Users of Carbonite may need to downgrade their subscription or switch to a different plan to better match storage needs or budget. Plan changes must be done carefully to avoid data loss, interrupted backups, or billing issues.
This guide explains why plan changes may be necessary, common concerns, and step-by-step instructions to downgrade or change your Carbonite plan safely.
Reasons to Downgrade or Change Your Plan
Lower Storage Needs
Your current plan may exceed actual storage requirements.
Cost Savings
Downgrading can reduce monthly or annual subscription fees.
Device Management
Adjust plan based on the number of devices needing backup.
Changing Features
Switching plans may provide or remove specific features like advanced restore options or external drive backups.
Important Considerations Before Downgrading
Data Limits: Downgrading to a plan with less storage than your current usage may cause some files to be excluded from backup.
Backup Continuity: Ensure all critical files fit within the new plan limits to avoid data loss.
Billing Adjustments: Carbonite may prorate charges depending on your billing cycle.
Device Limits: Downgrading may reduce the number of devices that can back up to your account.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade or Change Plan
1️⃣ Review Your Current Usage
Log in to your Carbonite account → Account Dashboard → Storage Usage
Identify which files or devices are consuming the most storage.
2️⃣ Compare Plans
Visit Carbonite’s plan comparison page to see available options.
Ensure the new plan meets your storage, device, and feature requirements.
3️⃣ Backup Critical Files
Before downgrading, ensure all important files are backed up to the cloud or an alternative storage location.
This prevents accidental loss if the new plan cannot accommodate all existing files.
4️⃣ Initiate Plan Change
Log in to your Carbonite account → Subscription or Plan Settings
Choose Change Plan or Downgrade
Follow on-screen instructions to select your new plan.
5️⃣ Confirm Billing Adjustments
Verify any prorated charges or credits that will be applied.
Ensure your payment method is valid for any remaining balance.
6️⃣ Monitor Backup After Plan Change
After switching, check that your files are still being backed up.
Exclude files that exceed the new storage limit to prevent backup errors.
7️⃣ Contact Carbonite Support if Needed
If your plan change is not reflected, or you notice missing files:
Provide account email, current and new plan details.
Include device information and any error messages.
Support can help reconcile storage, adjust device limits, and ensure backups continue smoothly.
Business Users: Plan Change Considerations
Coordinate plan changes across multiple endpoints to prevent device conflicts.
Reassess storage and feature needs for all employees or systems using Carbonite.
Document new plan limits and update IT policies for backups.
Tips to Prevent Issues During Plan Changes
Check storage usage before downgrading.
Backup important files to prevent accidental loss.
Review device limits to avoid exceeding allowed devices.
Confirm billing adjustments and payment methods.
Monitor backup after the plan change for errors or exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I downgrade my Carbonite plan safely?
Yes, but ensure that your storage usage fits within the limits of the new plan to avoid excluded files.
Q2: What happens to files that exceed the new plan’s storage?
Files beyond the storage limit may be paused or excluded from future backups until sufficient space is available.
Q3: Will I lose my backups when changing plans?
No, existing backups remain in the cloud, but some files may not be included in new backups if they exceed new plan limits.
Q4: Can I upgrade again after downgrading?
Yes, you can upgrade at any time to regain storage, device limits, or features.
Final Thoughts
Downgrading or changing your Carbonite plan is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to avoid storage conflicts, backup interruptions, and billing issues. By reviewing current usage, backing up critical files, selecting the right plan, and monitoring backups after the change, you can safely adjust your subscription to meet your needs.
Business users should coordinate plan changes across all devices to ensure uninterrupted backup coverage.