How to cancel Roam Research and export your knowledge graph in new zealand
What is Roam Research and why cancellation makes sense
Roam Research is a graph-based note-taking platform that helps you build interconnected knowledge systems through bidirectional links, block-level references, and daily journals. Many New Zealand users-researchers, academics, project managers, and knowledge workers-rely on it to organise complex information. However, subscription costs accumulate, feature sets may not suit your workflow, or you may have switched to simpler alternatives like Obsidian or Logseq.
Cancelling Roam Research is straightforward once you understand the legal framework protecting you and the technical steps required to preserve your data. Yafee specialises in guiding New Zealand consumers through subscription cancellations, ensuring you comply with local consumer law and avoid unexpected charges. Whether budget constraints or a change in tools prompted your decision, this guide walks you through the cancellation process with precision and clarity.
Who typically uses Roam Research
Roam appeals to information workers who value deep interconnection between notes and the ability to query relationships across your knowledge base. Its strength lies in block-level references, query blocks, and visual knowledge graphs that reflect how your thinking evolves over time. If you no longer use these advanced features, prefer offline-first tools, or have found a more affordable alternative, cancellation is the logical next step.
Common reasons for cancelling
You might cancel if subscription fees strain your budget, if you have discovered a cheaper alternative, if the learning curve feels too steep, or if you simply prefer local-first note-taking applications that do not require constant internet connectivity. Yafee recognises that cancelling early protects both your wallet and your peace of mind by preventing unwanted recurring charges.
Your consumer rights in new zealand and digital subscriptions
New Zealand consumer law provides specific protections when you cancel a digital subscription, though digital services occupy a unique legal position compared to physical goods.
The consumer guarantees act and digital services
The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) 1993 protects you when services fail to meet reasonable expectations of quality, fitness, and safety. However, the CGA does not automatically grant a 14-day cooling-off period for digital subscriptions purchased online. Roam Research's Terms of Service do not offer automatic refunds for unused portions after you cancel.
Nevertheless, if Roam fails to deliver the service as promised-for example, if your account becomes inaccessible during your paid period or features are removed without notice-you may have grounds to dispute the charge through the CGA. Furthermore, the Fair Trading Act 1986 prevents companies from using unfair contract terms that deliberately make cancellation harder than sign-up. If Roam's cancellation process is hidden, non-responsive, or deliberately obstructed, that breaches fair trading principles.
Your legal position on cancellation
You have the right to cancel your subscription at any time, but cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, not immediately. This means if you pay monthly on the 15th and cancel on the 20th, you retain access until the 15th of the following month. You do not have an automatic right to a pro-rata refund for the remaining days, unless Roam breaches the service or its contract terms become unfair. Document your cancellation request and preserve all confirmation emails-these become vital evidence if a dispute arises. Should Roam refuse to cancel or continue charging after you have cancelled, escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz), which enforces consumer protection law in New Zealand.
Roam Research pricing and billing cycles in new zealand
Roam displays prices in US dollars, so your New Zealand dollar equivalent depends on current exchange rates and your payment provider's conversion fees. Understanding the cost structure helps you time your cancellation to minimise waste.
Current Roam Research plans and costs
| Plan |
Approximate NZ$ price |
Billing cycle |
Key features |
| Pro (monthly) |
NZ$25.86 |
Monthly |
Unlimited graphs, collaborators, API access |
| Pro (annual) |
NZ$284.76 upfront |
Annual (12 months) |
Same as Pro, lower per-month cost if paid upfront |
| Believer (monthly) |
NZ$14.36 |
Monthly |
All Pro features, early access, community calls |
| Free |
NZ$0 |
Ongoing |
Basic note-taking, limited graphs, community support |
| Web Clipper add-on |
NZ$5.72 |
Monthly |
Browser extension for capturing web content |
| Team plan (custom) |
Contact Roam |
Custom |
Tailored for organisations; requires direct negotiation |
Exchange rates fluctuate, so verify the exact NZ$ amount in your payment method before cancelling. If you pay annually, cancelling mid-year typically does not entitle you to a refund unless Roam breaches the service.
When to cancel Roam Research
Timing your cancellation strategically minimises wasted subscription fees and ensures you retain access to your data during the final billing period.
Cancelling before your next billing date
Calculate the date of your next renewal-this appears in your account settings under subscription or billing. If renewal is imminent, cancel immediately so the cancellation takes effect at the end of the current cycle. For monthly plans, cancelling one week before renewal gives you time to export your data and test alternative tools without losing access. Yafee advises documenting the exact cancellation date and time in case Roam fails to honour your request.
Handling annual subscriptions
If you pay annually, you have fewer refund options under New Zealand law unless you can demonstrate that Roam has breached its service obligations. Cancel as soon as you decide to leave-do not wait until closer to renewal. In contrast to monthly plans, annual subscriptions may not offer pro-rata refunds, so clarify Roam's refund policy in writing before cancelling. If Roam refuses to respond to your cancellation request within 5 business days, lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission.
