How to cancel Backblaze in new zealand and recover your files safely

What is Backblaze and why you might cancel

Backblaze is a cloud backup service that stores your computer files online, plus B2 Cloud Storage for developers and businesses. The service runs continuously in the background, syncing new and changed files to remote servers. If you've decided to leave Backblaze, Yafee helps thousands of New Zealand consumers understand exactly what happens when you cancel, what data you can recover, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

How Backblaze operates

Backblaze Personal Online Backup allows you to back up unlimited files from your computer to their cloud infrastructure. Once you subscribe, the service synchronises new and changed files automatically. B2 Cloud Storage operates separately and targets developers and organisations that require pay-as-you-go object storage for applications and archives. Both services charge separately, and cancelling one does not automatically cancel the other.

Common reasons to cancel Backblaze

You might cancel because you've switched to a different backup provider, no longer require cloud storage, want to reduce monthly expenses, or prefer managing backups locally. Whatever your reason, you deserve a straightforward cancellation process. Yafee walks you through every step, ensuring you understand your legal protections before you proceed.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

Before you cancel, understand what protections New Zealand law provides you as a consumer.

Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Backblaze must provide a service that is of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with reasonable care. If the service fails to deliver what was promised-for example, if your backups become inaccessible when you need them-you have the right to seek remedies beyond Backblaze's standard refund policy. These remedies include repair, replacement, or refund, depending on the circumstances and how long you have subscribed.

The Fair Trading Act 1986 also protects you. If Backblaze deliberately obstructs its cancellation process or makes it unreasonably difficult to leave, this may breach fair trading principles. Forcing you to delete your backed-up data simply to cancel-rather than offering account suspension-could constitute unreasonable conduct under the Act.

Your legal position

You have an unconditional right to cancel Backblaze at any time. However, your entitlement to a refund depends on your plan type, subscription length, and whether you have used promotional pricing. If Backblaze refuses to process your cancellation or wrongly retains your data, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand regulatory body responsible for enforcing consumer law). Yafee recommends documenting all cancellation requests and responses for this purpose.

Backblaze pricing in new zealand

Understanding what you pay helps you assess refund eligibility and avoid unexpected charges after cancellation.

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 via Backblaze's website. Backblaze does not operate a physical office or dedicated phone support line in New Zealand, so all requests route through their US-based web interface or email support.

Account types and cancellation routes

Your cancellation method depends on whether you use Personal Online Backup, B2 Cloud Storage, or both. Yafee recommends handling cancellations entirely online-it is faster and creates a clear timestamped record of your request, which protects you if a dispute arises.

• 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 all B2 storage to avoid ongoing charges.

How to cancel personal online backup step by step

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

1. Visit the Backblaze website and sign into your account using your email and password.
   • If you forget your password, click the "Forgot password" link on the login page. You will receive a reset link via email within a few minutes.
2. Navigate to Account Settings or My Account (the label varies by browser and user interface version).
   • This link typically appears in the top-right corner under your username or profile icon.
3. Locate the Subscription or Billing section within Account Settings.
   • This section shows your current plan, next billing date, and payment method.
4. Click Cancel Subscription or Manage Plan.
   • Backblaze will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer a discount to stay. You are not obligated to accept this offer.
5. Confirm your cancellation by clicking Yes, cancel my subscription or similar confirmation button.
   • Backblaze will send a confirmation email to your registered address. Save this email as proof of cancellation.
6. Download your backed-up files before your account access expires (typically 30 days after cancellation).
   • You can download your files via the Backblaze dashboard or by requesting a USB drive backup (which may incur a shipping fee).

How to cancel B2 cloud storage step by step

If you use B2 Cloud Storage separately, follow these steps to avoid ongoing charges.

1. Log into your Backblaze account and navigate to B2 Cloud Storage or B2 in the main menu.
2. Click Buckets and select each bucket you wish to delete.
   • You must empty the bucket (delete all objects) before you can delete the bucket itself.
3. Delete all objects within each bucket.
   • Select all objects (or use "Select All"), then click Delete. Confirm the deletion.
4. Delete each empty bucket by clicking the bucket name, then selecting Delete Bucket.
   • Confirm the deletion. This action is permanent and cannot be undone.
5. Revoke all application keys under App Keys.
   • Select each key and click Delete. This prevents any applications from accessing B2 after cancellation.
6. Verify that no charges accrue to your account after 7 days.
   • Log back in and check your billing page. If charges continue, contact Backblaze support immediately with screenshots.

Refund eligibility and what you should expect

Refund policy depends on your subscription type and how long you have been subscribed.

Personal online backup refund policy

Backblaze offers a 30-day unconditional refund guarantee. If you cancel within 30 days of your initial purchase, you receive a full refund. After 30 days, refunds are prorated based on the number of days remaining in your billing cycle. For example, if you pay for a year upfront (NZD 150) and cancel after 6 months, you should receive approximately NZD 75 for the remaining 6 months. Monthly subscribers who cancel outside the 30-day window typically do not receive a refund, but your next billing date will not occur.

