How to cancel your Roam Research subscription and protect your data in australia
Why you might cancel Roam Research and what you need to know first
Roam Research is a cloud-based note-taking and knowledge management platform that uses bidirectional linking to help you build interconnected graphs of information. If you've subscribed to access collaboration features, version history and cloud storage, but the service no longer fits your workflow, your budget has changed, or you've found an alternative tool, you can cancel at any time. However, understanding Roam Research's billing cycles, refund policies and data retention rules before you act will protect you from unexpected charges and data loss.
Yafee helps Australian consumers navigate subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence. This guide walks you through your cancellation options, consumer rights under Australian law and the steps you need to take to ensure your account is truly terminated.
Understanding Roam research's paid plans and pricing
Roam Research does not offer a free tier; all active accounts require a paid subscription. The platform offers three main billing options, each with different renewal cycles and long-term commitments.
| Plan |
Cost (AUD) |
Billing cycle |
Commitment |
| Pro (monthly) |
A$22.49 |
Renews every 30 days |
Month to month, cancel anytime |
| Pro (annual) |
A$269.82 |
Renews yearly |
12-month lock-in period |
| Believer (5-year) |
A$749.50 upfront |
Fixed 5-year term |
No early exit without support approval |
These prices are approximate conversions from USD at a standard exchange rate. Your exact charge will depend on your payment method, location and applicable taxes. Monthly plans renew automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date. Annual plans charge you again at the end of the 12-month period, and the Believer plan locks you in for five years. If you're on a Believer plan and wish to exit early, you must contact Roam Research support directly to negotiate terms.
Why australians cancel Roam Research
Common reasons include unexpected annual charges after a trial period ends, switching to a simpler note-taking tool such as Obsidian or Notion, budget constraints, or frustration with limited refund flexibility. Some users also find the learning curve too steep or discover that the bidirectional linking feature does not suit their workflow. Understanding these pain points helps you decide whether cancellation is right for you, or whether upgrading your use of the platform might be more cost-effective.
Your consumer rights when cancelling in australia
Australian Consumer Law gives you important protections when cancelling digital subscriptions, and Yafee recommends knowing these rights before you contact Roam Research support.
Australian consumer law and cooling-off periods
Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you have the right to a refund if a service does not match what was promised or if you cancel within any advertised trial period. If Roam Research offered you a trial period (for example, 30 days free) and automatically charged you without clear prior written consent, you may have grounds to request a refund. The key is proving the charge was not explicitly authorised by you in writing before the trial ended.
Furthermore, if you're within 14 days of your original purchase and the subscription was a new service purchase (not a renewal), you may have cancellation rights under the ACL, depending on how the purchase was framed at the point of sale. Keep your email receipts, billing statements and any promotional materials as evidence.
Escalation and regulatory backing
If Roam Research refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to under the ACL, you can escalate to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or your state's consumer affairs body. Yafee advises documenting every communication with screenshots, email confirmations and support tickets, so you have a clear record if you need to file a formal complaint or dispute with ACCC.
Your legal position
You have a statutory right under the ACL to receive goods and services with due care and skill, and to receive them within a reasonable time. If Roam Research fails to honour its cancellation terms or withholds data beyond the stated 60-day retention period, this constitutes a breach of the ACL. Document all breaches in writing and escalate to ACCC if the company does not respond within 14 days.
How to cancel your Roam Research subscription
Roam Research offers multiple cancellation methods depending on which plan you're on and whether you prefer to use the web interface or contact support directly.
Cancellation method 1: via account settings (monthly and annual plans)
If you're on a Professional (monthly or annual) plan, you can cancel directly from your account settings without contacting support.
- Log into your Roam Research account at roamresearch.com using your email and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the email link to reset it.
- Navigate to your account settings or billing dashboard, typically found in the bottom left corner or under a gear icon.
- Look for a section labelled "Subscription", "Plan" or "Billing".
- Locate the "Cancel subscription" or "Downgrade" button.
- Read any warning message carefully; Roam Research will remind you that cancellation removes access to paid features but retains your data for 60 days.
- Click the cancellation button and confirm your decision.
