Cloud data retention policy after subscription cancellation

This article outlines what happens to your CrashPlan account, console access, and backup data following the cancellation or non-renewal of a subscription.

 Looking for active backup retention settings?
This article details our data retention policy following the complete conclusion of service. If you are looking to configure how long CrashPlan keeps file versions or deleted files on active devices, see Specify version, frequency, and retention settings.

What to expect upon conclusion of service

When your subscription ends:

  • Backups and restores stop immediately: Active backups cease and new restores cannot be initiated once your subscription term ends.

  • Offboard data before termination: If you need to retrieve backup data prior to leaving CrashPlan, you should perform your restores before your subscription end date.

  • Phased deactivation process: Your account transitions through a phased post-cancellation lifecycle before permanent deletion.

  • Reactivation options: Your account's eligibility to resubscribe depends on how far along it is in the post-cancellation schedule.

Post-cancellation lifecycle

 All post-cancellation timeframes are approximate
Accounts or backup archives may be purged earlier than listed below depending on account circumstances. We strongly recommend assuming data will be removed sooner rather than later when planning your offboarding.

Timeline Account & data status Reactivation
Phase 1: End of term
  • Console / login access: Active
  • Backup status emails: Continuing
  • Backup / data status: Backups stop and new restores cannot be started

Available (self-service)

Administrators can reactivate their subscription through the CrashPlan console.

Phase 2: Account deactivated

(approx. 45 days post-cancellation)

  • Console / login access: Revoked
  • Backup status emails: Stopped
  • Backup / data status: Account staged for pending deletion

Available (support required)

Administrators must contact our support team to restore access.

Phase 3: Account permanently purged

(approx. 60 - 90 days post-cancellation)

  • Console / login access: Revoked
  • Backup status emails: Stopped
  • Backup / data status: Permanently purged (Organizations, user profiles, archives, and cold storage deleted)

Not possible

Account and data are unrecoverable. Returning customers must set up a new account.

 Permanent data loss
Once permanent deletion occurs in Phase 3, CrashPlan technical support cannot recover, restore, or reactivate your original account or cloud backup data under any circumstances.

 Local archive access
If you maintain local backup archives (such as an external drive used as a backup destination), those local archives will become permanently inaccessible when your account is permanently deleted. Creating a new CrashPlan account using the same email address will not restore access.

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