Manage Backblaze

How to cancel backblaze and protect your data before you go

Understanding backblaze and why you might want to leave

Backblaze is a cloud backup and storage service that lets you back up your computer automatically or store files via their B2 Cloud Storage platform. Many South African users subscribe for peace of mind, but circumstances change - you might switch providers, downsize your tech setup, or simply find the service no longer fits your needs.

Whatever your reason, cancelling Backblaze doesn't have to be complicated. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence, and Backblaze is no exception.

What backblaze offers

Backblaze Personal Backup gives you unlimited cloud storage for a single computer with automatic daily backups, version history, and the ability to restore files or your entire system. B2 Cloud Storage, by contrast, is pay-as-you-go object storage designed for developers and businesses who need scalable file hosting. Both services are subscription-based and require active management to cancel - there's no "one-click" option through app stores.

When cancellation makes sense

You might cancel if you've switched to another backup provider, no longer need redundancy for that computer, or want to reduce monthly subscriptions. Perhaps you're using B2 temporarily for a project that's now complete. Whatever the trigger, Stopee recommends you act deliberately and follow the steps carefully to avoid surprise charges and ensure your data is safe.

Backblaze pricing in south african rands

Backblaze publishes prices in US Dollars, but you'll be charged in ZAR at your payment method's current exchange rate. Below is an approximate guide based on a 1 USD to 19 ZAR conversion rate - your actual amount may vary slightly depending on your bank and the day you're charged.

For exact charges in ZAR, contact Backblaze's support team or check your payment method's currency conversion at the time of billing. Stopee advises you to confirm any fees with your bank before you initiate cancellation, especially if you're requesting a refund on an annual or 2-year plan.

Your consumer rights when cancelling backblaze

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and Payment Association rules protect you when you cancel digital subscriptions. Understanding these rights empowers you to act confidently.

What the consumer protection act says

Under the CPA, you have the right to cancel a subscription at any time, though the supplier may require a reasonable notice period (typically up to 30 days). Backblaze's own policy allows monthly plan cancellations without refund, but annual and 2-year plans offer full refunds if you cancel within 30 days of purchase. If Backblaze refuses a legitimate refund claim or makes cancellation deliberately difficult, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or your provincial consumer authority.

Stopee recommends documenting everything - your cancellation request, response times, and any error messages - in case you need to lodge a formal complaint. Keep copies of your account statements and confirmation emails as proof.

Know your refund entitlements

Monthly subscriptions: non-refundable once the billing period begins, but you stop future charges immediately upon cancellation. Annual and 2-year plans: Backblaze offers a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of subscribing. USB restore drives: eligible for refund if returned unused within 30 days, though you cover return shipping and import duties. After 30 days, no refund is available, even if you've never used the service.

How to cancel backblaze: step-by-step instructions

Cancelling Backblaze requires you to delete your backups and remove licenses through their website - support agents cannot do this for you. Follow these steps carefully to avoid leaving orphaned subscriptions that continue to charge.

Before you start: critical preparation

Warning: Deleting a backup is permanent and cannot be undone. Before you proceed, ensure you have local copies of any files you need on an external drive or another backup location. Check that all critical data has been downloaded to your computer or transferred to a new backup service.

You must also have access to your Backblaze account email and password. If you've forgotten your password, reset it at https://www.backblaze.com before you begin. You cannot cancel via the Backblaze app or through the App Store or Google Play - cancellation must happen on Backblaze's website.

Cancelling personal backup

1. Open the Backblaze application on your computer (Windows or Mac).
   • On Windows: look for the Backblaze icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner); right-click and select "Open Backblaze".
   • On Mac: open Applications > Backblaze, or use Spotlight search (Cmd + Space) and type "Backblaze".
2. Click the menu icon or "Settings" to access Preferences.
   • The exact location varies by app version, but look for a gear icon or "Preferences" in the top menu.
3. Find the "Delete Backup" or "Remove Backup" option in Preferences.
   • You may be asked to confirm your action and re-enter your Backblaze account password.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of this step in case Backblaze asks you to verify the deletion later.
4. Confirm the deletion by entering your account password when prompted. The backup will be marked for deletion and removed from Backblaze's servers within 30 days.
   • Your local computer files are not affected - only the cloud copy is deleted.
5. Sign in to your Backblaze account at https://www.backblaze.com using your email and password.
   • Navigate to the "Overview" or "Computers" section.
   • Remove any unused computer licenses or accounts listed there.
   • This stops automatic renewal and billing for those licenses.
6. Optional: delete your account entirely by going to Account Settings > Danger Zone or similar, then select "Delete Account".
   • This removes all associated subscriptions and prevents any future charges.
   • Warning: This action is usually irreversible; ensure you've saved any important data first.

