How to cancel HostPapa hosting? Caution: Risks Involved
Key Takeaways: canceling your HostPapa web hosting account:
- Where do I cancel? Log in to HostPapa, open "My Services", and find your hosting plan..
- How do I cancel? Click "Details", choose "Request Cancellation", and follow the steps on the screen.
- When will it end? Choose if you want the cancellation now or at the renewal date
- What must I do first? Caution: backup your website, email and possible other stuff if you want to keep them...
Prefer watching over reading? Get a quick overview of how to cancel HostPapa in this short video:
If you want to cancel HostPapa, you do not need to spend hours looking for the right button. HostPapa has a cancellation form in your customer account. Once you know where it is, the process is simple but there are some risks.
The risks: You really need to choose the correct service, pick the exact date you want it to end, make sure that HostPapa has received your request and (important!) make backups first. I will explain each step below.
I have also written a detailed FAQ at the end. It talks about website backups, WordPress, email, domain names, refunds, and other questions that come up when leaving a hosting company.
Article Menu
- How to cancel HostPapa hosting online..
- Choose when your hosting should end
- How to check that HostPapa really canceled your hosting
- What to do if you cannot cancel online
- HostPapa cancelation FAQ
How to cancel online
I will walk you through the cancelation one step at a time. You can find HostPapa's own instructions here: How to cancel a HostPapa service but do not rely on that too much because they do not mention the risks and that is what you find in this article.
Step 1: Log in to HostPapa
Start by opening the HostPapa Dashboard. This is the part of the website where you manage your account, hosting plans, and other services. Log in with your usual account details..
Once you are inside, click My Services. You should now see the services connected to your account. If a service group is closed, click the plus sign beside it to open the list.
Find the hosting plan you want to cancel. If you have several websites, take a moment to check the name of each service. You do not want to cancel the wrong plan by mistake, right?
Step 2: Open the cancellation form
Click Details beside your hosting plan. A page with information about that service should open. Look for Request Cancellation and click on it...
HostPapa will now show you a form. The form lets you choose which services you want to cancel and when you want them to end.
Check the boxes carefully. HostPapa selects the service you opened by default. If other services appear in the list, make sure you do not select anything that you want to keep.
For example, you want to stop paying for hosting but keep your domain name. Those are two different services, and you do not want to lose the domain just because you are leaving the hosting company.
Step 3: Give your reason for leaving
The form asks why you want to cancel them. Select the reason that best fits your situation or type your own reason if that option is available.
There is no need to write a long explanation. The important part is making sure the right service is selected and the rest of the form is filled out correctly.
Step 4: Choose when you want to cancel
HostPapa gives you two choices. You can ask to cancel immediately, or you can ask to cancel at the end of your current term. Your term is the renewal date.
If you still need your website, you want to keep the hosting until the paid period ends. If you have already moved the website and no longer need the old service, immediate cancellation is the right choice.
I'll explain the difference in the next chapter, including what you should know about refunds.
Step 5: Decide what to do with your domain name
HostPapa asks what you want to do with the domain name in certain cancellation cases.
If you want to keep the domain registered with HostPapa, choose the option that says you that you want the domain to remain registered with the company. You can then use that same domain with another hosting provider.
If you want to move the domain registration to another company, choose the transfer option and follow the instructions there. Only choose to let the domain expire if you are sure you no longer want it.
Step 6: Review the form and confirm your cancellation
Click Continue. HostPapa will show you the details of your request. Check the service name, cancellation date, and domain choice one more time.
If everything is correct, enter your Dashboard password when asked. Then click "Confirm Cancellation".
Keep the confirmation message that appears on the screen. HostPapa's online guide says this message means the request is complete. However, its newer cancellation policy says the Billing Department reviews requests within 3 to 5 business days and emails you to confirm the result or they will ask more information from you.
For that reason, I would keep the screen confirmation (make and save a screenshot) and look out for the email. That way, you have a record of the request and know what happened to it.
Choose when your hosting should end
When you fill out the cancellation form, HostPapa asks when you want the hosting to stop. Here is how I would decide between the two choices.
Cancel immediately
Choose this if you are ready for the hosting to end as soon as HostPapa processes the request.
Perhaps you have closed your website, or you have already moved it to another company. If you no longer need the old hosting, there is no reason to keep it running.