B2 cloud storage refund policy

B2 charges only for storage used and data transferred. No refund applies to B2 because you are charged exclusively for what you consume. Once you delete all buckets and application keys, no further charges accrue to your account.

How to claim a refund

If you are eligible for a refund, Backblaze processes it automatically within 7-10 business days after cancellation. The refund appears in your original payment method (credit card or PayPal). If you do not see the refund after 10 days, contact Backblaze support with your cancellation confirmation email and original receipt. Yafee advises keeping copies of both for your records.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation does not immediately delete your data-you retain access for a defined period.

Data access after cancellation

After cancellation, your Backblaze account remains accessible for 30 days. During this window, you can download your backed-up files via the Backblaze dashboard. You can also request a USB drive containing your files, though Backblaze may charge a shipping fee (typically NZD 30-50). After 30 days, Backblaze deletes your data permanently, and you cannot recover it.

Backup software removal from your computer

Cancellation stops Backblaze from syncing new files, but the Backblaze backup software remains installed on your computer. You can remove it manually via Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Alternatively, you can leave it installed-it will simply remain inactive. Yafee recommends uninstalling it to free storage space and improve system performance.

Payment method removal

Your payment method (credit card or PayPal) remains stored in your Backblaze account after cancellation. You can remove it manually in Account Settings under Billing or Payment Methods. This step prevents accidental re-subscription if you reactivate your account in future.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Many New Zealand consumers encounter preventable problems during cancellation. Here is how to protect yourself.

Mistake 1: forgetting to download your files before the 30-day window closes

After cancellation, your backed-up files remain accessible for only 30 days. If you delay downloading them, Backblaze deletes them permanently. Set a reminder immediately after cancellation to download your files. Yafee recommends starting the download within 24 hours of cancellation to avoid time pressure.

Mistake 2: leaving B2 buckets active and incurring ongoing charges

If you cancel Personal Online Backup but forget to delete your B2 buckets and objects, charges continue to accrue. You are charged monthly for every gigabyte stored in B2. Follow the step-by-step B2 deletion process above to avoid this costly oversight. Verify your billing page 7 days after deletion to confirm no charges appear.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation email

Backblaze sends a confirmation email after cancellation. Save this email or print it. If a dispute arises or Backblaze claims you never cancelled, this email is your proof. It also serves as evidence if you need to lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.

Mistake 4: cancelling without downloading your data first

You cannot download your backed-up files after your 30-day access period expires. Do not rely on Backblaze to provide your data later. Download everything before cancellation finalises.

Backblaze cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly.

How yafee helps you cancel services safely

Cancelling cloud services involves legal and technical complexity. Yafee specialises in helping New Zealand consumers navigate cancellation procedures, understand their consumer rights, and resolve disputes with service providers. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Backblaze and other cloud services without losing data or paying unexpected charges. Visit Yafee at yafee.com to explore guides for other services, submit a complaint if Backblaze refuses to process your cancellation, or request personalised support.

Contacting Backblaze support if you encounter problems

If you cannot cancel online or Backblaze does not process your refund, contact their support team.

Backblaze support channels

Backblaze offers support via email and live chat through their website. Yafee recommends using email so you have a timestamped record of your request. Include your account email, cancellation date, and the issue you are experiencing. Backblaze typically responds within 24-48 hours.

If Backblaze does not respond within 5 business days or refuses to honour your cancellation, you can escalate the matter to the Commerce Commission. The Commission enforces the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 across all New Zealand service providers. Lodge a complaint at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz or contact the Commission directly.

Mailing address for formal complaints

If you need to send a formal cancellation request or complaint by post, Backblaze's US headquarters address is:

Backblaze, Inc.
3305 S. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
United States

Note that Backblaze does not operate a physical office in New Zealand. Posting a cancellation request to this US address is slower than cancelling online, but you may do so if you wish to create a formal record. Include your account email, cancellation date, and request for a refund confirmation.

Final summary and next steps

Cancelling Backblaze is straightforward if you follow the steps outlined above. You have consumer rights under New Zealand law-your cancellation must be processed, your data remains accessible for 30 days, and you are entitled to a refund if you meet the eligibility criteria. Do not delay downloading your files, and verify that B2 charges have stopped. If Backblaze refuses to process your cancellation or wrongly charges your payment method after cancellation, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission at no cost.

Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel Backblaze and recover their data without losing time or money. If you need further guidance on cancelling Backblaze, comparing alternative backup services, or resolving a dispute, visit yafee.com today. Yafee also publishes step-by-step guides for cancelling other popular cloud services, so you can make informed decisions about your digital services and protect your consumer rights.