Cancelling B2 cloud storage

1. Log in to the Backblaze web console at https://www.backblaze.com/b2/cloud-storage.html with your account credentials.
2. Navigate to "Account" or "Settings" and find "Application Keys" or "API Credentials".
   • Delete all non-master application keys first - keep only your master key if you plan to use it again later.
   • This prevents unauthorized access to your buckets and prepares for account closure.
3. Go to "Buckets" and delete all buckets you no longer need.
   • You must delete files within each bucket before the bucket itself can be deleted.
   • Select each bucket, then delete files or use the "Delete Bucket" option.
   • Pro tip: Export any bucket inventory lists before deletion in case you need them for records.
4. Once all buckets and keys are removed, return to Account Settings and select "Delete Account" or "Close Account".
   • Confirm your choice via email if prompted.
   • Your B2 account will be closed, and you will not be charged further.

Returning USB restore drives

If you purchased a USB Restore Drive or B2 Snapshot Drive and want a refund, you must return it within 30 days of receipt. Visit Backblaze's "Restore Return Refund" program page, request a return shipping label, and send the device back. Keep your tracking number as proof. Note that you pay return shipping and any import duties - Backblaze only refunds the device cost, not shipping fees.

What happens after you cancel backblaze

Cancelling Backblaze is emotional, especially if you've relied on it for security. Take a moment to understand what changes and what stays the same.

Immediate changes

Once you delete your backup or remove a license, automatic renewal stops immediately. Your next billing date will not trigger a charge. If you delete your entire account, all associated subscriptions end per Backblaze's procedures, and you lose access to the web console. Your local computer files remain untouched - Backblaze only deletes the cloud copy you've stored with them.

If you've requested a refund within the 30-day window, monitor your bank account or payment method for a credit. Refunds typically appear within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take longer to process.

Data and access after cancellation

For Personal Backup, your backed-up data on Backblaze's servers is deleted within 30 days of deletion request. For B2 Cloud Storage, files and buckets are removed immediately when you delete them. If you've used Backblaze's restore features (downloading files or restoring a full system), those restored files stay on your computer - the deletion only affects what's stored in Backblaze's cloud.

Pro tip: If you cancel but later realize you need data, contact Backblaze support immediately - they may be able to recover deleted data if you act within the 30-day window, though recovery is not guaranteed and may incur a fee.

Refunds: what backblaze will and won't pay back

Refund eligibility depends on your plan type and how long you've been subscribed. Know the rules before you request money back.

Standard refund policy

Monthly plans are non-refundable once the billing cycle begins. You can cancel to prevent future charges, but Backblaze will not refund the current month's fees. Annual plans and 2-year plans qualify for a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of purchase - this is Backblaze's commitment to a trial period. After 30 days, no refund is available, even if you've never used the service.

USB drive returns and hardware refunds

Personal Backup USB Restore Drives and B2 Snapshot Drives are returnable within 30 days of receipt for a full device refund, provided they're unused and in original condition. You must cover return postage and any customs or import duties - Backblaze does not reimburse these costs. Return limits apply: you're entitled to return a maximum of two drives per account per year. Check Backblaze's Payments & Refunds policy at https://www.backblaze.com/company/policy/payments-and-refunds for full terms.

How to request a refund

If you qualify, contact Backblaze support via their help centre and request a refund. Provide your account email, the original purchase date, and your reason. Keep copies of your order confirmation or invoice. Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take longer to credit your account. If Backblaze denies your refund and you believe you're eligible under consumer law, escalate to the NCC or your provincial authority - Stopee can guide you through that process.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

We know cancellation can feel stressful, especially when your data is involved. Here are the pitfalls Stopee has seen consumers stumble into - don't let them trip you up too.