- You may be offered a discount code or a reason for leaving; this is optional and does not affect your cancellation.
- Wait for an on-screen confirmation message and check your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation email within 5 to 10 minutes.
- If you do not receive an email within 15 minutes, contact [email protected] to confirm.
Cancellation method 2: via the in-app help chatbox or support portal
If the settings method does not work or you're unsure which button to click, use Roam Research's built-in support channel to request cancellation.
- Log into your Roam Research account.
- Open the help chatbox (usually a chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen).
- If no chat icon appears, look for a "Help" or "Support" link in the navigation menu.
- Type a clear message: "I would like to cancel my subscription effective immediately" or "Please cancel my Pro plan."
- Include your email address and the name of your current plan.
- Roam Research's support team will respond within 24 to 48 hours with a cancellation confirmation link or form.
- Click any link provided and follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation date and the final billing date.
- Ask the support team to confirm in writing when your data will be deleted (typically 60 days after cancellation).
Cancellation method 3: direct email to support (Believer plan or disputed charges)
If you're on the Believer plan or believe you've been charged incorrectly, send a formal cancellation request email directly to support.
- Open your email client and compose a new email to [email protected].
- In the subject line, write "Subscription cancellation request" or "Account termination request".
- In the email body, include the following information:
- Your full name and registered email address.
- Your current plan name (Pro monthly, Pro annual or Believer).
- Your request: "I request immediate cancellation of my subscription effective [today's date or a specific date]."
- The reason for cancellation (optional, but helpful for the company's feedback).
- A request for written confirmation of your cancellation and data retention period.
- Send the email and retain a copy for your records.
- Monitor your inbox for a response within 5 to 10 business days.
- If you do not receive a response, follow up with a second email referencing your original request.
- Once you receive cancellation confirmation, reply to confirm you've received it and request a final confirmation of the cancellation effective date.
What happens to your data after you cancel
Understanding Roam Research's data retention policy is critical before you submit your cancellation request.
The 60-day data retention period
According to Roam Research's User Agreement, your account and all associated data will remain accessible for 60 days after cancellation. This grace period allows you to log back in, export your notes or change your mind and reactivate your subscription. Consequently, if you cancel and then realise you need to retrieve your data, you have two months to do so.
After 60 days, Roam Research will permanently delete your account, all notes, linked graphs and any other data stored in your account. This deletion is irreversible.
How to export your data before the deadline
Do not rely on the 60-day grace period; export your data immediately after you submit your cancellation request.
- Log into your Roam Research account before the cancellation takes effect.
- Look for an "Export" or "Data download" option in your account settings or a menu option labelled "More" or "Advanced".
- Select "Export all data" or a similar option (Roam Research typically offers both JSON and Markdown formats).
- JSON format preserves all metadata and link structure; Markdown is simpler and works with most note-taking apps.
- Download the file to your computer and save it in a secure location with a clear filename, such as "Roam-Research-export-[today-date].json".
- If you're switching to another platform (Obsidian, Notion, Bear), consult that platform's import guide to ensure your data translates correctly.
Refunds and billing protection after cancellation
Refund eligibility depends on your plan, when you cancelled and whether you have grounds under the Australian Consumer Law.
Refund eligibility by plan type
Monthly plans typically do not qualify for refunds once a billing cycle has completed, unless you cancel before the renewal date. Your cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period, and you will not be charged again. Annual plans have stricter refund policies; Roam Research generally does not refund unused months. However, if you can demonstrate that you were charged without explicit consent or that a trial period was not honoured, you may dispute the charge via your bank or credit card company.
The Believer plan carries the highest financial commitment and the lowest refund flexibility. Roam Research's User Agreement states that Believer subscriptions are non-refundable. Nevertheless, if you can prove that your consent was not properly obtained or that you were misled about the terms, you retain the right to dispute the charge under the ACL.
Disputing charges via your bank or credit card company
If Roam Research refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to, you can initiate a chargeback or dispute directly with your bank or credit card provider. In Australia, this process is governed by the ePayments Code and Australian Consumer Law.
- Contact your bank or credit card company and request a dispute form for the specific Roam Research charge.
