How to Retrieve Database Backup from a Disabled Azure Subscription Blocked for Security Reasons?

Question

My Azure subscription has been disabled due to a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy or suspicious activity. I am unable to access any Azure resources, including my Azure SQL Database and storage accounts.

 

I have received the following message:

“Your account or subscription is disabled for security reasons. We detected suspicious activity or terms of use violations and disabled your subscription to protect the owner of the payment instrument and Microsoft.”

 

I urgently need to retrieve the backup of my Azure SQL Database (or other databases) for business continuity and compliance purposes.

 

Questions:

1.   Is there any way to request temporary read-only access to download database backups?

2.   Can Microsoft Support assist in exporting the .bacpac file on my behalf and providing access via secure storage or email?

3.   If I had automated backups or geo-redundant backups enabled, is there a channel to retrieve those even while the subscription is locked?

 

I’ve already submitted a support request, but in the meantime, I’d appreciate any community insights or past experience resolving a similar situation.

 

Subscription ID: [Redacted]

Tenant ID: [Redacted] (Will share with support directly)

 

Thank you.

Ganesan

Answer 1

Hi Ganesan Anbazhagan,

1. Is there any way to request temporary read-only access to download database backups?

No, not once the subscription is locked (due to billing, policy, or other compliance issues). Microsoft does not provide read-only access to services or backups after a subscription is disabled. However:

• If your subscription is disabled (but not yet permanently deleted), you have a limited grace period to restore access by resolving the billing or compliance issue. During this window direct user access to resources is not provided.

2. Can Microsoft Support assist in exporting the .bacpac file on my behalf and providing access via secure storage or email?

When the subscription is in a disabled or locked state. You must first:

1. Create a support ticket requesting subscription reactivation this is typically categorized under Billing or Subscription Management.

Go to your subscription under Help >> Open Support + Troubleshooting and fill the details correctly.

Scroll down you will get option to create a support ticket

Then fill all the require details and create a support ticket to enable the subscription.

2. Once the subscription is re-enabled (even temporarily), you can:
   • Export the .bacpac file yourself via the Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI.

3. If I had automated backups or geo-redundant backups enabled, is there a channel to retrieve those even while the subscription is locked?

you cannot retrieve them yourself if the subscription is locked.

• Automated backups (7–35 days) and geo-redundant backups (if enabled) are retained, but cannot be accessed by users directly if the subscription is inaccessible.