Manage Backblaze

How to cancel backblaze in new zealand and protect your data

What is backblaze and why you might want to cancel

Backblaze is a cloud backup service that stores your computer files online, plus B2 Cloud Storage for developers and businesses. If you've decided to leave Backblaze, you're in the right place-Stopee helps thousands of New Zealand consumers understand exactly what happens when they cancel, what they're entitled to keep or recover, and how to avoid the common traps that cost people time and money.

How backblaze works

Backblaze's Personal Online Backup lets you back up unlimited files from your computer to their cloud servers. Once you subscribe, the service runs in the background, syncing new and changed files continuously. B2 Cloud Storage is separate and targets developers and organisations that need pay-as-you-go object storage for applications and archives.

Common reasons to cancel

You might cancel because you've switched to a different backup service, no longer need cloud storage, want to reduce monthly expenses, or simply prefer managing backups locally. Whatever your reason, Stopee believes you deserve a straightforward cancellation process-and we'll walk you through every step.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

Before you cancel, understand what protections you have under New Zealand law.

Consumer guarantees act protections

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Backblaze must provide a service that is of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If the service fails to deliver what was promised-for example, if your backups aren't accessible when you need them-you have the right to seek remedies beyond Backblaze's standard refund policy. This includes repair, replacement, or refund, depending on the circumstances.

If Backblaze's cancellation process is deliberately obstructed or makes it unreasonably difficult to leave, this may breach fair trading principles. Similarly, forcing you to delete your backed-up data simply to cancel (rather than offering account suspension) could be seen as unreasonable conduct under the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Your right to cancel

You have the unconditional right to cancel Backblaze at any time. However, refunds depend on your plan type and how long you've been subscribed-more on that in the refund section below.

Cancellation methods and where to start

Backblaze does not offer an in-app "click-to-cancel" button or support cancellation through app stores. All cancellations must be handled directly on Backblaze's website.

Account types and cancellation routes

Your cancellation method depends on whether you use Personal Online Backup, B2 Cloud Storage, or both. Backblaze does not operate a dedicated New Zealand support line or physical office in New Zealand, so all cancellations go through their web interface or US-based support. Stopee recommends handling this entirely online-it's faster and creates a clear record of your request.

• Personal Online Backup: Cancel directly via your account settings on the Backblaze website.
• B2 Cloud Storage: You must delete all buckets and application keys before your account stops incurring charges.
• Both services: Complete the Personal Backup cancellation first, then clean up B2 storage.

How to cancel personal online backup step by step

This process takes 5-10 minutes and can be done entirely on your computer.

1. Go to the Backblaze website and sign into your account using your email and password.
   • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page. You'll receive a reset link via email within a few minutes.
2. Once logged in, navigate to Account Settings or Overview (the label varies slightly).
   • Look for a section showing your registered computers or devices.
3. For each computer you've backed up, select it and then choose Delete Backup or Delete License.
   • Warning: Deleting a backup immediately and permanently removes all files Backblaze has stored for that computer. This action cannot be undone. If you need those files, download or restore them first.
   • Backblaze will ask you to confirm the deletion. Select "Yes" or "Confirm".
4. Repeat step 3 for every computer or device listed under your account.
   • If you have three computers backed up, you must delete all three licenses to fully cancel.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your computer list before deletion, just in case you need to reference which devices were backed up.
5. Once all licenses are deleted, return to your Account Settings and verify the computer list is empty.
   • Your account is now cancelled for Personal Backup purposes.
6. Check your email for a confirmation message from Backblaze (check your spam folder if you don't see it within 10 minutes).
   • If you don't receive confirmation within 24 hours, log back in to confirm the cancellation was processed.

Cancelling B2 cloud storage

If you use B2 Cloud Storage separately, you must delete all buckets and remove all application keys before your account stops incurring monthly charges.

1. Log into your Backblaze account and navigate to the B2 section or Cloud Storage dashboard.
   • You should see a list of your buckets (storage folders).
2. For each bucket, select it and choose Delete Bucket.
   • Warning: Deleting a bucket removes all files stored in it permanently. Download or move any files you need elsewhere before deleting.
3. Navigate to Application Keys and delete any keys you've created.
   • Application keys allow apps and scripts to access your B2 storage. Deleting them prevents accidental uploads or charges.
4. After deleting all buckets and keys, return to Account Settings and select Delete Account if you wish to remove the account entirely.
   • This step is optional. If you leave the account active but empty, no further charges will occur.