Mistake 1: deleting backups without a local copy

If you delete your Backblaze backup without first downloading or copying your data elsewhere, you lose access to that backup forever. Always export your critical files to an external drive, USB stick, or another cloud service before you delete the backup from Backblaze.

Mistake 2: trying to cancel via app or app store

The Backblaze app itself and app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play do not allow in-app cancellation. You must log in to https://www.backblaze.com on your web browser to cancel. If you only uninstall the app, your subscription continues and you'll be charged anyway.

Mistake 3: leaving orphaned licenses in your account

After deleting your backup, you must also remove unused computer licenses from your account overview. If you skip this step, those licenses auto-renew and you continue to be charged monthly. Visit your account settings after each deletion to confirm no active licenses remain.

Mistake 4: missing the 30-day refund window for annual plans

Backblaze's 30-day refund period starts from your purchase date, not your cancellation request date. If you wait 40 days to cancel, you lose the refund, even if you contact support on day 31. Mark your calendar immediately upon purchase so you don't miss this window.

Mistake 5: not documenting your cancellation request

If Backblaze denies a refund or a charge appears after cancellation, you'll want proof you requested it. Take screenshots of your account settings showing the deleted backup, save any emails from Backblaze confirming deletion, and note the date and time you cancelled. Stopee advises keeping these records for at least six months.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to stay on track and ensure you've completed every step before you finish with Backblaze.

Alternatives to backblaze you might consider

If you're cancelling because you're unhappy with Backblaze's performance, pricing, or features, you have other options. Below is a quick comparison to help you choose a new backup or storage provider that fits your needs better.

Each service has different strengths. Stopee recommends choosing based on your backup frequency needs, device count, and whether you want automatic backups or manual file sync. Once you've selected a new provider, migrate your data before you cancel Backblaze to avoid any gap in protection.

How stopee helps you cancel with confidence

Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but too many companies make it deliberately difficult. That's where Stopee comes in. We've created clear, step-by-step guides for hundreds of popular services, including Backblaze, so you always know exactly what to do and what to expect.

Stopee is built on the belief that your time and money matter. Whether you need to cancel, request a refund, or escalate a complaint to a consumer authority, Stopee provides the knowledge and confidence to advocate for yourself. Our guides cover the legal rights you have, the common traps companies use, and the exact steps to succeed.

Visit Stopee at https://stopee.com to find cancellation guides for your other subscriptions, learn your consumer rights in South Africa, and join thousands of empowered consumers who've taken control of their digital lives. Stopee has helped thousands cancel subscriptions like Backblaze without stress - you're next.

Contact information and where to escalate complaints

If Backblaze refuses to cancel your account, denies a refund you believe you're entitled to, or makes cancellation unreasonably difficult, you have formal complaint channels.

Backblaze support and headquarters

Backblaze's main office is located in San Mateo, California, USA. There is no separate cancellation-specific mailing address - all account cancellations are handled online through https://www.backblaze.com. For support, use their help centre at https://help.backblaze.com or contact them via their web form. Response times vary, but Backblaze typically replies within 24 to 48 business hours.

Escalation: consumer authorities in south africa

If Backblaze fails to respond or refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request, contact the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or your provincial consumer protection authority:

National Consumer Commission: https://www.ncc.org.za | Telephone: 012 428 7000 | Email: complaint@ncc.org.za

You can lodge a formal complaint online or by mail. Include copies of your account statements, cancellation requests, and all correspondence with Backblaze. The NCC can investigate and compel Backblaze to comply with South African consumer law.

Alternatively, contact your payment method provider (bank or credit card company) to initiate a chargeback if you're charged after cancellation without your consent. Provide them with proof of your cancellation request.

Your final step

Cancelling Backblaze is now within your reach. Follow the steps above, document everything, and remember that you have legal protections under South African law. If you need guidance at any stage or have questions about other subscriptions you want to cancel, Stopee is here to help. At Stopee, we empower consumers just like you to take control of their subscriptions and protect their rights - every single day.