Ending your Backblaze membership made easy

What is Backblaze?

Backblaze is a cloud storage and backup service provider that's been operating since 2007. The company offers two main products: personal computer backup and B2 Cloud Storage for businesses and developers. What makes Backblaze particularly popular is its straightforward pricing model and unlimited backup capacity for personal users.

The service automatically backs up your documents, photos, music, videos and other files from your computer to secure data centres. Most importantly, Backblaze operates continuously in the background, so you don't need to remember to manually back up your files. This set-it-and-forget-it approach appeals to both individuals and small businesses who want reliable data protection without complexity.

For UK customers, Backblaze provides the same service as elsewhere, though you'll be billed in pounds sterling. The company maintains data centres in the United States and Europe, giving UK users options for where their data is physically stored. Keep in mind that whilst Backblaze is a US-based company, it complies with UK consumer protection regulations when serving British customers.

The platform works on Windows, Mac and Linux systems, with mobile apps available for accessing your backed-up files on the go. Additionally, Backblaze offers a feature called "Locate My Computer" which can help track a lost or stolen laptop, adding an extra layer of security beyond simple backup functionality.

Plans, features and pricing

Backblaze keeps its pricing structure refreshingly simple compared to many competitors. Here's what you need to know about current offerings for UK customers.

Personal backup plans

The personal backup service comes with unlimited storage for a single computer. This is genuinely unlimited - no hidden caps or throttling when you reach certain thresholds. The pricing breaks down as follows:

First thing to note: these prices fluctuate with exchange rates since Backblaze bills in US dollars. Your bank or card provider will convert the amount, so expect slight variations month to month.

Key features included

Personal backup subscribers get access to several valuable features. The service backs up external hard drives connected to your computer, which many competitors charge extra for. You'll also get 30-day version history as standard, meaning you can restore previous versions of files from the past month.

Additionally, Backblaze offers extended version history as an add-on. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to one-year version history, which proves invaluable if you need to recover an older file version or accidentally deleted something months ago.

B2 cloud storage

The B2 service targets developers and businesses with a pay-as-you-go model. You're charged for storage used (around £0.005 per GB monthly) plus download fees. This differs fundamentally from personal backup - it's designed for application integration rather than simple computer backup.

Business backup

Backblaze Business Backup works similarly to personal backup but covers multiple computers under one account. Pricing starts around £7-8 per computer monthly, with discounts for larger deployments. Most importantly, this includes centralised management tools and priority support.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Backblaze's cancellation terms saves considerable hassle down the line. Let me walk you through what matters most.

Subscription terms and billing cycles

When you subscribe to Backblaze, you're entering a continuous subscription that automatically renews. If you've chosen monthly billing, you'll be charged each month until you cancel. Annual and two-year plans work the same way - they auto-renew at the end of their term unless you take action.

Here's something crucial that catches people out: Backblaze doesn't offer refunds on unused time for personal backup subscriptions. If you cancel halfway through an annual plan, you won't receive money back for the remaining six months. The service continues until your paid period ends, then stops renewing.

Notice period requirements

Backblaze doesn't technically require advance notice for cancellation, but timing matters enormously. You need to cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another period. Most importantly, process your cancellation at least 5-7 business days before renewal to ensure it's actioned in time.

Keep in mind that postal cancellations take longer to process than online methods. This is precisely why I recommend sending cancellation letters via Recorded Delivery - you'll have proof of when Backblaze received your request, which protects you if there's any dispute about timing.

Data retention after cancellation

This aspect surprises many users: once you cancel, Backblaze retains your backup data for a limited time only. After cancellation, your files remain accessible for roughly 15-30 days, then they're permanently deleted. You cannot recover them afterwards, even if you resubscribe.

Additionally, if you simply stop paying without formally cancelling, your account enters a grace period. After this expires, your data gets deleted just the same. Don't rely on non-payment as a cancellation method - you might face collection attempts and your data disappears regardless.

UK consumer rights

Under UK consumer protection law, you have specific rights when purchasing services online. The Consumer Contracts Regulations give you a 14-day cooling-off period from when you first subscribe. During this window, you can cancel and receive a full refund for any reason.

After the cooling-off period, standard cancellation terms apply. However, if Backblaze breaches contract terms or provides inadequate service, you may have grounds for early termination with refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Document any service failures carefully if you're pursuing this route.