- Complete the form and attach evidence:
- Your cancellation request email or screenshot.
- Roam Research's cancellation confirmation (or lack thereof).
- Your original billing statement and any promotional materials that promised a trial or discount.
- Any correspondence with Roam Research support demonstrating the dispute.
- Submit the dispute form to your bank within the required timeframe (typically 90 days of the charge date).
- Your bank will investigate and notify you of the outcome within 30 to 45 business days.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling a digital subscription feels straightforward, but small oversights can leave you exposed to continued billing or data loss. Yafee has seen many Australian consumers make preventable errors; here are the most common ones and how to sidestep them.
Mistake 1: not confirming cancellation in writing
If you cancel via the web interface, you receive an on-screen confirmation and an email. However, if you cancel via chat or phone, ensure you request written confirmation via email. Without a dated record of your cancellation request and Roam Research's acceptance, the company can claim they never received your request if a charge appears on your next billing cycle. Save all emails and screenshots.
Mistake 2: cancelling on the wrong day
If you're on an annual plan and cancel the day after your renewal date, you've already paid for another year. Always cancel before your renewal date. Log into your account and check your billing history to see exactly when your next charge is due, then cancel at least 3 to 5 days beforehand to allow time for the cancellation to process.
Mistake 3: failing to export your data before the deadline
The 60-day grace period can feel like plenty of time, but it passes quickly. Export your data immediately after cancellation, not on day 59. Yafee strongly recommends exporting within 24 hours of submitting your cancellation request.
Mistake 4: assuming cancellation has taken effect without checking
After you cancel, log back into your account a few days later to confirm that your plan status has changed to "cancelled" or "inactive". If you still see "active" or "Pro", contact support immediately to clarify. Do not assume; verify.
Cancellation timeline and what to expect
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your cancellation and avoid surprises on your billing date.
| Stage |
Timeline |
What happens |
| You submit cancellation request |
Day 0 |
You click cancel or email [email protected] |
| Roam Research processes request |
Day 1 to 3 |
Support team confirms cancellation via email; your plan status updates to "cancelled" |
| Your access ends |
End of billing cycle or immediately |
You lose access to paid features; data remains visible for 60 days |
| Data retention grace period |
Day 1 to 60 after cancellation |
You can log in, view your notes and export your data; final charge does not appear |
| Data permanently deleted |
Day 61 onwards |
Your account and all data are irreversibly removed; you cannot recover any information |
Comparing Roam Research with alternatives before you leave
Before you cancel, you may want to consider whether a different plan or a competing platform better suits your needs.
| Platform |
Cost (AUD) |
Bidirectional linking |
Best for |
| Roam Research |
A$22.49/month |
Yes, native |
Knowledge graphs and research workflows |
| Obsidian |
A$0 (free) or A$48/year (Obsidian Sync) |
Yes, via plugins |
Privacy-focused, local-first note-takers |
| Notion |
A$0 (free) or A$15/month (Pro) |
Limited, via relations |
All-in-one workspace and databases |
| Logseq |
A$0 (free) |
Yes, native |
Open-source, privacy-conscious users |
| Bear |
A$2.99/month or A$29.99/year |
No, but has hashtag linking |
Simple, fast note-taking on Apple devices |
If cost is your primary concern, Obsidian and Logseq offer bidirectional linking at no cost. If you value simplicity and collaboration, Notion may be worth exploring. However, Yafee recommends testing an alternative platform for 7 to 14 days before cancelling Roam Research, so you do not lose access to your current notes during the transition.
Checklist: steps to take before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step and protected yourself legally and financially.
Before you cancel
- Log into your Roam Research account and verify your current plan name and renewal date.
- Check your email for the original sign-up confirmation and any promotional offers to verify consent terms.
- Export your data in JSON or Markdown format and save it to your computer.
- If switching to another platform, test the import process to ensure your data translates correctly.
- Take a screenshot of your account settings showing your plan name and renewal date.
- Open your bank or credit card statement and identify the exact Roam Research charges and dates.
During cancellation
- Choose your cancellation method: account settings, in-app chat or email to [email protected].
- If using chat or email, include your full name, email address, plan name and the date of your request.