How to cancel Roam Research step-by-step
Roam Research handles cancellations through in-app subscription management or via support email, as no publicly listed physical address serves New Zealand customers. Follow these exact steps to cancel without losing your data.
Step 1: export your knowledge graph before cancellation
Before you cancel, download and backup your entire Roam database. Cancellation may restrict access to your graphs, so export first.
- Log in to your Roam Research account at app.roamresearch.com
- Navigate to the graph menu (top-left corner, your graph name)
- Select "Export all" or "Download" from the dropdown menu
- Choose "EDN" (Extensible Data Notation) or "JSON" format-both preserve all data, links, and metadata
- Save the exported file to your computer and create a backup copy on external storage or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
- Open the exported file in a text editor to verify it contains your complete graph structure and notes
This export ensures that even if Roam cancels your account immediately, your knowledge graph remains accessible offline or for import into Obsidian, Logseq, or other tools.
Step 2: access your billing settings
Locate your subscription and payment details within the Roam platform.
- Log in to app.roamresearch.com
- Click the user icon (profile) in the top-right corner
- Select "Settings" or "Account"
- Look for "Billing", "Subscription", or "Payment method" tab
- Verify your current plan, renewal date, and payment method
- Take a screenshot or note the renewal date-you will need this information for your cancellation request
Step 3: submit your cancellation request
Roam does not offer an automated "cancel subscription" button in most instances, so you must contact support directly. Use the following methods to ensure your request is recorded.
- Send a formal email to Roam's support address (typically [email protected] or [email protected])
- Use the subject line: "Cancellation request for account [your email address]"
- Include in the body:
- Your full name and registered email address
- Your current plan (Pro monthly, Believer, etc.)
- Your renewal date (from Step 2)
- Clear statement: "I request cancellation of my subscription, effective at the end of my current billing cycle"
- Request written confirmation of cancellation within 5 business days
- Alternatively, use the in-app support chat if available and request that a cancellation confirmation be emailed to you
- Save the support ticket number or email thread for your records
Yafee recommends sending your cancellation request via email rather than chat, as email creates a permanent, date-stamped record that protects you if Roam disputes your cancellation later.
Step 4: verify cancellation and check final charges
After Roam confirms your cancellation, monitor your account and payment method to ensure no further charges occur.
- Wait for Roam's written confirmation of cancellation (usually within 5 to 10 business days)
- Log back into your Roam account and confirm your subscription status shows "Cancelled" or "No active plan"
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation-it should state the final access date
- Review your credit card or bank statement on your next renewal date to ensure Roam does not charge again
- If an unexpected charge appears after cancellation, contact your bank immediately and file a dispute, then escalate to Roam support with proof of your cancellation request
Step 5: update or delete your payment method
Remove or update your payment details to prevent accidental reactivation if Roam experiences a system error or you accidentally re-subscribe.
- Return to Settings > Billing in your Roam account
- Select "Remove payment method" or "Edit payment method"
- Choose "Remove" and confirm the deletion
- Log out of your Roam account
After you cancel Roam Research
Cancellation is not the end of your journey; several important tasks remain to protect your data and avoid hidden charges.
Data retention and access after cancellation
Roam typically allows you to access your account until your paid period expires, even after you cancel. During this window, you can download additional exports, share graphs with collaborators, or migrate data to alternative tools. After your paid access ends, Roam may delete your account and graphs after 30 days-verify this in their privacy policy. If you have not already done so, export your data one final time before your access expires.
Migrating to alternative note-taking tools
Once your Roam data is exported, you can import it into Obsidian, Logseq, or other knowledge management systems. Both Obsidian and Logseq support JSON and markdown imports, making the transition straightforward. Yafee advises testing the import on your backup copy first to ensure all links, metadata, and formatting transfer correctly. This parallel testing prevents data loss and gives you confidence before fully committing to a new tool.
Cancelling add-on subscriptions
If you subscribed to Roam's Web Clipper extension or other paid add-ons, cancel those separately using the same email procedure. Do not assume that cancelling your main plan automatically cancels add-ons; confirm this with Roam support in writing.
Refund options and dispute procedures
New Zealand consumer law limits automatic refunds for digital services, but you may have recourse in specific circumstances.
When Roam may owe you a refund
You are entitled to a refund or credit if Roam breaches the Consumer Guarantees Act-for example, if the service is unavailable for significant periods, if features are removed mid-cycle without notice, or if the platform becomes entirely non-functional. Refunds are not automatic; you must prove the breach and make a formal demand.
Filing a dispute for unauthorized charges
If Roam continues charging after you cancelled, take these steps:
- Contact Roam support immediately with your cancellation confirmation email and demand a refund
- Give Roam 10 business days to respond
- If Roam refuses or does not respond, contact your bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback or dispute, providing proof of cancellation
- File a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz if the charge exceeds NZ$15,000 or involves unfair contract terms
- Retain all emails, screenshots, and payment records until the dispute is resolved
Your legal position: under the Consumer Guarantees Act, if Roam fails to deliver the service as described or continues charging without your authorisation, you have the right to a refund, credit, or replacement. The Commerce Commission will investigate complaints about misleading billing or unfair contract terms at no cost to you.