What happens when you cancel

Understanding what occurs immediately after cancellation helps you prepare and avoid surprises.

Instant data removal and access loss

When you delete a Backblaze license for Personal Backup, your backed-up files are deleted from Backblaze's servers immediately and permanently. You lose access to the Backblaze restore tools within minutes. If you plan to keep your data, download it or restore it to an external drive before deleting your account.

For B2 Cloud Storage, deleting a bucket removes all objects (files) in it instantly. This action is permanent unless you have copies elsewhere.

Your account status after cancellation

After you delete all licenses, your account enters a cancelled state. You can still log in to view your account history for 90 days, but you cannot create new backups or store new files. After 90 days, Backblaze may automatically delete your account record.

Billing stops immediately once the last license is deleted. You will not be charged for the following month, even if you cancel mid-cycle.

Dealing with billing delays

If you see a charge appear on your credit card after cancelling, contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute it. You can also contact Backblaze support via their website to request a refund, referencing your cancellation date. Keep your confirmation email as proof.

Refunds and what you're entitled to

Backblaze's refund policy is strict, but New Zealand consumer law may offer you additional leverage in certain situations.

Monthly plan refunds

If you pay month-to-month (USD $9.00/month), Backblaze does not issue refunds. You can cancel anytime, but you will forfeit the remaining balance of your current month. If you cancel on the 10th of a 30-day billing cycle, you lose payment for the remaining 20 days. No refund applies.

Annual and 2-year plan refunds

This is where Backblaze's policy offers more protection. If you subscribed to a 1-year (USD $99.00) or 2-year (USD $189.00) plan, you may request a full refund within 30 days of subscribing. After 30 days, refunds are not available under Backblaze's standard policy.

Pro tip: If you subscribed within the last 30 days and have changed your mind, email Backblaze support immediately requesting a refund. Mention your subscription date and reference their refund policy. Include your account email and order number.

Chargebacks and dispute rights

Backblaze allows customers to file charge disputes with their bank or card issuer up to 45 days after the charge date. If Backblaze refuses a legitimate refund request-for example, if you were billed twice or the service didn't work as promised-you have the right to dispute the charge with your bank and request a reversal.

Stopee recommends trying friendly resolution with Backblaze first. If they refuse and you believe the charge is unfair, file a dispute through your card issuer's online platform or contact your bank directly.

Consumer guarantees act remedies

If Backblaze failed to deliver an acceptable service-for example, your backups were corrupted, inaccessible, or deleted without your consent-the Consumer Guarantees Act may entitle you to remedies beyond Backblaze's refund policy. You may pursue repair, replacement, or refund through the Disputes Tribunal or via legal advice. Collect evidence of the service failure (screenshots, emails, dates) before escalating.

Backblaze pricing in new zealand

Backblaze prices are shown in USD and do not automatically convert to NZD. You'll pay in the currency your card is billed in, typically USD.

Current plan pricing

To estimate your NZD cost, multiply the USD price by the current exchange rate (approximately 1.65-1.70 as of late 2024) and add 15% GST if applicable to your purchase. For example, USD $9.00 monthly becomes roughly NZD $15.30-$15.80 before tax.

Common mistakes that cost you time and money

Cancelling Backblaze is straightforward, but small errors often derail the process or cost you refunds you're entitled to.

Mistake 1: deleting your account before backing up your files

The biggest regret customers face is realising-too late-that they needed to restore their files before cancelling. Once you delete your Backblaze license, every file stored with Backblaze is gone forever. If those files weren't synced to another device or cloud service, you've lost them permanently.

What to do: Before you delete anything, log into Backblaze and download any files you need. Use Backblaze's "Restore" function to either download a ZIP archive of your entire backup or restore files directly to your computer. This takes 5-30 minutes depending on file size.

Mistake 2: not cancelling all licenses

If you backed up multiple computers, you must delete the license for every single one. Many customers delete two devices but forget the third, then wonder why they're still being charged. Backblaze charges per computer licence, not per account.

What to do: Before cancelling, count how many devices appear in your account overview. Multiply this number by the number of deletions you need to complete. Check your confirmation email to verify the exact number of cancellations processed.

