan account online

This is the fastest route and gives you an immediate confirmation number.

1. Log in to your Crashplan account using your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link and reset it before you proceed.
2. Navigate to Account settings or Billing settings (usually found in a dropdown menu or sidebar).
   • Look for a link labeled "Cancel subscription," "Manage subscription," or "Billing."
3. Click the cancellation option and read any warnings or offers to stay (this is common-companies try to retain you with discounts or pause options).
   • Pro tip: If you're cancelling because of cost, take a screenshot of any discount offered. You can use this when you contact customer service later if you change your mind.
4. Confirm your cancellation by clicking the final "Confirm" or "Cancel subscription" button.
   • Crashplan will immediately show you a confirmation number and cancellation date.
5. Screenshot the entire confirmation page, including the confirmation number, cancellation effective date, and any refund information displayed.
   • Save this image to your computer or cloud storage for your records.
6. Check your email within 2 hours for a written confirmation from Crashplan.
   • If you don't receive an email confirmation, log back into your account and verify that the cancellation processed. If it didn't, repeat steps 1-5.

Method 2: cancel in writing by registered mail

If you prefer a legal record or if the online method fails, send a formal cancellation notice by registered mail with return receipt.

1. Prepare a signed letter on plain paper that includes:
   • Your full name and email address associated with your Crashplan account
   • Your Crashplan account number (find this in Account settings or on your invoice)
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Crashplan subscription, effective as of the date of this letter."
   • The date you sign the letter
   • Your signature in blue or black ink
2. Address the letter to Crashplan's legal department:
   • Crashplan Group LLC
     400 South 4th Street, Suite 410
     PMB 31083
     Minneapolis, MN 55415-1419
     United States of America
     Attention: Legal Department
3. Visit Canada Post or a private courier service (such as FedEx or UPS) and request a tracked, signed delivery service.
   • Pro tip: Canada Post's "Xpresspost Signature" or "Registered Mail with Return Receipt" both provide proof of delivery for under $15 CAD.
4. Pay for the service and obtain your tracking number and return receipt from the postal clerk.
   • Ask the clerk to confirm that return receipt is included-this proves Crashplan received your letter.
5. Keep your tracking number, receipt, and a photocopy of your signed cancellation letter in a safe place.
   • According to Crashplan's terms, your cancellation is "deemed given" on the second business day after mailing. This is your legal protection.
6. Monitor your email for confirmation and check your account 3-5 business days after mailing.
   • If Crashplan hasn't confirmed receipt or processed your cancellation within 7 business days, contact customer support with your tracking number as proof.

What happens to your data and account after you cancel

Cancellation doesn't mean your data disappears instantly.

How long does your account stay active

When you cancel, Crashplan typically stops future billing immediately, but your account access may remain available until the end of your current billing period (for example, if you're on a monthly plan and cancel mid-month, you might keep access until the end of that month). This varies by plan type, so confirm the exact date with Crashplan when you cancel.

During this remaining access period, you can still download your backed-up files. This is your opportunity to download any data you need before your access ends.

What happens to your backup data

Warning: Crashplan's data retention policy is not always clearly advertised. After your account access ends, Crashplan may retain your backup data for a limited time (sometimes 30 to 90 days) before deletion, or they may delete it immediately. The exact timeline depends on your specific plan and their current retention policy.

Before you cancel, log into your account and download every file you might need in the future. Don't rely on Crashplan to keep your data forever after cancellation. If you have historical file versions or long-term backups you need, contact Crashplan support and ask in writing how long they will keep your data and whether you can request early deletion for privacy reasons.

Stopping future billing

After you cancel, monitor your credit card or bank account for the next 30 days to make sure no charges appear. If Crashplan charges you after cancellation, contact them immediately with your cancellation confirmation number and ask for a refund. If they don't refund within 10 business days, dispute the charge with your credit card issuer or contact your bank.

Refunds: what you're entitled to and how to claim them

Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and what Crashplan's policy states.

When you qualify for a refund

You may be entitled to a refund in these situations:

• You cancel during a free trial period (usually 30 days)-you should receive a full refund if no charges have been processed.
• You cancel before the first renewal date-some plans offer pro-rated refunds for the unused portion of your subscription.
• You cancel after renewal and within the stated refund window (often 14-30 days)-you may qualify for a pro-rated or partial refund.
• Crashplan charged you in error, twice in one month, or without your consent-you have grounds for a full refund regardless of the cancellation policy.
• The service didn't work as advertised or you experienced repeated downtime-consumer protection law may entitle you to a refund even if the policy says "non-refundable."