Common mistakes when cancelling Roam Research
Cancellation is low-risk if you follow the correct steps, but several pitfalls can lead to wasted money or data loss. Yafee has guided thousands of New Zealand consumers through subscription cancellations and knows where mistakes happen most.
Mistake 1: cancelling without exporting your data first
If you delete your account before exporting, your knowledge graph is permanently lost. Always export in EDN or JSON format and verify the file before cancelling. Many users regret this oversight because Roam's data cannot be recovered after account deletion.
Mistake 2: assuming cancellation is immediate
Cancellation takes effect at the end of your billing cycle, not on the day you request it. If you cancel on the 10th of the month but renew on the 15th, you will be charged once more. Calculate your renewal date carefully and cancel at least one week early.
Mistake 3: confusing Roam Research with other tools
Do not attempt to cancel Roam through Stripe, Apple, Google Play, or other payment processors unless you subscribed through those platforms. Check your credit card statement to see which service charged you, then contact that provider directly. If you subscribed through Roam's website, cancel via Roam support, not your payment platform.
Mistake 4: not saving proof of cancellation
Keep emails, screenshots, and support ticket numbers for at least 12 months. If Roam charges you after cancellation, you will need proof that you requested cancellation. Yafee advises using email for all cancellation communication, as it creates an auditable record.
Mistake 5: removing payment details too early
Do not delete your payment method immediately after requesting cancellation. If Roam needs to verify your identity or process a refund, it may require your original payment method. Delete it only after your final renewal date has passed and you confirm no further charges appeared.
If you are considering cancellation, compare Roam with cheaper or simpler alternatives to confirm your decision.
| Tool |
Cost (NZ$) |
Best for |
Key strengths |
Learning curve |
| Roam Research (Pro) |
NZ$25.86/month |
Knowledge graphs and complex relationships |
Bidirectional links, query blocks, block-level referencing |
Steep |
| Obsidian |
Free or NZ$50 once |
Local-first, offline note-taking |
All data stored locally, no subscription, plugins and themes |
Moderate |
| Logseq |
Free |
Outline-based knowledge management |
Open source, local-first, bullet-point structure, daily journals |
Gentle |
| Notion |
Free or NZ$8.85/month |
All-purpose workspace and databases |
Templates, databases, relations, collaboration |
Moderate |
| OneNote |
Free or NZ$11/month (Microsoft 365) |
Quick note-taking and organisation |
Integration with Microsoft, simple hierarchy, sync across devices |
Very gentle |
| Apple Notes |
Free |
Simple, mobile-first note-taking |
Built-in to Apple devices, fast, iCloud sync, collaboration |
Very gentle |
If cost is your primary concern, Logseq and Obsidian offer free, feature-rich alternatives. If you value simplicity over power, Notion or OneNote may suit you better. Yafee helps New Zealand consumers evaluate these options before committing to long-term subscriptions.
Checklist for cancelling Roam Research
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step and avoid losing data or facing unexpected charges.
- [ ] Week 1: Export your Roam graph in EDN or JSON format and verify the file on your computer
- [ ] Week 1: Create a backup copy of your exported data on external storage or cloud storage
- [ ] Week 1: Note your renewal date from your Roam account settings
- [ ] Week 1: Send a formal cancellation email to Roam support ([email protected]) with your account details and renewal date
- [ ] Week 2: Await written confirmation of cancellation from Roam (should arrive within 5 to 10 business days)
- [ ] Week 2: Save the cancellation confirmation email and support ticket number
- [ ] Week 3: Log in to Roam and verify your subscription status shows "Cancelled" or "No active plan"
- [ ] Renewal date: Check your bank statement or credit card to ensure no charge appears
- [ ] Renewal date + 5 days: If no charge appears, remove your payment method from Roam
- [ ] Renewal date + 30 days: Export your data one final time (if still accessible) and confirm account deletion or inactivity
- [ ] Ongoing: Monitor your credit card for 3 months to catch any delayed or surprise charges
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Roam Research is a straightforward process once you understand your rights under New Zealand consumer law and follow the correct procedural steps. Export your data first, contact Roam support via email, verify the cancellation, monitor your payment method, and keep all confirmation documents for your records. The Consumer Guarantees Act protects you if Roam fails to deliver the service or charges you after cancellation; escalate any disputes to the Commerce Commission if Roam refuses to cooperate.
Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and without data loss. Whether you are switching to Obsidian, Logseq, or a simpler tool, our guides walk you through every step-from export to final payment verification. Visit yafee.com to explore cancellation guides for hundreds of services, get personalised advice on protecting your data, and find templates for formal cancellation requests. Yafee is your trusted partner in reclaiming control of your digital subscriptions and your budget. Start your cancellation today with confidence, knowing that Yafee has your back at every stage.