If you no longer need a server, Data Mammoth provides a straightforward cancellation process through your dashboard. This guide explains how to cancel a server, what to do before cancellation, and what happens to your data and billing afterward.

Before You Cancel

Cancelling a server is a permanent action. Once the cancellation takes effect, all data on the server is deleted and cannot be recovered. Take these steps before proceeding:

1. Back Up Your Data

Download any files, databases, configurations, or other data you want to keep:

# Download files via SCP
scp -r [email protected]:/var/www/mysite ./backup/
Export a MySQL database
mysqldump -u root -p mydatabase > mydatabase_backup.sql
Export a PostgreSQL database
pg_dump -U postgres mydatabase > mydatabase_backup.sql

You can also create a snapshot through the dashboard as a temporary backup.

2. Update DNS Records

If you have domain names pointing to this server, update your DNS records before cancellation:

• Point A records to a new server or remove them.
• Update MX records if the server handles email.
• Update any application configurations that reference this server's IP.

3. Migrate Services

If you are moving to a different server, complete the migration before cancelling. See Server Migration — Move to Us Hassle-Free for guidance.

4. Check for Dependencies

Review whether other servers, applications, or integrations depend on this server:

• API endpoints hosted on this server
• Database connections from other applications
• Monitoring or alerting configurations
• Cron jobs or scheduled tasks that reference this server

5. Remove Add-ons

Consider removing any paid add-ons (additional IPs, backups, DDoS protection) before the cancellation to ensure they are properly deprovisioned.

How to Cancel

You will receive a confirmation email once the cancellation request is processed.

What Happens After Cancellation

End of Billing Period Cancellation

• Your server remains fully functional until the billing period ends.
• No new invoices are generated for this server.
• On the expiration date, the server is stopped and scheduled for deletion.
• Data is permanently deleted within a short period after the server is stopped.

Immediate Cancellation

• The server is stopped immediately.
• Data deletion begins right away.
• A prorated credit may be applied to your account for the unused portion of the billing period, depending on your plan and our refund policy.

Data Retention

Once a server is cancelled and deleted:

• All files, databases, and configurations are permanently removed.
• Snapshots associated with the server may also be deleted (check your snapshot policies).
• Backups stored externally (e.g., downloaded to your local machine or a third-party service) are not affected.

Billing After Cancellation

• No further charges — Once cancelled, no new invoices are generated for the server.
• Outstanding invoices — Any unpaid invoices for previous billing periods are still due.
• Prorated refunds — Depending on your plan and payment timing, you may receive a credit for unused days. See Refund Policy & How to Request a Refund.
• Add-on charges — Add-ons linked to the cancelled server are automatically removed.

Cancelling vs. Stopping

If you only need to temporarily disable a server:

• Stopping a server powers it off but preserves all data and keeps your plan active. You continue to be billed. See How to Start, Stop, and Restart Your Server.
• Cancelling a server permanently terminates the service and deletes all data.

Reactivating After Cancellation

If you cancelled with an end-of-period date and change your mind before the period ends, you may be able to reverse the cancellation:

Once the server has been deleted, reactivation is not possible. You would need to order a new server and set it up from scratch.

What to Do Next

• Refund Policy & How to Request a Refund — Understand your refund options.
• How to Cancel a Subscription — Cancel other subscriptions.
• Server Migration — Move to Us Hassle-Free — Migrate before cancelling.
• How to Order Your First Server — Order a replacement server if needed.