Why people cancel Backblaze subscriptions

Understanding common cancellation reasons helps you make informed decisions about your own subscription. From processing thousands of cancellations, I've identified several recurring patterns.

Cost considerations

Many users find Backblaze excellent value initially, but circumstances change. Perhaps you've reduced the number of computers you own, making the per-device cost less competitive. Some discover their internet service provider or hardware manufacturer includes free cloud storage that meets their needs adequately.

Additionally, exchange rate fluctuations affect UK customers more than US subscribers. A subscription that seemed reasonable at £6 monthly becomes less attractive at £8 when the pound weakens against the dollar.

Technical limitations

Backblaze's unlimited backup sounds perfect, but it only covers one computer per licence. Users with multiple devices often cancel when they realise they need separate subscriptions for each machine. This quickly becomes expensive compared to family plans from competitors.

The 30-day version history limitation frustrates some users too. If you work with files that change frequently and need longer-term version control, you'll either pay extra for extended history or switch to a service offering this as standard.

Performance and reliability issues

Upload speeds occasionally disappoint users with large initial backups. Whilst Backblaze throttles uploads to avoid overwhelming your connection, backing up terabytes of data can take weeks. Some people cancel during this initial backup period out of frustration.

Keep in mind that restore speeds matter too. Downloading large amounts of data from Backblaze takes time, and some users only discover this when they urgently need files. The company offers a USB drive shipping service for large restores, but this costs extra and takes several days.

Privacy and data location concerns

Some UK users grow uncomfortable with their data residing on US servers, particularly given transatlantic data transfer regulations. Whilst Backblaze offers European data centre options, not everyone realises this when subscribing. Others cancel when they learn more about data privacy and decide to keep backups entirely under their own control.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation might seem old-fashioned, but it's the most reliable method for creating an indisputable paper trail. Let me walk you through exactly how to do this properly.

Why postal cancellation works best

First, understand that written cancellation provides legal proof that cannot be disputed. If Backblaze claims they never received your cancellation and charges you again, your Recorded Delivery receipt proves otherwise. This matters enormously if you need to dispute charges with your bank or card provider.

Additionally, postal cancellation creates a formal record with specific dates. You know exactly when you sent the letter and when Backblaze received it. This removes ambiguity about whether you cancelled before a billing cycle.

Most importantly, companies must action postal cancellations. Under UK consumer law, a written cancellation request sent to the correct address constitutes valid notice regardless of whether the company prefers online methods.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs specific information to be processed efficiently. Include your full name exactly as it appears on your Backblaze account, your email address associated with the account, and your account number if you have it readily available.

State clearly that you wish to cancel your subscription and specify the service name - "Backblaze Personal Backup" or "Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage" as appropriate. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and specify whether you want it by email or post.

Keep in mind that you should also state your preferred cancellation date. Typically, this would be "immediately" or "at the end of my current billing period". Be explicit about this to avoid misunderstandings.

Next, mention any relevant account details like billing issues or service problems, but keep this brief. The cancellation letter isn't the place for lengthy complaints - focus on the cancellation request itself.

The correct postal address

This is absolutely critical - send your cancellation letter to the correct address. Based on current information, Backblaze's registered office for UK correspondence is:

• Backblaze, Inc.
• 500 Ben Franklin Ct
• San Mateo, CA 94401
• United States

Double-check this address before sending, as companies occasionally update their correspondence addresses. You can verify the current address on Backblaze's website under their contact or legal information sections.

Sending via recorded delivery

Never send cancellation letters by standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery. This costs a few pounds extra but provides tracking and proof of delivery - absolutely worth it for the peace of mind.

First, take your sealed, addressed envelope to a Post Office counter. Request Recorded Delivery (Signed For) service. The staff will provide a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt safe - it's your proof of sending.

Additionally, photograph your letter before sealing the envelope and keep a copy for your records. This creates a complete evidence trail showing exactly what you sent and when.

Most importantly, track your letter online using the Royal Mail tracking service. Once it shows as delivered, note the date and keep the tracking information with your other cancellation records.

International posting considerations

Since Backblaze's address is in the United States, your letter crosses international borders. This means slightly longer delivery times - typically 5-10 working days, sometimes longer with customs processing.

Keep in mind that you need adequate postage for international mail. The Post Office staff will weigh your letter and calculate the correct amount. International Tracked & Signed provides the best balance of cost and security for this purpose.