There's one important thing to remember. HostPapa warns that website files, email, and other account data can be deleted permanently after cancellation. If you need anything from the account, back it up before you close the service. I will explain how to do that in the FAQ that you can find at the end of this explanation.
Cancel at the end of your current term
Choose this if you want the hosting to remain active until the period you have paid for, ends.
For example, suppose your hosting renewal is 3 weeks away. You can submit the cancellation request now and use those 3 weeks to move your website, set up your new email accounts, and check that everything works.
I wouldn't leave the request until the last day. HostPapa says its services renew automatically unless you cancel them through the correct process. The company also says it sends a notice of upcoming renewals at least 15 days in advance.
Once you have chosen the end of term option, check the confirmation to make sure it matches your request. Do not assume that removing your payment card or ignoring an invoice will cancel the services.
Will I get a refund if I cancel early?
Not automatically. Canceling a service and getting a refund are two different things.
HostPapa has rules about which payments can be refunded and how much time you have to ask for your money back. If you have recently paid for hosting, check those rules before sending the request. The FAQ below explains it in more detail.
How to check that HostPapa really canceled your hosting
After submitting the form, keep the confirmation message. Then check the email address connected to your HostPapa account.
HostPapa's current cancellation policy says the Billing Department reviews requests within 3 to 5 business days. The company will email you when the cancellation has been processed or if it needs more information from you.
Check that the email refers to the correct hosting plan. If you asked for immediate cancellation, make sure the result matches that request. If you chose to cancel at the end of your term, check that the date is correct.
If HostPapa asks you a question, reply to it. If you don't receive a clear answer after the stated review period, contact the Billing Department and give them the details of your original request.
There is another thing worth checking. Canceling your hosting does not necessarily cancel every other service in your account. You can still have a domain registration, email plan, backup service, or security product with its own renewal date.
What to do if you cannot cancel online
Sometimes the cancellation form won't open, or the option is missing. You can also have trouble logging in to your account. If this happens, you still have ways to contact HostPapa.
HostPapa's cancellation policy allows you to open a support ticket through your Dashboard and mark it Attention Billing Department. You can also send a cancellation email from an authorized email address connected to your account. The email address must have permission to cancel the service.
In your message, tell HostPapa which hosting plan you want to cancel. Say if you want it to end immediately or at the end of your current term. If you want to keep your domain registered with HostPapa, say so clearly.
Keep the support ticket number or a copy of your email. HostPapa says the Billing Department reviews requests within 3 to 5 business days and emails you with the result or asks for more information.
You can read the current rules in HostPapa's Refund and Cancellation Policy. The company's support options and telephone numbers are on its contact page.
HostPapa cancellation FAQ
Canceling the hosting is only one part of leaving a web hosting company. You also need to backup your website, move your email, change your domain settings and more. The questions below explain how to handle those jobs.
1. Should I backup my website before canceling HostPapa?
Yes. HostPapa warns that website files, email, and other account data can be deleted permanently after cancellation. If you need anything from the account, back it up first!!
The best way to make a backup depends on your website. If you use WordPress, a backup plugin can be the easiest choice. If your account holds several websites or uses other software, you need to back up each site separately.
2. What is the easiest way to back up a WordPress website?
For a regular WordPress site, I'd look at UpdraftPlus or Duplicator. It can back up the WordPress database, themes, plugins, pictures, and other files you choose to include. It can also send backups to online storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
Here's how to use it:
- Log in to WordPress and open Plugins, then Add New Plugin.
- Search for the name of the plugin, install it, and activate it. Let us assume that your choice is UpdraftPlus.
- Open Settings and find UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Open the Settings tab and connect your Google Drive or Dropbox account. Follow the instructions on the screen.
- Return to the Backup/Restore tab and click Backup Now.
- Make sure the website files and database are included, then start the backup.
- Wait for the backup to finish. Check that the plugin reports success and that the backup files are in your online storage account.
Now you have a copy that is separated from HostPapa. This is important because you could lose access to files left on the hosting server after cancellation.
When you move your site, install WordPress and UpdraftPlus on the new host. Connect the plugin to the same storage account and use its restore option. After the restore, open the new website and check several pages. Look at the pictures, test your contact form, and make sure you can log in to WordPress.
