Manage Obsidian

How to cancel obsidian and protect your data in canada

Understanding obsidian and why you might want to cancel

Obsidian is a powerful, privacy-first note-taking application designed for users who want complete control over their digital knowledge base. It operates on a local-first model, meaning your notes live on your device first and sync to the cloud only if you choose. The app offers free core functionality for both desktop and mobile, with paid optional services like Obsidian Sync (for cloud synchronization across devices) and Obsidian Publish (for sharing your notes online).

If you've been using Obsidian and are now ready to step back, you deserve a clear path forward. At Stopee, we help Canadians understand their cancellation rights and execute them cleanly. Whether you're downsizing subscriptions, switching to another tool, or simply no longer need cloud sync, this guide walks you through every step.

When cancellation makes sense

You might cancel Obsidian Sync or Publish if you've realized you don't need cloud backup, prefer to manage notes locally only, or want to consolidate tools and costs. Some users find the learning curve steeper than expected, while others discover a competing tool that fits their workflow better. Whatever your reason, cancelling should be friction-free, and Stopee ensures you know your rights throughout the process.

The difference between cancelling and downgrading

Cancelling means you stop paying for a subscription (Sync or Publish) and lose access to that service. Your local vault-the notes stored on your device-remains intact. However, if you had synced data in Obsidian's cloud, that remote storage becomes inaccessible after cancellation. Downgrading isn't typically an option with Obsidian; you either keep a subscription active or cancel it. Keep this in mind before you proceed, because the stakes for your data are real.

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Your consumer rights in canada

Canadian consumer protection law backs you up, even when a company's own refund policy seems restrictive. Obsidian acknowledges that its terms do not override your statutory rights under Canadian law.

What the law says about digital purchases

Under the Competition Act and provincial consumer protection legislation (such as Ontario's Consumer Protection Act), you have the right to fair dealing with digital goods. If you purchased Obsidian Sync or Publish through Obsidian's website and received defective service or were misled about features, you may be entitled to a refund or remedy beyond Obsidian's stated 7-day window. The key is proving that the service failed to meet reasonable expectations or that the company's description was inaccurate.

If you purchased through Apple's App Store or Google Play, you also have additional rights through those platforms' own refund policies. Canadian law recognizes these platform protections as legitimate consumer safeguards.

When to escalate beyond obsidian's policy

If Obsidian refuses a refund outside the 7-day window and you believe you have grounds (poor service quality, misleading advertising, subscription not as described), you can file a complaint with the Competition Bureau or your provincial consumer protection authority. Stopee recommends documenting everything: screenshots, emails, dates of purchase, and a clear explanation of why the service failed. These records are your leverage if you need to escalate.

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Cancellation methods for obsidian

Obsidian offers multiple cancellation pathways depending on where you subscribed. The method you use will determine your refund eligibility and the speed at which your access ends.

Cancelling through obsidian's website

If you signed up for Obsidian Sync or Publish directly through Obsidian's official website, you cancel through your account portal. This is the most direct route and gives you the clearest refund option.

1. Visit the Obsidian account portal at help.obsidian.md (or the official Obsidian website).
2. Sign in with your Obsidian account credentials.
3. Navigate to Billing or Account Settings.
4. Find Subscriptions or Invoices and refunds.
5. Select the subscription you want to cancel (Sync or Publish).
6. Click Cancel subscription or Request cancellation.
7. Choose whether to request an immediate cancellation or let it lapse at the next renewal date.
8. If you've paid within the last 7 days, request a refund on the same page and confirm your request.

Pro tip: Screenshot your confirmation email or cancellation receipt. Obsidian's support team is responsive, but having proof of your request protects you if there's any dispute.

Cancelling an app store subscription on iOS

If you subscribed to Obsidian through Apple's App Store, you must cancel there. Cancelling through Obsidian's website will not affect your App Store subscription.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Select Subscriptions or Media and Purchases (varies by iOS version).
4. Find Obsidian - Connected Notes in the list.
5. Tap on it and select Cancel Subscription.
6. Confirm cancellation.

Your subscription will remain active until the current billing cycle ends. After that, you lose sync access but keep your local vault. Warning: Remote data stored in Obsidian's cloud will be deleted 30 days after your subscription lapses, so download or export your synced notes before this deadline if you need them.

Cancelling a google play subscription on android

Android users who subscribed through Google Play follow a similar but distinct process. You manage the subscription through the Play Store, not through Obsidian's app itself.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Subscriptions or Payments and subscriptions (wording varies).
4. Find Obsidian - Connected Notes.
5. Tap on it and select Cancel Subscription.
6. Confirm your cancellation.

Like iOS, your subscription remains active through the end of the current billing period. After cancellation takes effect, your remote vault is retained by Obsidian for 30 days before automatic deletion.