Using services like Postclic

If postal cancellation sounds time-consuming, services like Postclic streamline the entire process. These platforms let you create your cancellation letter digitally, then they print, envelope and send it via tracked delivery on your behalf.

The advantages are considerable: you save time visiting the Post Office, you get professional letter formatting automatically, and you receive digital proof of sending and delivery. Additionally, Postclic handles international postage calculations and tracking, removing those hassles entirely.

For people with busy schedules or those uncomfortable writing formal letters, this represents excellent value. You're essentially paying a small fee to ensure your cancellation is handled correctly with full documentation.

Timeline and follow-up

After sending your letter, expect the following timeline. Your letter takes 5-10 business days to reach California. Backblaze then needs reasonable processing time - allow another 5-7 business days for them to action your request.

Most importantly, request email confirmation in your letter. This lets you verify cancellation without waiting for postal responses. If you haven't received confirmation within three weeks of your letter being delivered, follow up.

What happens after cancellation

Once Backblaze processes your cancellation, several things occur. Your automatic renewal stops, so you won't face future charges. Your service continues until your current paid period ends - if you've paid through March, you can use Backblaze until March.

Next, download any files you might need before your service expires. Remember that Backblaze deletes your data shortly after cancellation, so don't delay this step. Additionally, check your bank statements to confirm no further charges appear after your cancellation date.

Tips from former members

Having helped thousands of people cancel subscriptions, I've gathered invaluable insights from former Backblaze users. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure smooth cancellation.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Cancel immediately after a billing cycle starts rather than just before it ends. This seems counterintuitive, but here's why it works: you've already paid for the full period, so you'll have maximum time to download important files and transition to alternative backup solutions.

Additionally, cancelling early in your billing cycle means if there's any processing delay or dispute, you have weeks to resolve it before the next charge. Former members consistently report that rushed last-minute cancellations cause more stress and complications.

Download everything before cancelling

This cannot be emphasised enough: download all important files before submitting your cancellation. Don't assume you'll have time afterwards. Several former users have contacted me in panic after their data was deleted sooner than expected.

Keep in mind that downloading large backup sets takes time. If you have terabytes backed up, start downloading days or even weeks before cancelling. Test that your downloads work properly by opening several files - corrupted downloads happen occasionally.

Document everything meticulously

Create a cancellation folder on your computer and save everything related to the process. Include copies of your cancellation letter, postal receipts, tracking numbers, confirmation emails, and screenshots of your account status.

Most importantly, photograph or scan your Recorded Delivery receipt immediately. These thermal paper receipts fade over time, and you might need this proof months later if there's a billing dispute. Former members who kept thorough documentation resolved disputes quickly; those who didn't faced lengthy hassles.

Check your bank statements carefully

Monitor your bank or credit card statements for at least three months after cancellation. Automated billing systems sometimes continue charging despite cancellation, especially if there was processing delay or error.

Additionally, watch for partial charges or fees you weren't expecting. If you spot any Backblaze charges after your cancellation date, dispute them immediately with your bank while the transaction is still recent. Former members report that banks handle disputes more favourably when raised quickly.

Consider alternatives before cancelling

Several former members cancelled Backblaze only to realise they still needed backup solutions. Before cancelling, research and set up an alternative if you need one. This might be another cloud service, local backup drives, or network-attached storage.

Keep in mind that the best time to arrange new backup is whilst your old backup still works. Don't create a gap where you have no protection. Former users who arranged alternatives first reported much less anxiety during the transition.

Remove payment details if possible

After your cancellation is confirmed, consider removing your payment card details from your Backblaze account if the platform allows this. This prevents any accidental or erroneous charges. Additionally, if you used PayPal or similar services, cancel the recurring payment authorisation from the PayPal side too.

This creates a double layer of protection. Even if something goes wrong with Backblaze's billing system, they cannot charge a card that's no longer on file. Former members who took this extra step reported complete peace of mind.

Keep your cancellation proof indefinitely

Don't delete your cancellation documentation after a few months. Keep it permanently in case of future disputes. Companies occasionally have billing system errors that resurrect old accounts, and you'll need proof that you cancelled years ago.

Store digital copies in multiple locations - your computer, cloud storage, and email. Former members have reported billing disputes emerging years after cancellation, and those with preserved documentation resolved them immediately whilst others faced lengthy challenges.