Mistake 3: assuming refunds are automatic

Backblaze does not automatically refund unused portions of annual plans. Many customers cancel mid-year, assume they'll receive a pro-rata refund, then receive no refund when they check their statement weeks later. You must actively request a refund in writing within 30 days of the initial charge date.

What to do: Email Backblaze support immediately after cancelling and explicitly request a refund. Include your subscription start date, cancellation date, plan type, and order number. Send this from the email address associated with your account.

Mistake 4: not checking for hidden ongoing charges

If you use B2 Cloud Storage alongside Personal Backup, cancelling Personal Backup alone does not stop B2 billing. You must separately delete all B2 buckets and keys. Some customers discover months later that they're still paying for "empty" B2 storage.

What to do: Log into Backblaze and verify you use B2. If you do, follow the B2 cancellation steps in this guide. Delete all buckets, application keys, and API tokens. After cancellation, ask Backblaze to confirm zero outstanding charges on your account.

Checklist before you cancel

Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss anything.

• [ ] I have downloaded or restored all files I need from Backblaze.
• [ ] I have listed all computers registered under my Backblaze account.
• [ ] I have noted my subscription start date (needed for refund requests).
• [ ] I understand whether I'm subscribed to a monthly, annual, or 2-year plan.
• [ ] I have checked whether I also use B2 Cloud Storage under this account.
• [ ] I have prepared an email to Backblaze support requesting a refund (if eligible).
• [ ] I have taken a screenshot of my account overview before deletion (for records).
• [ ] I am ready to delete all licenses and buckets.

After cancellation: what to do next

Cancelling Backblaze is final, but a few follow-up steps protect your interests and ensure the process is complete.

Verify your cancellation within 48 hours

Log back into your Backblaze account two days after cancelling. Confirm that your computer list is empty and your account shows no active licenses. If licenses still appear, repeat the deletion process. If they persist after a second attempt, contact Backblaze support immediately-this may indicate a technical issue.

Monitor your bank statement

Watch your credit card or bank statement for the next two billing cycles. Backblaze should not charge you after cancellation. If a charge appears, note the date, amount, and transaction ID. Contact Backblaze immediately requesting a refund, and be prepared to dispute the charge with your bank if they refuse.

Check for confirmation emails

Backblaze typically sends a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours. Check your inbox and spam folder. If you don't receive one, log into your account to verify the cancellation was processed. Save any confirmation email as proof for your records.

Request refunds if eligible

If you subscribed to an annual or 2-year plan within the last 30 days, send a written refund request to Backblaze support immediately. Reference your subscription date, plan type, and reason for cancellation. Include your account email and order number. Backblaze typically responds within 3-5 business days.

Contacting backblaze and escalation

Backblaze does not maintain a physical office in New Zealand. All support goes through their website.

Support contact methods

• Online help centre: Visit help.backblaze.com for FAQs, guides, and knowledge articles (response time: typically none, as this is self-service).
• Email support: Contact Backblaze via their website contact form. Response time is typically 1-3 business days.
• Chat support: Some account holders may access live chat through their account dashboard. Check your account settings.

If backblaze refuses to refund you

If Backblaze denies a refund you believe is fair, you have options:

• File a chargeback or dispute with your bank or card issuer (deadline: 45 days after the charge date).
• Contact the Disputes Tribunal in New Zealand if the amount is under NZD $20,000 and you're a consumer. This service is free and helps resolve consumer disputes.
• Consult with the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) if you believe Backblaze has breached the Consumer Guarantees Act or Fair Trading Act.

Keep all receipts, emails, and screenshots of your account. These documents are essential if you need to escalate your complaint.

Why stopee makes cancellation easier

Cancelling Backblaze should be straightforward, and it is-if you know the steps and understand your rights. Stopee exists to help you navigate exactly these situations. We've guided thousands of New Zealand consumers through cancellations, refunds, and disputes with cloud services, subscription platforms, and digital providers. Our mission is simple: empower you with clear, step-by-step instructions and remind you that consumer law is on your side.

Whether you're leaving Backblaze because you found a cheaper alternative, no longer need cloud backup, or simply want to simplify your digital life, Stopee ensures you cancel correctly, recover any refunds you're entitled to, and protect your data in the process. Visit Stopee.com today and explore guides for cancelling hundreds of other services-we're here to make sure you're never stuck with a subscription you don't want.