Pro tip: Both App Store and Google Play allow you to view refund eligibility through their own channels. If you've been charged recently and believe you qualify for a refund, check Apple's or Google's refund request tools before approaching Obsidian support.

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Obsidian pricing and plan details

Understanding what you pay for helps you decide whether cancellation is your best move. Here's a breakdown of Obsidian's paid offerings and what each covers.

The two subscriptions you'll likely cancel are Sync and Publish. Catalyst and Commercial licences are considered one-time purchases and are explicitly non-refundable. If you've accidentally purchased or no longer need Obsidian Credit, contact support, but Stopee advises that refunds on credit are rarely granted once the credit is active on your account.

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Step-by-step cancellation process

This section walks you through the complete cancellation sequence from decision to confirmation, regardless of your subscription method.

Before you cancel: what to do first

Cancelling isn't instantaneous, and it has consequences for your data. Take these steps before you submit your cancellation request.

1. Export or backup your vault.
   • If you use Obsidian Sync, download your local vault files to your device so they're never lost.
   • Use Obsidian's built-in export function or manually copy your vault folder to a secure location (cloud storage, external drive, or another tool).
2. Review what will be deleted.
   • Remote sync data will be deleted 30 days after cancellation (or immediately if you explicitly cancel rather than let it lapse).
   • Published sites (if you use Publish) will be taken offline.
3. Confirm the refund window.
   • If you paid within the last 7 days, you're eligible for a full refund from Obsidian (no questions asked).
   • If you're outside the 7-day window, don't expect a refund unless there's a legitimate service failure.
4. Gather your account information.
   • Write down your Obsidian account email and password.
   • If you subscribe through App Store or Google Play, have your device ready or access to the respective stores.

The cancellation itself

Follow the platform-specific steps outlined earlier in this guide. The process takes 2-5 minutes per subscription. Pro tip: If you subscribe to both Sync and Publish, cancel them separately, as they're independent services.

After you click cancel

Your cancellation is processed immediately, but your access doesn't end until the current billing cycle finishes. You'll receive a confirmation email from Obsidian, Apple, or Google (depending on where you subscribed). Save this email as proof of your cancellation request.

Pro tip: If you requested a refund at the time of cancellation, monitor your bank account or payment method for the credit. Refunds typically appear within 5-10 business days, but can take up to 30 days depending on your bank.

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Refund eligibility and timelines

Refunds are one of the most important aspects of cancellation. Obsidian and the app platforms have distinct refund rules, and knowing them protects your money.

Obsidian's direct refund policy

Obsidian offers a straightforward refund window: 7 days from the date of purchase, no questions asked. This applies to Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish only. After 7 days, refunds are not issued unless you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances (such as a service outage that made the subscription unusable for an extended period).

Catalyst licences, Commercial licences, and Obsidian Credit are explicitly non-refundable, period. If you accidentally purchased one of these, your only option is to contact Obsidian support and appeal on the basis of consumer law, but success is unlikely.

Warning: When you receive a refund from Obsidian, your remote vault and any published sites are deleted and cannot be recovered. This is why backup is critical.

App store and google play refund policies

Apple and Google have their own refund windows, which sometimes differ from Obsidian's:

• Apple App Store: You have 14 days to request a refund for most subscriptions. Use the "Report a Problem" button on your receipt in the App Store.
• Google Play: You have 48 hours to request a refund for a subscription. Open Google Play, go to your subscriptions, select Obsidian, and choose "Request refund."

These platform refund windows are often longer than Obsidian's own 7-day policy. If you're within Apple's 14-day window or Google's 48-hour window, you may get a refund directly from the platform, even if Obsidian wouldn't grant one independently.

How to request a refund

1. If you subscribed directly through Obsidian: Log into your Obsidian account, navigate to Billing, select your subscription, and click "Request refund" if the option appears (only available within 7 days).
2. If you subscribed through Apple: Open Settings, tap your Apple ID, go to Subscriptions, select Obsidian, and tap "Report a Problem" on your most recent charge. Select "Request refund" and provide a reason.
3. If you subscribed through Google Play: Open Google Play, tap your profile, go to Subscriptions, select Obsidian, and tap "Request refund." Choose a reason.
4. Check your email for confirmation. Refunds typically post within 5-10 business days.

Pro tip: If Obsidian denies your refund request outside the 7-day window, escalate to your platform (App Store or Google Play) if applicable. Stopee recommends saving all correspondence, as it strengthens any future complaint to the Competition Bureau or a provincial consumer protection agency.

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What happens to your data after cancellation

Cancelling a subscription feels like loss because, in some ways, it is. Your local data is always safe, but cloud storage has an expiration date, and published sites will go offline. Understanding these consequences helps you plan ahead.

Your local vault remains untouched

The notes stored on your device are yours forever. Cancelling Obsidian Sync or Publish does not delete your local vault. You can continue using the free Obsidian app and accessing all your notes indefinitely. Obsidian's paid services are optional cloud features, not gateways to your data.