How to request a refund

Contact Crashplan support by email and include:

• Your account email address and account number
• The date you cancelled and your cancellation confirmation number
• The date of the charge you want refunded and the amount in CAD
• A brief explanation of why you believe you qualify for a refund (e.g., "I cancelled within the trial period" or "I was charged twice in one month")
• Attached screenshots of your account cancellation confirmation and your credit card or bank statement showing the charge

Send this email and request a response within 10 business days. Stopee advises keeping a copy of this email-it creates a paper trail.

If crashplan denies your refund

If Crashplan refuses to refund you and you believe you're entitled to one, you have options:

• Dispute with your credit card issuer: Contact your bank or credit card company and explain the charge. Most card issuers have a 120-180 day dispute window. Provide your cancellation confirmation and any correspondence with Crashplan.
• File a complaint with your provincial consumer protection agency: Contact your province's ministry of consumer protection or attorney general office. They can investigate whether Crashplan violated consumer law.
• Contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: If the refund denial involves mishandling of your personal data, you can file a complaint.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent cancellation

Cancelling should be simple, but many people accidentally make mistakes that complicate the process.

Forgetting to download your data first

This is the single biggest regret people have after cancelling a backup service. If you delete your account without downloading your files and Crashplan deletes the backups, you've lost that data permanently. Spend time downloading your files before you submit your cancellation. Once your account is gone, recovery is nearly impossible.

Confusing "pause" with "cancel"

Some backup services offer a "pause subscription" option that temporarily stops billing but keeps your account alive. If you click "pause" thinking you've cancelled, your account remains active and may automatically resume billing after 30 or 90 days. Always click the actual "cancel" button and look for the words "cancellation," "terminate," or "delete account." If the page says "pause" or "suspend," that's not cancellation.

Not saving your confirmation number

After you cancel, Crashplan generates a confirmation number or confirmation code. If you don't save this number, you won't be able to prove you cancelled if Crashplan claims they never received your request. Screenshot the confirmation page immediately and save it to your computer and your email.

Cancelling before checking your refund eligibility

Some plans have a 14-30 day refund window after purchase. If you cancel without checking whether you qualify, you might forfeit a refund you could have claimed. Before you cancel, check your invoice and Crashplan's terms to see the refund window. If you're within it, request the refund in the same email where you cancel.

Not following up when you don't hear back

Crashplan's customer support can be slow. If you submit a cancellation and don't hear back within 5 business days, send a follow-up email. Reference your original cancellation request by date and time, and ask for confirmation of the cancellation status. Stopee recommends checking your account 7 days after cancellation to verify the status independently.

Cancellation checklist: before, during, and after

Use this checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.

Comparing crashplan to alternatives when you leave

If you're cancelling because you've found a better option, here's a quick comparison of other backup services available to Canadians.

Stopee recommends setting up your new backup solution before you cancel Crashplan. That way you won't have a gap in your backup coverage, and you'll have a smooth transition from one service to the next.

Sending your written cancellation by mail: the address and process

If you choose to cancel by registered mail, use this address and follow the exact process.

The official crashplan cancellation mailing address

Send your signed cancellation letter to:

Crashplan Group LLC
400 South 4th Street, Suite 410
PMB 31083
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1419
United States of America
Attention: Legal Department

Tips for successful mailed cancellation

Use Canada Post's Registered Mail with Return Receipt or Xpresspost Signature service. These options are tracked and provide proof of delivery. Keep your tracking number, the return receipt showing that Crashplan received the letter, and a photocopy of the signed cancellation letter you mailed. According to Crashplan's service terms, your cancellation is deemed effective on the second business day after mailing-meaning the company cannot charge you after that date regardless of whether they have acknowledged receipt.

If you live near the US border and prefer in-person delivery, you could use a private courier like FedEx or UPS to deliver to the Minneapolis address, but Canada Post's registered mail is usually the most economical option.

Final thoughts: taking control of your subscription

Cancelling Crashplan should be straightforward, but it often isn't. Companies rely on confusing processes, hidden refund policies, and slow customer service to keep you subscribed longer than you intended. By following this guide, downloading your data first, saving your confirmation number, and understanding your consumer rights, you protect yourself and make sure Crashplan respects your cancellation request.

If you encounter resistance or billing problems after cancellation, don't give up. Your provincial consumer protection agency and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada exist to investigate complaints. Keep all emails, screenshots, and payment records, and escalate if necessary.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, dispute unwanted charges, and recover refunds they were entitled to. Whether you're cancelling Crashplan today or just exploring your options, Stopee (stopee.com) is here to guide you through every step with insider knowledge of the cancellation process. Visit Stopee today to learn about other services you might be overpaying for or to find your next backup solution.