A WordPress backup does not always save the whole hosting account. Email accounts, other websites, and domain settings need their own backups or transfer steps.
3. Can I back up a WordPress website using only a cell phone?
Yes. You can use your phone's web browser to log in to WordPress, install a backup plugin, connect it to online storage, and start the backup. You don't need a computer, and you don't have to save the whole backup on your phone.
A large website takes time to back up. Use a good internet connection and make sure your online storage has enough free space. If the plugin shows an error, read it and try again while your HostPapa account is still active.
After backing up you can restore your website using a phone. However, working on a large website on a small screen can be awkward. If the website restore fails, ask your new hosting company if it can help move the site.
If your website does not use WordPress, you can still be able to open cPanel in your phone's browser and create a backup. Moving a large or complicated site this way can be harder, so you might need help from your new host.
4. How do I make a cPanel backup and download it?
HostPapa's cPanel Backup Wizard first creates the backup file on the hosting server. You must download that file separately if you want a copy on your own computer or another storage device.
Log in to the HostPapa Dashboard and open My cPanel. Find Backup Wizard in the Files section. Click Backup, then choose Full Backup. Select the destination shown in the form and click Generate Backup.
You can enter an email address to get a notice when the file is ready. A large website takes several minutes or longer to back up. Don't worry if cPanel returns to the previous screen before the backup is finished.
When the backup is ready, open Backups in cPanel. Find the full backup download section and click the backup filename. Choose where to save it on your computer and wait for the download to finish.
Keep the downloaded file as it is. I would also make another copy on an external drive or in separate online storage, just for sure.
HostPapa explains this process here: How to back up your HostPapa website.
There is one important point. HostPapa says a full cPanel backup must be restored by a HostPapa technician. By the way, "restored" means here that your website will come back online as it was with the old host. Partial backups, such as selected files or a MySQL database, can be restored through the Backup Wizard. Before moving your website, ask the new host which kind of backup it can restore. So the best thing would be that you have a few different backups so that the new web host can choose which one is the best backup.
5. What is the difference between a WordPress backup and a full cPanel backup?
A WordPress plugin saves the WordPress site and the parts you select in its settings. This is often enough when you are moving one WordPress website.
A full cPanel backup saves more of the hosting account. Even so, don't assume it contains everything you need. Other websites, email messages, domain settings, and separate services need extra work.
If your HostPapa account holds more than one website, check each site before cancelling. A backup of your main website does not mean your other sites are included.
6. What happens to my email when I cancel HostPapa hosting?
If your email accounts are part of the hosting plan you're canceling, they can stop working when the plan ends. Messages stored on the old server can also be deleted. HostPapa warns that email and other account data can be lost permanently after cancellation.
First, decide where you want your email to go. You could set up mailboxes with your new hosting company if its plan includes email. Or you could use a separated email service, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Creating a new mailbox does not copy your old messages. If you want to keep them, you must save them or move them to the new service before the old account closes.
7. How can I move my old email if I only have a cell phone?
I'd first ask the new email provider if it can copy messages directly from HostPapa. This is often easier than trying to save a large email archive on a phone.
If the provider can't do that, an email app can let you open both accounts and copy messages from one to the other. The steps depend on the app and the two email services. Try one folder first and check that the messages show up in the new account.
Forwarding is not the same as copying old email. Forwarding can send new messages to another address, but it does not copy your old folders and messages.
HostPapa's guide to saving email is here: How to back up your email.
8. How do I keep my business email working when I move my website?
Your website and email do not have to use the same hosting company. You can move the website and keep using the same email address, but you must set up the new email service correctly.
Create the new mailboxes first. Ask the email provider for its MX records. These are settings that tell other email servers where to deliver messages for your domain.
Your provider can also give you SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. These settings help other email services check that messages sent from your domain are genuine.
If you change your domain's nameservers, make sure the new DNS settings include the email records too. If you keep your current DNS provider, change the records there instead.
Before canceling the old hosting, send a test email from another email account to your new mailbox. Then reply from the new mailbox. Check that both messages arrive.
9. Can I keep my domain name after canceling HostPapa hosting?
Yes. Your domain name and your hosting plan are separate services. You can cancel the hosting and keep the domain registered at HostPapa.