Remote sync data has a 30-day countdown

If you cancel your Sync subscription by letting it lapse (non-renewal), Obsidian keeps your remote vault on their servers for 30 days. During this window, you can reactivate your subscription and access your synced data. After 30 days, the remote vault is permanently deleted. If you explicitly cancel (not just let it lapse), remote deletion may happen immediately. This is why backup is essential.

Published sites go offline immediately

If you cancel Obsidian Publish, any sites you published will be taken down. Visitors to your published notes will see an error page. Obsidian does not retain published content after cancellation. If you ever want to republish those notes, you'll have to set up Publish again and rebuild your site.

How to protect your data

Before you cancel, export everything. Use Obsidian's built-in export feature or manually copy your vault folder to another cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), an external hard drive, or another note-taking platform. Stopee strongly advises treating this step as non-negotiable. Data loss is permanent, and no support team can recover it once it's gone.

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Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Cancelling is straightforward, but small oversights can lead to unexpected charges, lost data, or failed refund requests. We see these mistakes happen repeatedly, and they're all preventable.

Mistake 1: cancelling in the app instead of through settings

If you subscribed through App Store or Google Play, cancelling directly in the Obsidian app will not work. You must cancel through your phone's settings or the respective app store. Many users think they've cancelled when they haven't, only to be charged again at the next renewal date. Double-check that you cancelled in the correct place.

Mistake 2: assuming automatic deletion means your data is safe

If you expect Obsidian to delete your data after cancellation, don't rely on their 30-day window. Obsidian's servers are secure, but relying on their automatic deletion is a risk. Download your vault before you cancel. You own your data, not Obsidian.

Mistake 3: not requesting a refund at cancellation

If you're within the 7-day refund window, request the refund immediately when you cancel. Waiting puts you at risk of missing the deadline. Some users cancel but forget to tick the refund box, thinking they'll request it later. Later often comes too late.

Mistake 4: cancelling one subscription and thinking both are gone

If you subscribe to both Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish, you have two separate subscriptions. Cancelling one does not cancel the other. You'll need to repeat the cancellation steps for each service. Check your invoices to confirm both subscriptions are actually cancelled.

Mistake 5: losing your cancellation confirmation

Save the confirmation email or screenshot of your cancellation request. If there's a dispute about whether you cancelled, this proof is your only defense. Without it, Obsidian or the app platform will refer you to their terms, and you lose leverage.

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Obsidian cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every critical step before, during, and after cancellation. Stopee recommends printing or screenshotting this for your records.

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Comparing obsidian to alternative note-taking tools

If you're cancelling because you've found a better fit, this comparison table might help you confirm your decision. Stopee wants you to feel confident about moving on.

Obsidian excels if you value privacy, customization, and local ownership. It's overkill if you simply want a quick note-taking app. If you're switching to something simpler or more collaborative, cancelling makes sense.

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What to do if obsidian won't cancel or refund you

Cancellation and refund disputes are rare, but they happen. If Obsidian ignores your cancellation request or denies a refund you believe you deserve, you have legal options.

Step 1: document everything

Before you escalate, gather all evidence: email confirmations, screenshots of cancellation requests, bank statements showing the charge, and a written summary of your attempts to resolve the issue. This documentation is your foundation.

Step 2: contact obsidian support directly

Email Obsidian's support team (usually found on their help page) with a clear, professional summary of your issue. Include order numbers, dates, and what you're requesting. Give them 5 business days to respond. Save their response.

Step 3: escalate to your payment platform

If you subscribed through Apple or Google, contact their support teams. Apple's "Report a Problem" tool and Google Play's refund request are formal channels that can override Obsidian's decision.

Step 4: file a complaint with the competition bureau or provincial authority

If Obsidian and the platforms don't resolve your issue, Canada's Competition Bureau (federally) or your provincial consumer protection agency (Ontario's Attorney General, BC's Office of the Ombudsperson, etc.) accepts complaints about unfair business practices. Stopee recommends including a copy of your documentation and a clear statement of what remedy you're seeking.

Pro tip: Many Canadian consumer protection agencies will investigate at no cost to you. This step often motivates companies to settle quickly.

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Final thoughts and next steps

Cancelling Obsidian is straightforward if you follow this guide: back up your data, identify your subscription source, navigate to the correct cancellation page, confirm your request, and save your receipt. Refunds come back within 10 business days if you're within the window, and your local notes stay with you forever.

If you're leaving because you've found a better tool, that's a valid choice. If you're leaving because Obsidian felt too complex or too expensive, that's equally valid. Your time and money matter, and so does your data. Stopee has helped thousands of Canadians cancel subscriptions cleanly, understand their rights, and protect their information. Whether you're cancelling Obsidian today or revisiting another service tomorrow, Stopee is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Visit Stopee.com to explore guides for hundreds of other services and to learn more about your consumer rights in Canada.