Cancel Cloudways: Step-by-Step Guide

What is Cloudways

Service overview

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that layers management, security, and support over infrastructure providers such as DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud and others.

It is used for managed WordPress and other web applications, offering server provisioning, app deployment, and support tools without requiring you to manage raw cloud consoles.

How Cloudways is billed

Cloudways uses a pay-as-you-go model with billing in arrears for usage-based servers and services.

Prepaid account credit is possible, but regular server usage is typically charged after the usage period ends.

How to cancel Cloudways

Before you start

Prepare backups of any data, export sites and databases, and note billing or invoice details you may need later.

Cloudways requires you to delete servers and deactivate add-ons before closing an account.

Step-by-step cancellation

• Log in to your Cloudways account and stop any active applications and services.
• Delete all servers from the platform (this permanently removes the server and data).
• Deactivate or remove any add-ons or third-party services attached to your account.
• Once servers and add-ons are removed, use the account cancellation option in your account settings.
• After cancelling, contact Cloudways Support to confirm no further billing will occur: Cloudways cancellation guide.

What happens when you cancel

Access and account state

Cancellation is irreversible: once you cancel, the account, servers, and data cannot be recovered.

Because deletion is immediate, you will lose access to server files, databases, and any hosted sites unless you exported them beforehand.

Billing and final charges

Cloudways bills in arrears; depending on timing you may receive a final invoice after cancellation for any outstanding usage.

You should contact Support to confirm the account is closed and no further billing will occur.

Will I get a refund?

General refund approach

Cloudways generally operates on a pay-as-you-go basis and does not refund amounts already consumed for services.

Final invoices for usage incurred before cancellation may still be issued and are payable.

Prepaid funds and exceptions

• Terms permit refund of unused prepaid account funds if a valid request is made within three months of adding the funds.
• Refunds cover only unused prepaid funds; any amounts used for services are not refundable per the Terms: Cloudways Terms.

Cloudways plans and pricing

Overview of example plans (NZD)

The table below shows DigitalOcean-based Cloudways plan examples quoted in NZD for managed WordPress from an NZ-based review source.

Other infrastructure providers are available (AWS, GCP etc.), often quoted in USD.

Your consumer rights in New Zealand

Key legal protections

Under New Zealand law (for example the Consumer Guarantees Act) digital services must be provided with due care and be fit for purpose.

A policy that causes immediate and irreversible loss may raise concerns if the service is not provided as described or within reasonable care.

Remedies and escalation

• If you face billing after cancellation or unexpected data loss, you may raise a dispute with Cloudways Support first.
• If unresolved, you can seek advice or lodge complaints with New Zealand consumer authorities such as the Commerce Commission or local dispute resolution services.
• In-app purchases via app stores may have separate cooling-off rules (e.g., 14-day rights) that you must pursue through the store platform.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Many reviewers praise Cloudways support staff as professional, patient and knowledgeable, often naming individual agents for quick help.

Other users report reliable hosting, easy setup, and that the service can be “well worth” the premium price.

Common complaints

Frequent negatives include no grace period for accidental deletions - accounts and data are reportedly unrecoverable even shortly after cancellation.

Users also report billing confusion, continued charges after cancellation, inconsistent support experiences, and email deliverability issues related to blacklisted IPs.

Documentation checklist

What to collect before cancelling

• Backups of all site files and databases (downloads or off-platform backups).
• Saved export of DNS and domain settings if Cloudways managed DNS or linked services are used.
• Copies/screenshots of billing statements, invoices, and account settings showing current balances.

What to keep after cancelling

• Support ticket IDs and confirmation from Support that billing is stopped.
• Final invoices and any correspondence about refunds or prepaid-credit requests.
• Records proving you deleted servers and deactivated add-ons (screenshots recommended).

Common mistakes

Accidental immediate deletion

Many customers report cancelling by mistake and finding no way to reinstate the account - there is effectively no grace period.

Always export data and ensure you intend permanent deletion before clicking cancel.

Expecting automatic refunds or reinstatements

Don’t assume Cloudways will refund used service charges or reinstate deleted servers; refunds are limited to unused prepaid funds within strict timeframes.

If you expect a refund for used services you will likely be denied unless there is a clear contractual fault by Cloudways.

Comparative recap

Quick comparison overview

This table summarizes key cancellation, refund and support points for Cloudways to help you compare with alternatives.

After cancelling

Immediate actions

Confirm cancellation and final billing status with Cloudways Support and save their confirmation for your records.

Download final invoices and ensure you have local backups of all site assets and databases.

Further steps and disputes

• If you believe you were wrongly charged after cancellation, open a formal support ticket and keep all replies.
• For unresolved billing or consumer issues, consider contacting New Zealand consumer authorities such as the Commerce Commission or consumer advocacy services.
• Reference Cloudways help pages for cancellation and billing: How do I cancel my account? and Terms and Conditions.

Address

How to contact Cloudways

Cloudways cancellation must be completed through your account on the Cloudways platform; there is no local postal cancellation address in New Zealand.

For support and confirmation contact Cloudways Support via their help centre: Cloudways cancellation guide.

Notes on local presence

No specific New Zealand postal address for Cloudways subscriptions was located in public resources; account-level cancellation is the required method.

If you need regulatory help in New Zealand, consider contacting national consumer authorities such as the Commerce Commission for guidance.