During cancelation, HostPapa offers an option to keep the domain registered with the company. Choose that if you want to leave the domain there.
Check the domain's renewal date too. The registration can have its own yearly charge. Keeping the domain does not keep the old hosting active.
You can still use the same domain with another hosting company. You do not have to move the domain registration just to move your website.
10. How do I transfer my HostPapa domain to another company?
If you want another company to manage your domain registration, you can usually transfer it with an authorization code. This is the so called EPP code.
Log in to the HostPapa Dashboard and open My Domains. Click Manage beside the domain you want to move. Check that the contact email address works, then unlock the domain if needed. Open the Transfer EPP section and ask for the code.
Give the code to the new registrar and follow its instructions. Some domain endings have different rules. HostPapa says .NZ and .MX domains need a support ticket for the transfer code, while .UK domains use an IPS TAG procedure.
Read HostPapa's domain transfer guide before you start.
Do not let the domain expire if you want to keep it. Moving a domain and canceling hosting are two different jobs.
11. How do I point my domain to a new hosting company?
Your new host will give you the nameservers or DNS settings you need. Use the exact values it gives you and enter them in your old hosting account. Don't guess the settings or copy them from another website.
If your domain is registered with HostPapa, log in to the Dashboard and open My Domains. Select the domain and find the Nameservers tab. If the option is available, choose Use custom nameservers, enter the addresses given by your new host, and click Update DNS Servers.
HostPapa explains the steps here: How to update DNS through the HostPapa Dashboard. However, domains that came free with a hosting package do not have the same controls. Hostpapa does not explain what to do in that case but I assume that you can ask support for assistence with a free domain name. After all, free or not, you are the owner of the domain so the company should help you to change DNS.
If you keep your current DNS provider, you only need to change the website's A or CNAME record. These records tell browsers where to find your website. Leave your email records alone unless your email provider tells you to change them. Otherwise, your website might work while your email stops arriving.
DNS changes can take time to reach all parts of the internet. Keep the old hosting active until you know the new website and email work.
12. Will canceling HostPapa also cancel my other services?
Not always. Your domain, email plan, backup service, or security product can have its own bill and renewal date.
Open My Services and check what you pay for. Read the cancellation form carefully. Select only the services you want to end. If you want to keep your domain or email service, make sure you don't select it by mistake.
13. Can I get a refund when I cancel HostPapa?
Sometimes. It gives different refund periods for eligible services.
| Payment | Standard refund period |
|---|---|
| Eligible service billed for one year or longer | Within 30 days of the payment |
| Eligible service billed for less than one year | Within 48 hours of the payment |
HostPapa also has a 30-day money-back guarantee for certain hosting purchases. The guarantee has extra rules. For example, it applies only to eligible first time accounts. You must also send a written refund request through the Dashboard within the required period.
HostPapa says it pays qualifying money back guarantee refunds within 90 days of service cancellation. The guarantee covers eligible fees for the first term of listed hosting services, including web hosting, VPS hosting, certain WordPress hosting, and reseller hosting.
Domain registration and renewal fees are not refundable under the standard policy. Some email products and other extras are not refundable either. If your hosting came with a promotional free domain, HostPapa says the current domain registration price will be taken out of the refund.
Read the full HostPapa refund and cancellation policy before asking for a refund. Canceling the service does not mean you will automatically get your money back.
14. What if HostPapa charges me after I asked to cancel?
Check your cancelation confirmation and the date of the charge. The day you send the request could not be the day the Billing Department finished processing it.
If you think the charge is wrong, contact the Billing Department. Give them your ticket number or confirmation email, along with the date and amount of the payment. Ask them to check what happened and tell you if the charge can be refunded.
Keep their reply with your billing records.
15. What should I keep after HostPapa cancels my website hosting?
Keep the cancellation confirmation and any emails about a refund. If you migrated your website to another web host, keep the backup files until you have checked that the new site works and nothing important is missing. Personally I would keep my own backup for about one year, just for sure if anything goes wrong later.
Make sure you can log in to the new hosting and email accounts. If you want to keep your domain, check that the registration is still active.
Once HostPapa has confirmed the cancellation and your new website and email are working, you can stop using the old hosting account. Again: I would still keep the backup files for a while in case you discover that you need something later.