- Save or screenshot the confirmation message or email immediately.
- Note the date and time of your cancellation request.
After cancellation
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes and check your email for a formal cancellation confirmation from Roam Research.
- If no email arrives within 15 minutes, contact [email protected] to confirm.
- Log back into your account 24 to 48 hours later and verify that your plan status has changed to "cancelled" or "inactive".
- Confirm that no new charge appears on your next expected billing date.
- If a charge does appear, contact your bank immediately to dispute it and send a follow-up email to Roam Research.
- Keep all correspondence and confirmation emails for 12 months in case you need to escalate a dispute to ACCC.
If Roam Research does not respond to your cancellation request or refuses to honour your cancellation, you have formal escalation routes under Australian Consumer Law.
Step 1: formal written request to Roam Research
Send a registered letter or formal email to [email protected] with the subject line "Formal cancellation notice" or "Notice of breach of Australian Consumer Law". Reference your original cancellation request date and the ACL section you believe has been breached. Request a response within 14 days.
Step 2: dispute with your bank or credit card company
If Roam Research fails to respond or refuses to cancel, initiate a chargeback with your bank or credit card company. Provide all email correspondence and cancellation requests as evidence. Your bank will investigate within 45 business days.
Step 3: formal complaint to ACCC
If your bank's investigation does not resolve the issue, lodge a formal complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) at accc.gov.au. Provide:
- A copy of your cancellation request and Roam Research's response (or confirmation of non-response).
- Evidence of the original charge and your billing history.
- Screenshots or emails showing any misleading marketing or terms.
- Details of your attempts to resolve the issue directly with Roam Research.
ACCC will investigate and may escalate to enforcement action if a pattern of non-compliance is found.
Step 4: escalation to your state's consumer affairs office
Alternatively, you can lodge a complaint with your state's consumer affairs office. For example, in New South Wales contact the Office of Fair Trading, in Victoria contact Consumer Affairs Victoria, and in Queensland contact the Office of the Commissioner for Consumer and Business Affairs. These agencies can also investigate and negotiate on your behalf.
Final steps: confirming your cancellation is complete
Cancellation is not truly complete until you've verified every stage and received written confirmation from Roam Research.
Verification checklist within 48 hours of cancellation
- Check your email inbox and spam folder for a cancellation confirmation from Roam Research. If you received one, open it and note the effective cancellation date.
- Log back into your Roam Research account and navigate to your account settings or subscription page.
- Verify that your plan status displays as "cancelled", "inactive" or "terminated" rather than "active" or "pro".
- Check your billing history within the account to see if any new charges are pending or scheduled.
- If your plan status still shows "active" after 48 hours, email [email protected] immediately and reference your original cancellation request. Request urgent confirmation.
Verification checklist on your next billing date
- Check your bank account or credit card statement to confirm that no new Roam Research charge has appeared.
- If a charge does appear, contact your bank immediately and initiate a dispute, referencing your cancellation request date.
- Send a follow-up email to Roam Research with your cancellation request date and the unexpected charge, and request an immediate refund.
- If Roam Research does not respond within 14 days, escalate to ACCC using the contact details above.
Why choose yafee for cancellation guidance
Cancelling a digital subscription should not require a law degree. Yafee is a contract law specialist and consumer advocacy platform that has helped thousands of Australians cancel subscriptions such as Roam Research, Netflix, Adobe Creative Cloud and many others. We ground every piece of advice in the Australian Consumer Law and relevant state consumer protection statutes, so you know your rights and can enforce them.
Whether you're disputing a charge, interpreting your rights under a subscription agreement or simply need clarity on the cancellation process, Yafee provides step-by-step guidance, templates and escalation strategies. Our platform is designed for Australian consumers, and all information is specific to Australian law, pricing and regulatory frameworks.
If you've already cancelled and Roam Research has refused a refund or continued billing, Yafee can help you prepare a formal dispute letter and guide you through the ACCC complaint process. We've helped thousands of consumers recover disputed charges and enforce their cancellation rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Start your cancellation today with confidence. Visit Yafee at yafee.com to access templates, cancellation guides and legal support tailored to Australian consumers.